Bangkok Noodle Nest
Background and History
The Bangkok Noodle Nest is a culinary depiction of the vibrant city of Bangkok, renowned for its eclectic street food culture. With its blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, this dish pays homage to Thailand's rich history of incorporating diverse influences into its cuisine. Originally, noodle nests were crafted by street vendors who combined available ingredients to create an enticing meal for travelers and locals alike. This dish continues to be a beloved staple, offering both familiarity and excitement with every bite.
Ingredients
- Rice noodles - 400g
- Chicken breast - 200g, sliced
- Shrimp - 150g, peeled and deveined
- Red bell pepper - 1, thinly sliced
- Green onions - 4, chopped
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Soy sauce - 4 tbsp
- Fish sauce - 2 tbsp
- Oyster sauce - 2 tbsp
- Brown sugar - 1 tbsp
- Lime juice - 1 tbsp
- Peanuts - 1/4 cup, crushed
- Coriander - for garnish
- Vegetable oil - 2 tbsp
- Sriracha - optional, for extra heat
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Begin by soaking the rice noodles in hot water until they are soft but not mushy. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Drain them and set aside.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Add the sliced chicken breast, toss it to coat, and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the remaining soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved completely.
Cooking Process
Step 1: Stir Fry
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and stir fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Shrimp
Add the marinated chicken breast slices to the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Return the chicken to the pan.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Add the red bell pepper and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until slightly softened. Add the green onions and stir to combine.
Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add the rice noodles to the pan along with the prepared sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
How to Enjoy the Meal
Serve the Bangkok Noodle Nest hot, garnished with crushed peanuts and fresh coriander. If desired, drizzle with sriracha for an extra kick. Enjoy your meal as you imagine the bustling streets of Bangkok, full of flavor and excitement.