BUCKWHEAT NOODLES WITH THAI GRILLED CHICKEN

BUCKWHEAT NOODLES WITH THAI GRILLED CHICKEN image

Categories Chicken

Number Of Ingredients 30

For marinating chicken:
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 (½-inch) piece ginger, grated
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
10 ounces boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 bamboo skewers, soaked in cool water for 30 minutes
For the noodle salad:
1 (9-ounce) package soba noodles
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
1½ cups julienned cucumber
1½ cups julienned carrots
1 cup cilantro leaves
½ cup Thai basil leaves
½ cup mint leaves
2 tablespoons minced ginger
Sriracha sauce
½ cup chopped toasted peanuts
For the dressing:
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 Thai bird chili, chopped
¼ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup fish sauce
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Steps:

Marinate chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients except chicken until sugar dissolves. Toss chicken in marinade, cover bowl and refrigerate 30 minutes. Divide chilled chicken among 4 skewers, cover and refrigerate until ready to use. (This step may be done a day ahead.) 2. Make noodle salad: Cook noodles in a pot of boiling water until al dente, according to package directions. Strain, then refresh noodles in a bowl of ice water. Drain, then place in a bowl. Toss with sesame oil, cover and set aside. In a separate bowl, toss together scallions, cucumbers, carrots, cilantro, Thai basil, mint and ginger. Cover bowl and set aside. 3. Make dressing: Use a mortar and pestle to pound garlic, chilies and sugar together until thoroughly crushed. Stir in fish sauce and lime juice. Set aside. 4. Preheat broiler. Remove chicken skewers from refrigerator and place on a baking sheet. Place under broiler and cook until exterior is nicely caramelized and interior is cooked through but still juicy, 3-4 minutes per side. RELATED Meat on the Side: Modern Menus Shift the Focus to Vegetables 5. Meanwhile, toss together chilled noodles and vegetables. Toss salad with enough dressing to coat. Serve any remaining dressing on the side. If desired, add Sriracha for more heat. 6. To serve, divide noodle salad among 4 chilled plates, top each with one chicken skewer and sprinkle with peanuts.