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Craving Thai tonight? This Thai-Style Stir-Fried Noodles with Chicken and Broccolini recipe is outrageously delicious, surprisingly easy, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Get ready to enjoy a burst of naturally vibrant flavors!
Why You’ll Love It
- These noodles are bursting with authentic Thai flavor, naturally hitting all the right notes: sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy.
- It’s quicker than ordering takeout! From start to finish, you can have a naturally delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
- This recipe is easily customizable. Swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp, and feel free to substitute any vegetables you have on hand.
- It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies! The broccolini adds a naturally vibrant green color and a healthy dose of vitamins.
- The naturally flavorful sauce is so good, you’ll want to put it on everything!
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
What sets this recipe apart is the balance of flavors in the sauce. We’re not just throwing ingredients together; we’re building a naturally complex and harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. The addition of a touch of ginger and garlic amps up the aromatics, while the broccolini provides a lovely textural contrast to the tender noodles and chicken. You’ll find it’s naturally more flavorful than many restaurant versions.
Ingredient List
- 8 oz wide rice noodles (fresh or dried): These form the base of our stir-fry, providing a naturally chewy and satisfying texture.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: A great source of protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- 1 head of broccolini, cut into florets: Adds a vibrant green color and a slightly bitter, naturally refreshing flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a pungent and aromatic base for the sauce.
- 1 inch ginger, grated: Adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides a salty and umami-rich foundation for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce: A key ingredient in Thai cuisine, adding a salty and savory depth.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and fish sauce, adding a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds a tangy acidity that brightens up the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste): For a touch of heat.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For stir-frying.
- Optional toppings: Chopped peanuts, cilantro, lime wedges.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- If using dried rice noodles, cook them according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. If using fresh noodles, simply loosen them up.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. This is your naturally flavourful sauce.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the broccolini florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
- Add the cooked noodles to the wok or skillet.
- Pour the sauce over the noodles, chicken, and broccolini. Stir-fry until everything is well combined and the noodles are heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges, if desired. Naturally satisfying.
Optional Toppings/Variations
Feel free to get creative with your toppings and variations!
- Spicy Peanut Sauce: Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, and a little water until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle over the noodles for an extra layer of flavor.
- Crispy Fried Egg: Top each serving with a fried egg for added richness and protein.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook the noodles! Overcooked noodles will become mushy and sticky. Cook them al dente for the best texture.
- Prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. This will make the stir-frying process much smoother and faster.
- Use a wok or large skillet. A wok provides ample surface area for stir-frying and helps to distribute the heat evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Taste and adjust the sauce as needed. Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat, more lime juice for more tang, or more brown sugar for more sweetness. The goal is to create a naturally balanced flavour profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp? Absolutely! Tofu or shrimp are great alternatives to chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Tofu should be pressed to remove excess water before cooking. Shrimp will cook very quickly, so add it towards the end of the stir-fry.
- Can I use different vegetables? Of course! Feel free to substitute the broccolini with other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also chop the vegetables and cook the chicken ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, simply stir-fry everything together.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
- Can I freeze this recipe? Freezing is not recommended, as the noodles may become mushy when thawed. However, the sauce can be frozen separately.
Variations and Customization Options
Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and carrots. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
- Peanutty: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty flavor.
- Coconutty: Add a can of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy and naturally sweet flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Thai-Style Stir-Fried Noodles with Chicken and Broccolini as a main course for lunch or dinner. It’s also great as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, serve with a side of spring rolls or a Thai salad. This dish is naturally delicious on its own but can be easily paired with complimentary dishes.
