Cold Rice Noodle Salad With Chicken Herbs And Cucumbers Food

COLD RICE NOODLE SALAD WITH CHICKEN, HERBS, AND CUCUMBERS

Steps:

• Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain, transfer to a large bowl of ice water, drain again, then pat dry. Transfer noodles to another large bowl and add chicken, cucumbers, basil, cilantro, and mint.
• Whisk fish sauce, lime juice, honey, and soy sauce in a medium bowl. Season with hot chili paste. Add fish sauce mixture to noodle salad and stir to combine. Serve immediately.
• Do Ahead
• Noodle salad can be chilled for up to 1 day. Stir before serving and serve cold.

COLD RICE NOODLES WITH GRILLED CHICKEN AND PEANUT SAUCE

Steps:

• Make the dipping sauce: Combine ingredients in a small serving bowl, making sure to dissolve the sugar. Leave to ripen for 15 minutes. Refrigerate any extra and use within a few days.
• Make the peanut dressing: In a blender or small food processor, puree all ingredients to a smooth sauce, about the thickness of heavy cream. Pour into a serving bowl.
• Put the chicken thighs in a low-sided bowl. To make the marinade, puree the garlic, ginger, lemon grass, fish sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar and cayenne in a blender or small food processor. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate at least 15 minutes.
• Bring a large pot of water to the boil, then turn off the heat. Add the rice vermicelli and soak for 7 to 8 minutes. (Package directions may vary; check for doneness by tasting). Drain when noodles are al dente, and cool under running water. Fluff and leave in strainer to drain well.
• Grill the chicken over coals on a stove-top grill pan, or under the broiler until nicely browned, about 3 to 4 minutes a side. Let cool slightly, then chop roughly into 3/4-inch pieces.
• In a small bowl, dress the cucumbers, carrots and mung bean sprouts with 1 tablespoon dipping sauce. Divide the cooked noodles among 4 bowls. Top each bowl equally with the cucumber mixture and chopped chicken. Spoon 2 teaspoons dipping sauce and 2 tablespoons peanut dressing over each portion. Add the basil, mint and cilantro sprigs, torn or roughly chopped (leave whole if leaves are small). Sprinkle with the scallions and crushed peanuts. Serve with lime wedges, and pass small bowls of the two sauces.