Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Chicken
Description
This Vietnamese rice noodle salad is full of fresh and bold flavors from the additions of lemongrass chicken and a sweet, zesty sauce.
Ingredients
•
4 small skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
•
3 red chile peppers, stemmed
•
3 cloves garlic
•
2 stalks lemongrass, white parts only, finely sliced
•
4 tablespoons olive oil
•
2 tablespoons fish sauce
•
2 teaspoons sesame oil
•
2 teaspoons white sugar
•
1 teaspoon flaked sea salt
•
2 tablespoons white sugar
•
1 medium lemon, juiced
•
4 tablespoons water, or more as needed
•
2 tablespoons fish sauce
•
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
•
1 red chile pepper, finely chopped
•
1 (8 ounce) package vermicelli rice noodles
•
1/2 cup baby lettuce, or to taste
•
1/2 cup julienned cucumber, or to taste
•
1/2 cup finely shredded carrot, or to taste
•
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste
•
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint, or to taste
Directions
1
Place chicken into a large zip-top freezer bag.
2
Combine red chile peppers, garlic, lemongrass, olive oil, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and sea salt in a food processor. Blend until finely chopped and combined. Pour marinade into the freezer bag , making sure chicken is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or up to overnight.
3
Remove chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow to come to room temperature.
4
Heat a large cast iron or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches until golden and caramelized on the outside and no longer pink in the centers, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and cut into thick slices using a sharp knife.
5
Place sugar in a medium bowl. Add lemon juice and stir to dissolve. Stir in water and fish sauce, followed by garlic and chile pepper. Allow flavors to settle, 5 to 10 minutes. Taste and adjust for seasoning; add more lemon juice or sugar as needed.
6
Meanwhile, place noodles in a large bowl and cover with hot water. Set aside until noodles are softened, about 15 minutes.
7
Place cooked noodles into serving bowls. Top with chicken, lettuce, cucumber, carrot, cilantro, mint, and sauce.