Table of contents
Introduction
Beat the heat with this delicious chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad with sesame sauce. It's quick and easy to make, and perfect for a light lunch or dinner. In this article, we'll show you step-by-step how to prepare this refreshing dish.
Introduction:
Summer is the perfect season to indulge in light and refreshing dishes that are both satisfying and nourishing. And what better way to beat the heat than with a chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad with sesame sauce? This dish is an excellent balance of flavors and textures, with the coolness of the cucumber, the tenderness of the chicken, and the nuttiness of the sesame sauce.
This recipe is a perfect example of Chinese cuisine, which is known for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and the use of various cooking techniques to enhance flavors. The dish is also incredibly easy to make and requires minimal preparation, making it a quick and convenient meal option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed. So, without further ado, let's dive into the ingredients and instructions for making this delicious summer dish.
Ingredients
To make this dish, you'll need: - 2 cucumbers - 2 chicken breasts - 1 package of noodles (soba or udon) - 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds - 2 tablespoons of soy sauce - 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons of honey - 1 tablespoon of sesame oil - 1 clove of garlic - Salt and pepper to taste Note: You can adjust the amount of sauce ingredients to your taste.
When it comes to making a chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad with sesame sauce, the ingredients are what make this dish truly special. The combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and flavorful sesame sauce create a refreshing and satisfying meal that's perfect for a hot summer day.
Here's what you'll need to make this dish:
- 8 ounces of dried Chinese egg noodles
- 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
For the sesame sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of tahini paste
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons of water
These ingredients can be found at most Asian grocery stores or online. While some of the ingredients may seem unfamiliar, they all come together to create a delicious and authentic Chinese flavor.
The combination of the sesame sauce, noodles, cucumbers, and chicken make for a balanced and satisfying meal that's perfect for a hot summer day. So, head to your nearest grocery store and grab these ingredients to make this refreshing and tasty dish!
Instructions
Here's how to make the chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad with sesame sauce: 1. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside. 2. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and pat dry. 3. Grill or boil the chicken breasts until cooked through. Shred the chicken with a fork or chop into small pieces. 4. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and minced garlic. 5. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown. 6. In a large bowl, combine the noodles, cucumbers, shredded chicken, and sesame seeds. Pour the sauce over the top and mix well. 7. Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cook the Noodles
When it comes to making the perfect chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad with sesame sauce, the first step is to cook the noodles. For this recipe, it's best to use thin noodles like vermicelli or somen noodles. These noodles cook quickly and absorb flavors easily.
To cook the noodles, start by boiling a pot of water. Once the water is boiling, add the noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they are soft and tender. Be sure not to overcook the noodles as they will become mushy and lose their texture.
After cooking, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. This will prevent the noodles from sticking together and becoming clumpy.
Once the noodles are cooled, toss them with a bit of sesame oil to prevent them from drying out and to add a bit of flavor. The sesame oil will also enhance the nutty flavor of the sesame sauce that will be added later.
Cooking the noodles is just the first step in making this delicious summer dish. Keep reading for the next steps on how to prepare the cucumbers, cook the chicken, make the sesame sauce, toast the sesame seeds, and combine everything for the perfect chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad with sesame sauce.
Prepare the Cucumbers
When it comes to making a chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad with sesame sauce, preparing the cucumbers is a crucial step in ensuring the dish turns out perfectly.
Firstly, it's important to choose the right type of cucumber. English cucumbers are a popular choice as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making them easier to work with. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Next, cut the cucumbers into thin slices. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife to achieve uniform slices. Alternatively, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin, ribbon-like slices.
Once you have sliced the cucumbers, sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out any excess water and prevent the salad from becoming too watery. After 10 minutes, rinse the cucumbers under cold water and pat them dry.
Finally, it's time to add some flavor to the cucumbers. You can do this by marinating them in rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. This will give the cucumbers a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sesame sauce. Let the cucumbers marinate for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the salad.
Overall, preparing the cucumbers for this dish is a simple yet essential step that will make all the difference in the final product. With a little bit of care and attention, you can create perfectly sliced, flavorful cucumbers that will take your summer salad to the next level.
Cook the Chicken
Cooking the chicken is an essential step in preparing this chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad with sesame sauce. The chicken should be cooked until it is tender and juicy, and then shredded into bite-sized pieces.
To start, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Begin by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. The shredded chicken can be stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the salad.
Cooking the chicken properly is crucial to the success of this recipe. The tender and juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the cool and refreshing cucumbers and the nutty sesame sauce. This chilled noodle salad is the perfect dish to enjoy on a hot summer day.
Make the Sesame Sauce
Make the Sesame Sauce:
The sesame sauce is the heart of this chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad. It's a simple yet flavorful sauce that brings together all the ingredients and adds a nutty aroma to the dish. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, peanut butter, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
2. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it's too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
3. Once you've made the sauce, you can set it aside until you're ready to use it. It will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
The sesame sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in many other dishes. It's a perfect match for grilled meats, stir-fries, and even as a dipping sauce for vegetables. The combination of toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar creates an umami-rich flavor that will make your taste buds dance. Don't be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Toast the Sesame Seeds
Toasting sesame seeds may seem like a small and insignificant step in making the perfect chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad with sesame sauce, but it can actually make a big difference in the overall flavor of the dish. Toasting the sesame seeds brings out their nutty and slightly sweet flavor, which adds depth and complexity to the dish.
To toast sesame seeds, simply heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the seeds. Stir them constantly for a few minutes until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, as this will result in a bitter taste. Once toasted, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the seeds to a small bowl to cool.
Toasted sesame seeds can be used as a garnish for the salad or added to the sesame sauce for extra flavor and texture. They also make a great addition to other dishes, such as stir-fries, rice bowls, and sushi rolls.
So, don't skip the step of toasting sesame seeds when making this delicious summer dish. It may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in the overall taste and enjoyment of the meal.
Combine and Chill
Combine and Chill:
Once you've cooked the noodles, prepared the cucumbers, cooked the chicken, made the sesame sauce, and toasted the sesame seeds, it's time to combine everything together and chill the salad before serving.
To combine the ingredients, simply add the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, and sliced cucumbers to a large mixing bowl. Toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the bowl.
Then, pour the sesame sauce over the top of the salad and toss again until the sauce coats all of the ingredients. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top of the salad for an extra crunch and flavor.
Once everything is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to become slightly more refreshing.
When you're ready to serve, give the salad a final toss and divide it into individual bowls. This chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad with sesame sauce is the perfect summer dish, and it's a great way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal without having to turn on the stove.
Conclusion
Enjoy this delicious chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad with sesame sauce on a hot summer day. It's a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and a great way to showcase the fresh produce of the season.
In conclusion, the Chilled Cucumber and Shredded Chicken Noodle Salad with Sesame Sauce is a perfect dish for the summer season. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly refreshing and tasty. The combination of the chilled cucumbers, tender chicken, and savory sesame sauce will surely please your taste buds.
Moreover, this dish is also a healthy option as it is low in calories and packed with nutrients. The cucumbers are a great source of hydration and contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for overall health. The chicken provides a good source of protein, which is necessary for building and repairing muscles.
This dish is also versatile and can be adapted to your liking. You can add more vegetables or protein, or even swap out the noodles for a gluten-free option. The sesame sauce can also be adjusted to your taste preferences by adding more or less of the ingredients.
Overall, the Chilled Cucumber and Shredded Chicken Noodle Salad with Sesame Sauce is a perfect addition to your summer meal rotation. It's easy to make, healthy, and delicious, making it a crowd-pleaser for both family and friends!
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