Table of Contents
ToggleDive into the vibrant world of flavors with our Sesame Noodles With Chicken and Crunchy Vegetables, a dish that promises not just a meal but an experience. This delightful recipe brings together the tender juiciness of chicken, the fresh crunch of seasonal vegetables, and the smooth, nutty essence of sesame sauce, all harmoniously twined with perfectly cooked noodles. Designed for both novice cooks and culinary enthusiasts alike, this dish is a testament to the beauty of combining simple ingredients to create a meal that is not only nourishing for the body but also a feast for the senses. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your weeknight dinner routine or impress guests at your next gathering, these sesame noodles offer a versatile solution that is as easy to prepare as it is delicious to devour. Join us as we explore how to bring this colorful and tasty dish to your table, making any mealtime a celebration of flavors and textures.
Sesame Noodles With Chicken and Crunchy Vegetables
Sesame noodles are a refreshing and flavorful summer dish that can be easily adapted for meal prepping. This recipe for cold sesame noodles with shredded chicken and crunchy vegetables combines the convenience of using store-bought rotisserie chicken with the flavor payoff of poaching your own. The secret ingredient is Lao Gan Ma chili crisp, which adds a spicy, umami kick. With just 10 minutes of prep time followed by a quick poach of the chicken, this meal comes together in a jiffy. Customize it with your choice of vegetables and noodles – it’s a highly adaptable bowl.
Cold Sesame Noodles: A Refreshing Summer Dish
Slurp-worthy cold sesame noodles are a perfect antidote to sweltering summer days. The nutty sesame sauce coats chewy noodles and vegetables for a filling meal that doesn’t require any heavy cooking. It’s light, fresh and full of flavor. These noodles keep well in the fridge, making them an ideal make-ahead dish for easy lunches or dinners later in the week. Portion them out into meal prep containers after cooking for grab-and-go meals.
Benefits of Sesame Noodles With Chicken and Crunchy Vegetables
Chilled noodles make a satisfying summertime meal, with benefits including:
- Quick and easy to prepare – No lengthy cooking required; just toss together a flavorful sauce.
- Perfect for meal prepping – Make a batch and portion out for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- Lower in calories – Ditch the heavy, oily sauces in favor of a light sesame dressing.
- Hydrating – Slurp up a big bowl of brothy noodles to recharge.
What does Sesame Noodles With Chicken taste like?
Sesame Noodles with Chicken typically have a savory, nutty, and slightly spicy flavor profile. The dish combines moist chicken with a flavorful sesame-based sauce, often including ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, honey, garlic, and sesame oil. The noodles are coated in this sticky, nutty dressing, creating a rich and satisfying taste. Additionally, garnishes like spring onions, cilantro, peanuts, and sesame seeds can add freshness and texture to the dish. Overall, Sesame Noodles with Chicken offer a delicious blend of umami from the chicken and savory notes from the sesame-based sauce, complemented by hints of spice and sweetness.
What Does Crunchy Vegetables Taste Like?
Crunchy vegetables have a variety of flavors and textures. Lotus root, for example, tastes mildly like mushrooms with a hint of sweetness when fresh, and when cooked briefly, it maintains a pleasantly crunchy texture. On the other hand, jicama, a tuberous root popular in Mexico, has a mild flavor and a major crunch, making it versatile for various dishes like Mexican fruit salads. Carrots, another familiar crunchy vegetable, offer a sweet and earthy taste, perfect for snacking, dipping, or grating into salads like coleslaw. Each crunchy vegetable brings its unique flavor profile and texture to dishes, enhancing the overall culinary experience.
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 piece ginger, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 scallions, cut into 3-inch lengths
- 3 Thai chiles (optional)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons shaoxing wine
- 6 cups water
- 8 ounces sugar snap peas, strings removed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- 1⁄4 cup toasted sesame oil
- 1⁄4 cup tahini
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1⁄4 cup Lao Gan Ma chili crisp
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Chopped roasted peanuts, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for flavorful cold sesame noodles in just 40 minutes start to finish:
Poach the Chicken
- Place chicken, ginger, garlic, scallions, Thai chiles (if using), soy sauce, shaoxing wine, and water in a medium pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Poach gently until chicken is cooked through, 15-20 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate. Reserve 1 cup cooking liquid.
- Once cool, shred chicken into bite-size pieces using two forks.
Prepare the Vegetables
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add snap peas and bell pepper and cook 1 minute.
- Add edamame and cook 1 minute more.
- Drain vegetables and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Cook the Noodles
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Toss noodles with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Noodle Options
While linguine is used here, many noodles work well in this dish. Try these alternatives:
- Soba noodles – Buckwheat noodles have a delightfully chewy texture.
- Rice noodles – Soak dried rice noodles to soften or use pre-cooked fresh noodles.
- Udon noodles – Thick, hearty wheat noodles stand up well to the sauce.
The noodle choice impacts the overall mouthfeel. Lighter rice or soba noodles contrast nicely with the chicken and crunchy veg. Sturdier udon and pasta match the heartiness of the protein.
Vegetable Variations
Modify the veggie mix-ins based on preferences and seasonal produce. Some crunchy options:
- Carrots – Shredded or julienned
- Cucumbers – Sliced or spiralized
- Cabbage – Thinly sliced or shredded
- Bell peppers – Any color works!
- Water chestnuts – Canned, sliced
- Green beans – Snipped into bite-size pieces
- Broccoli – Chopped into florets
Stick to raw, crisp vegetables to maintain textural contrast against the soft noodles. Cooked veggies lose their crunch factor.
Storage Tips
Prep the components up to 3 days in advance:
- Store poached chicken shreds in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Cooked noodles will keep for a few days – toss with sesame oil before storing to prevent sticking.
- Sauce can be made 1-2 days ahead; combine with other ingredients right before eating for best texture.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Category
Noodles
Persons
4
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour, 30 minutes
Wait Time
10 minutes
Total Time
1 hour, 45 minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition FactsSesame Noodles With Chicken and Crunchy VegetablesServes: 4 persons
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Vietnamese Food Recipes & Blog © 2024 Copyright Vietnamese Food Recipes & Blog
|
Since 2015, I’ve enthusiastically shared my culinary journey through cooking videos on social media, aiming to empower food enthusiasts to recreate delectable Vietnamese dishes in their own kitchens. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of being featured in various esteemed magazines and television programs, where I’ve assumed diverse roles ranging from a character to a guest, and even a cooking show host. Join me as we embark on a flavorful journey together!
Leave a Reply