Spicy Thai Chicken Salad

Spicy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe from Thailand with Peanut Sauce

Region / culture: Thailand | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spicy Thai Chicken Salad is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of Thai cuisine with the convenience of a quick and easy meal. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.

History

The origins of Spicy Thai Chicken Salad can be traced back to traditional Thai cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients. This salad is a modern twist on classic Thai dishes, incorporating elements of traditional Thai flavors with a Western twist.

Ingredients

1 x 6 oz (170 g) package of precooked, grilled chicken strips, cut into 0.5 inch pieces
3 cups of cooked rice
6 cups of pre-cut coleslaw mix
0.25 cup of chopped cilantro leaves
1 x 11.5 oz (326 g) bottle of Thai peanut sauce
0.25 cup of vegetable oil
0.25 cup of water
0.75 cup of coarsely chopped dry-roasted peanuts

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine chicken strips, rice, coleslaw mix, and cilantro. In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut sauce, oil, and water; add to the rice mixture and toss well. Garnish with peanuts.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood option.
Add sliced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
Use a different type of nut butter, such as almond or cashew, in place of the peanut sauce for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To save time, use pre-cooked, grilled chicken strips for this recipe.

- Make sure to toss the salad well to ensure that the peanut sauce is evenly distributed.

- Feel free to customize the salad with additional vegetables or toppings, such as sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Thai Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce or with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves and chopped peanuts for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

To cook the rice, follow the package instructions or use a rice cooker for easy preparation.

- Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken strips into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of cooked protein, such as beef or pork, in place of the chicken.

- Substitute the coleslaw mix with shredded cabbage or a mix of your favorite vegetables.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. Combine the ingredients and toss with the peanut sauce just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Spicy Thai Chicken Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter for a family-style meal. - Garnish with additional cilantro leaves and chopped peanuts for a pop of color and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spicy Thai Chicken Salad with a refreshing Thai iced tea or a cold beer for a complete meal experience.

- Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a light dessert, such as mango sticky rice, for a sweet finish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Spicy Thai Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, microwave the salad for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Stir well before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

400

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 8g

Fats

- Total Fat: 20g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 25% DV

- Vitamin C: 40% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains peanuts

Summary

Spicy Thai Chicken Salad is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a light meal or side dish.

Summary

Spicy Thai Chicken Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the bold flavors of Thai cuisine with the convenience of a quick and easy meal. With a balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, this salad is a nutritious and flavorful option for any occasion. Enjoy this salad as a light lunch or dinner, and customize it with your favorite ingredients for a personalized twist on a classic dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Spicy Thai Chicken Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through the aisles of an exotic food market in Bangkok, Thailand. The vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas of the spices and ingredients filled the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

As I wandered through the market, I stumbled upon a small food stall tucked away in a corner. The aroma of grilled chicken, fresh herbs, and spicy chili peppers wafted through the air, making my mouth water. Curious, I approached the stall and watched as the elderly woman behind the counter deftly chopped, sliced, and mixed a variety of ingredients together in a large wooden bowl.

Intrigued by the delicious smells and the skillful way the woman prepared the dish, I couldn't help but ask her what she was making. With a warm smile, she told me that she was making Spicy Thai Chicken Salad, a traditional dish that has been passed down through generations in her family. She explained that the key to the dish was the perfect balance of flavors – sweet, sour, salty, and spicy – all coming together to create a harmonious and mouthwatering experience.

I watched intently as she added in fresh lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili peppers to the bowl, mixing everything together with tender strips of grilled chicken, crunchy peanuts, and fragrant herbs. The colors and textures of the ingredients were mesmerizing, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

I asked the woman if she would be willing to share her recipe with me, and to my delight, she agreed. She handed me a well-worn piece of paper with handwritten instructions and a list of ingredients. I thanked her profusely and promised to treasure the recipe and pass it down to future generations.

Upon returning home from my trip to Thailand, I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients and attempting to recreate the Spicy Thai Chicken Salad recipe. I followed the instructions carefully, tasting and adjusting the flavors as I went along. The result was a burst of flavors and textures in every bite – the sweetness of the sugar, the tanginess of the lime juice, the saltiness of the fish sauce, and the fiery heat of the chili peppers all coming together in perfect harmony.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time adding my own personal touch and variations to the recipe. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all marveled at the complexity and depth of flavors in this simple yet elegant dish.

As I stand in my kitchen now, chopping, slicing, and mixing the ingredients together just as I had seen the woman in the food stall do all those years ago, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and nostalgia. This recipe for Spicy Thai Chicken Salad has not only become a staple in my culinary repertoire but also a cherished memory of my time in Thailand and the kindness of a stranger who shared her family recipe with me.

I am reminded once again of the power of food to connect us, to bring people together, and to create lasting memories. And as I take a bite of the Spicy Thai Chicken Salad that I have prepared with love and care, I am transported back to that bustling food market in Bangkok, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of a culture rich in history and tradition.

In that moment, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow as a cook, to explore new flavors and ingredients, and to share the joy of cooking with those around me. And as I savor the delicious flavors of the Spicy Thai Chicken Salad, I am reminded of the woman in the food stall, who unknowingly sparked a passion for Thai cuisine in me that would last a lifetime.