Chinese Ginger Chicken Salad

Chinese Ginger Chicken Salad Recipe - Rice Sticks, Soy Sauce, Lettuce & More

Region / culture: China, USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chinese Ginger Chicken Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines tender chicken, crispy rice sticks, and a flavorful ginger dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe has its origins in Chinese cuisine, where ginger is a commonly used ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes. The combination of ginger, chicken, and lettuce creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

4 oz (113 g) rice sticks
4 chicken breasts
2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 head of lettuce, shredded
chopped preserved red ginger

Sauce

0.5 cup sesame oil
0.5 cup red wine vinegar
0.5 cup light soy sauce
2 scallions, finely chopped
1 tsp pepper oil (optional)
2 to 4 cups oil for deep frying

How to prepare

Deep-fry rice sticks quickly, a few at a time, in very hot oil until they puff, for about 1 second.
Drain and remove.
Rub chicken with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Place the chicken in a shallow pan.
Roast for 45 minutes in a 350°F (177°C) oven.
Once the chicken is cool, discard the skin and bones and break the meat apart into shreds using your hands. Do not cut.
In a serving bowl, combine the first 3 ingredients of the sauce and mix well.
Add scallions and the pepper oil if desired (this will make the sauce spicy).
Add lettuce and chicken, and toss well to combine.
Arrange the rice sticks on top and garnish with preserved red ginger.
Serve cold and add toasted sesame seeds and thin almonds to taste.

Variations

Substitute tofu for chicken to make a vegetarian version of this salad.
Add sliced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and color.
Use a different type of lettuce, such as romaine or arugula, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to deep-fry the rice sticks quickly to prevent them from becoming too greasy.

- Roasting the chicken in the oven helps to keep it moist and flavorful.

- Shred the chicken by hand for a more rustic and authentic texture.

- Adjust the amount of pepper oil in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chinese Ginger Chicken Salad as a light lunch or dinner, accompanied by steamed rice or a side of stir-fried vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying the rice sticks adds a crispy texture to the salad.

- Roasting the chicken in the oven helps to lock in moisture and flavor.

- Tossing the lettuce and chicken in the sauce ensures that every bite is well-seasoned.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

- Replace sesame oil with olive oil or avocado oil for a different flavor profile.

- Swap red wine vinegar for rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, and assemble the salad just before serving to keep the rice sticks crispy.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with toasted sesame seeds, sliced almonds, and a sprinkle of chopped scallions for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Chinese Ginger Chicken Salad with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a pot of hot green tea for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chinese Ginger Chicken Salad contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chinese Ginger Chicken Salad contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chinese Ginger Chicken Salad contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chinese Ginger Chicken Salad contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and sesame oil, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chinese Ginger Chicken Salad is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chinese Ginger Chicken Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With a balance of textures and flavors, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Chinese Ginger Chicken Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a friend who had just returned from a trip to China. She had brought back all sorts of exotic ingredients, including fresh ginger root, Chinese cabbage, and sesame oil. As we sat in her kitchen sipping tea, she began to chop and slice with a practiced hand, explaining each step of the process as she went along.

I was mesmerized by the skill and precision with which she handled the ingredients, and by the end of the afternoon, I knew I had to learn how to make this dish myself. My friend graciously agreed to teach me, and over the next few weeks, I practiced tirelessly in my own kitchen until I had mastered the recipe to perfection.

The key to a truly delicious Chinese Ginger Chicken Salad, as my friend explained to me, lies in the freshness and quality of the ingredients. The chicken must be tender and juicy, the ginger pungent and spicy, and the vegetables crisp and vibrant. I made sure to source the best quality ingredients I could find, and my efforts were rewarded with a salad that was bursting with flavor and texture.

To make the salad, I began by marinating thinly sliced chicken breast in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and freshly grated ginger. While the chicken soaked up the flavors, I prepared the rest of the ingredients: shredded Chinese cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced scallions, and toasted sesame seeds. The dressing was a simple yet delicious combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for sweetness.

Once everything was ready, I quickly seared the marinated chicken in a hot skillet until it was golden brown and cooked through. I then tossed the chicken with the vegetables and dressing, making sure to coat everything evenly. The salad was finished with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family, and their enthusiastic response only fueled my passion for cooking. Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to make it truly my own. I added crunchy peanuts for texture, spicy chili flakes for heat, and tangy lime juice for a burst of citrus flavor.

The Chinese Ginger Chicken Salad became a staple at family gatherings and potlucks, much to the delight of my loved ones. They marveled at the complex flavors and textures of the dish, and I beamed with pride at their praise. It was a dish that brought us together, that sparked conversations and laughter, and that created lasting memories around the dinner table.

As I look back on that fateful day in my friend's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of that recipe. It not only taught me how to make a delicious and nutritious dish, but it also sparked a love for cooking that has enriched my life in countless ways. The Chinese Ginger Chicken Salad will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and beauty that can be found in the simple act of preparing and sharing a meal with loved ones. And for that, I am eternally grateful.