Bangkok Noodle Tango

About Bangkok Noodle Tango

The Bangkok Noodle Tango is an enchanting culinary dance that sweeps your taste buds off their feet. Originating from the vibrant and bustling street markets of Thailand's capital, this noodle dish captures the essence of the city's melting pot of cultures, flavors, and culinary techniques. Influenced by both Chinese and indigenous Thai traditions, the Bangkok Noodle Tango brings together the magic of rice noodles, the boldness of chili peppers, and the aromatic allure of Thai basil, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Historically, this dish emerged in the post-World War II era, a time when rice noodles became a staple in Thai households due to rice scarcity. As a result, Thai chefs began incorporating rice noodles into their rich culinary repertoire, resulting in a variety of noodle dishes, including this delightful Bangkok Noodle Tango. Popular among locals and tourists alike, it’s a must-try for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in authentic Thai flavors.

Ingredients

• Rice Noodles - 400g
• Shrimp - 200g, peeled and deveined
• Chicken Breast - 200g, sliced thinly
• Red Bell Pepper - 1, sliced
• Green Onions - 3 stalks, chopped
• Thai Basil - 1 cup, loosely packed
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Soy Sauce - 4 tablespoons
• Fish Sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Lime - 1, juiced
• Brown Sugar - 1 tablespoon
• Chili Peppers - 2, chopped (optional for heat)
• Salt - to taste
• Vegetable Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Peanuts - 1/2 cup, crushed

Preparation

Proper preparation is key to dancing gracefully through the steps of this recipe. Begin by soaking the rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes or until they’re pliable. Drain and set aside. Simultaneously, gather your vegetables and proteins. Prepare the shrimp by washing them thoroughly and patting dry with a paper towel. Slice the chicken breast into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking. Wash and slice the red bell pepper, chop the green onions, and mince the garlic. All ingredients should be prepped and ready to go before you start the cooking process to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Cooking Process

1. Start by heating a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.
2. Add the minced garlic and the optional chili peppers for extra heat. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Increase the heat to high and add the sliced chicken breast. Stir-fry until the chicken begins to turn golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the shrimp and continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
5. Toss in the red bell pepper slices and stir-fry for 2 minutes to slightly soften them.
6. Lower the heat to medium and add the soaked rice noodles to the pan.
7. Quickly pour the soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar over the noodles. Using tongs or chopsticks, gently toss the noodles to coat them evenly with the sauce mixture. Continue stirring for another 3-4 minutes until the noodles are heated through and fully integrated with the ingredients.
8. Add the fresh Thai basil and chopped green onions to the pan and toss briefly to combine and allow the herbs to wilt slightly.
9. Carefully taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt, if necessary.

Once everything is well combined and hot, remove from the heat and sprinkle with crushed peanuts for an added crunch.

Enjoying Your Bangkok Noodle Tango

Serving the Bangkok Noodle Tango is as much a celebration as cooking it. Divide the noodles into individual servings or present them family-style on a large dish. For a traditional Thai dining experience, pair the noodles with a side of fresh cucumber slices and pickled vegetables. Enhance the flavors further with chili vinegar, which adds an acidic heat contrast to the dish's savory sweet undertones.

To truly savor the Bangkok Noodle Tango, enjoy it with friends or family, reminiscing about your favorite travel stories or dreams of visiting Thailand. Its vibrant and spicy characteristics not only reflect the heart of Bangkok but also bring a piece of Thailand right into your home.