Oriental Rice and Chicken Salad

Oriental Rice and Chicken Salad Recipe - Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Oriental Rice and Chicken Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. It's perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from traditional Asian flavors and ingredients, combining them in a unique and modern way. The combination of soy sauce, mustard, and sugar creates a tangy and savory dressing that perfectly complements the chicken and rice.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of soy sauce
1 tsp of prepared mustard
1 tsp of sugar
1 tbsp of vegetable oil
2.5 cup of cooked chicken, cut into thin strips
3 cup of cooked rice, cooled
1 cup of sliced celery
0.5 cup of thinly sliced green onions
1 14 oz (397 g) can of fancy mixed chinese vegetables, rinsed and drained
mayonnaise (optional)

How to prepare

In a blender, combine soy sauce, mustard, sugar, and oil.
Add chicken and lightly toss. Let it marinate for about 1 hour.
Mix in rice, celery, onions, and Chinese vegetables. Refrigerate.
If desired, serve spoonfuls of the mixture on top of salad greens and garnish with mayonnaise.

Variations

Add in some chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Mix in some fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to let the chicken marinate in the soy sauce mixture for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use cooked and cooled rice for the best texture and flavor in the salad.

- Feel free to add in additional vegetables or toppings to customize the salad to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Oriental Rice and Chicken Salad on a bed of salad greens for a light and refreshing meal. It also pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a bowl of miso soup.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include marinating the chicken, cooking the rice, and mixing the salad ingredients together. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute. You can also use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to wait to add the mayonnaise until serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This Oriental Rice and Chicken Salad pairs well with a glass of chilled white wine or a cup of green tea. It also goes well with a side of steamed dumplings or egg rolls.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad until warmed through, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Oriental Rice and Chicken Salad contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

This recipe is a good source of carbohydrates, with the rice and vegetables providing a healthy dose of complex carbs to fuel your body.

Fats

The vegetable oil in the dressing adds a small amount of healthy fats to the dish, while the mayonnaise (if used) provides additional fats.

Proteins

The chicken in this salad is a great source of lean protein, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

The vegetables in this salad provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Overall, this salad is a balanced and nutritious meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

This Oriental Rice and Chicken Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a flavorful dressing, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables, it's sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Oriental Rice and Chicken Salad. It was many years ago, during a trip to visit my dear friend Lily in San Francisco. Lily was known for her culinary skills and always had the most delicious dishes to share with me.

One evening, as we sat around her kitchen table sipping tea and catching up, she pulled out an old, tattered recipe book from her cupboard. She flipped through the pages with a nostalgic smile on her face, reminiscing about the meals she had cooked from it over the years.

As I watched her finger trace the words on the page, my curiosity was piqued. I leaned in closer, eager to see what she had found. It was a recipe for Oriental Rice and Chicken Salad, a dish I had never heard of before. Lily explained that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had picked it up during her travels to Asia many years ago.

The ingredients were simple yet exotic - cooked white rice, shredded chicken, green onions, mandarin oranges, and a dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger. It sounded like a delicious combination of flavors and textures, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

Lily graciously offered to teach me how to make the salad, and we spent the rest of the evening in her kitchen, chopping, mixing, and tasting our way through the recipe. As the fragrant aromas filled the air and the vibrant colors of the dish came together, I knew I had discovered a new favorite.

After that day, Oriental Rice and Chicken Salad became a regular fixture in my kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy Sundays. Each time I prepared it, I thought of Lily and the special bond we shared over our love for food and cooking.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. I like to garnish the salad with toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and a sprinkle of cilantro for a burst of freshness. Sometimes I swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu, depending on what I have on hand.

One particularly memorable occasion where I made this dish was for my grandson's birthday party. It was a hot summer day, and we were having a barbecue in the backyard. I decided to whip up a batch of Oriental Rice and Chicken Salad to serve alongside grilled burgers and corn on the cob.

As my family and friends gathered around the picnic table, I proudly presented the salad, the vibrant colors of the dish contrasting beautifully with the deep green of the lawn and the bright blue of the sky. The flavors were a hit with everyone, and I beamed with pride as they went back for second and third helpings.

As the sun began to set and the fireflies started to flicker in the dusk, I felt a deep sense of contentment. The recipe for Oriental Rice and Chicken Salad had not only brought joy to my taste buds but had also created lasting memories with the people I loved.

And so, as I sit here now, flipping through my own tattered recipe book, I am reminded of that fateful day in Lily's kitchen and the gift she gave me with that simple recipe. It is a reminder that food has the power to connect us, to nourish both body and soul, and to create moments that we will cherish forever. And for that, I am eternally grateful.