Thai Noodles with Chicken Patties

Thai Noodles with Chicken Patties Recipe - Authentic Southeast Asian Dish

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

This recipe for Thai Noodles with Chicken Patties is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of Thai cuisine with the comfort of a warm bowl of soup. The dish features tender chicken patties, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth, all served over a bed of noodles. It's the perfect meal for a cozy night in or a special dinner with friends and family.

History

Thai Noodles with Chicken Patties is a popular dish in Thailand, where it is often enjoyed as a street food or at casual restaurants. The dish combines traditional Thai flavors such as lemongrass, basil, and fish sauce with the comforting elements of noodles and chicken. It's a dish that is loved for its bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

Chicken patties

250 g ground chicken
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (preferably thai basil)
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Thai bird's eye chilis, minced (optional)
0.5 tbsp soy sauce
0.5 tbsp fish sauce
0.5 tbsp lime juice
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 slice day-old bread, crushed into crumbs

Dressing or dipping sauce

Soup

3 cup chicken stock
2 slices ginger (galangal if available)
1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 1" pieces and bruised
0.5 tbsp fish sauce
0.5 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Others

1 small carrot, cut into ribbons using peeler (approx 80 g)
1 small red pepper or green pepper, julienned
4 medium shiitake mushrooms, sliced
0.5 cup bean sprouts
200 g Chinese flat rice noodles (kway teow) or Vietnamese dry rice noodles (pho, if using pho, soak in hot water for 5 minutes and drain before using)

Garnish

fresh cilantro
fresh basil leaves
chopped roasted cashews

How to prepare

Chicken patties

In a medium bowl, mix all the required ingredients using your hands. Cover and let the mixture marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Shape the chicken mixture into patties. Alternatively, you can make chicken meatballs.
Heat 1 – 2 tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties, turning once, for 6 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Set them aside in a low oven to keep them warm.
Whisk together the ingredients for the dressing/dipping sauce and set it aside.

Salad

Bring salted water to a boil in a saucepan, enough to cover the noodles. Add the noodles and cook for 4 minutes or until they are tender. Drain the noodles.
If desired, blanch your vegetables in the boiling water for a few minutes, depending on how 'crunchy' you like your salad to be. Drain the vegetables.
Place the cooked noodles and vegetables in a large bowl. Add half of the dressing and toss to coat.
If desired, cut the cooked patties into thin slices for presentation before serving.
To serve the salad, divide the salad mixture onto 2 – 3 plates. Top with sliced chicken patties, drizzle with the remaining dressing, and sprinkle with cilantro/basil and chopped cashews.

Soup

Bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add ginger, lemongrass, and soy sauce. Add the pho noodles and cook until they are tender, approximately 6 – 8 minutes.
Add vegetables to the soup to blanch them for a few minutes.
To serve, divide the noodles, vegetables, and soup into 2 – 3 bowls. Sprinkle some black pepper and a few drops of sesame oil.
Top with the sliced chicken patties and garnish with basil/cilantro and cashews.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Add additional vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, or baby corn for extra color and texture.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors of the dish to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken patties for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

- When cooking the chicken patties, make sure to cook them until they are golden brown and cooked through.

- For a spicier dish, add more Thai bird's eye chilis to the chicken patties.

- Be sure to blanch the vegetables in the soup for just a few minutes to maintain their crunchiness.

- Garnish the dish with fresh herbs and chopped cashews for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served as a complete meal on its own, or paired with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a more substantial meal. It can also be served with a side of Thai chili sauce for extra heat.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this dish include marinating the chicken patties, blanching the vegetables, and simmering the soup. These techniques help to develop the flavors and textures of the dish and ensure that each component is cooked to perfection.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find Thai bird's eye chilis, you can substitute with another type of chili pepper or omit them altogether for a milder dish.

- If you don't have galangal, you can substitute with ginger for a similar flavor profile.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in the dish based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

The chicken patties can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to cook. The dressing and soup can also be prepared in advance and reheated when ready to serve. This dish is a great option for meal prep or for entertaining guests.

Presentation Ideas

To make this dish look even more appetizing, consider arranging the sliced chicken patties on top of the noodles and vegetables in a visually appealing way. Garnish with fresh herbs and chopped cashews for added color and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with a refreshing iced tea or coconut water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers of this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through. The flavors may intensify over time, making the dish even more delicious the next day.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The exact number of calories per serving will vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used, but this dish is generally a moderate calorie meal that provides a good balance of macronutrients.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the noodles, vegetables, and the small amount of breadcrumbs used in the chicken patties. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are an important part of a balanced diet.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the peanut oil used in the dressing, as well as the sesame oil used in the soup. Fats are essential for the body to function properly and provide a source of energy.

Proteins

The main source of protein in this dish comes from the ground chicken used to make the patties. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, and is an essential nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly from the fresh herbs and vegetables used. Basil, cilantro, and vegetables like carrots and peppers are all excellent sources of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This dish contains soy sauce and fish sauce, which may contain allergens such as soy and fish. It is important to check labels and be aware of any potential allergens when preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a complete meal.

Summary

Thai Noodles with Chicken Patties is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the bold flavors of Thai cuisine with the comfort of a warm bowl of soup. With tender chicken patties, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy it as a complete meal or pair it with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and satisfying dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Thai Noodles with Chicken Patties. It was many years ago, during one of my trips to Thailand. I had always been fascinated by the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine, and I was thrilled at the opportunity to learn how to make one of my favorite dishes from scratch.

I had been wandering through the bustling streets of Bangkok, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city. As I passed by a small food stall, I caught a whiff of the most delicious aroma. Curious, I peered over the shoulder of the cook who was busy preparing a steaming hot plate of noodles with crispy chicken patties.

Intrigued by the process, I approached the cook and asked if he would be willing to share his recipe with me. To my surprise, he smiled warmly and invited me to watch as he worked his magic in the makeshift kitchen.

I watched in awe as he expertly seasoned the ground chicken with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. He then shaped the mixture into small patties and fried them until they were golden brown and crispy. Meanwhile, he cooked the noodles in a fragrant broth flavored with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai chilies.

As he plated the dish and garnished it with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime juice, my mouth watered in anticipation. I took a bite of the crispy chicken patty, followed by a forkful of the tender noodles, and I was hooked. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before – spicy, tangy, and savory all at once.

After thanking the cook profusely for his generosity, I made a mental note of the ingredients and techniques he had used. I knew that I had to recreate this dish at home and share it with my family and friends.

Back in my own kitchen, I set to work experimenting with the recipe until I had perfected it to my liking. I sourced the freshest ingredients I could find, from the ground chicken to the Thai basil and cilantro. I spent hours grinding my own curry paste, to ensure that the flavors were just right.

I made the dish for the first time for a family gathering, and it was a hit. My loved ones raved about the complex flavors and textures of the Thai noodles with chicken patties. They couldn't believe that I had made it from scratch, and they begged me to make it again and again.

Over the years, I have continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding my own personal touches and adaptations. I have shared it with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have become friends after tasting my cooking.

The recipe for Thai Noodles with Chicken Patties has become a staple in my culinary repertoire, a testament to my love for Thai cuisine and my passion for cooking. Every time I make it, I am transported back to that bustling street in Bangkok, watching in awe as the cook worked his magic before my eyes.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow as a cook, and to share my love of food with others. I hope that this recipe brings as much joy and satisfaction to you as it has to me. Enjoy!