Ming's Crazy Chicken-Rice Noodle Stir-Fry

This is chef Ming Tsai’s take on a traditional Thai dish. It’s called crazy because of it’s spiciness. I must have missed something because spicy it was not.

Well, those who find things to be hot when others merely ask for seconds might be put off but I doubt many would call this a spicy dish as written. But perhaps that’s just because every other ingredient here is fighting against that heat, from the sugar to the lime juice. The result is a smartly balanced dish that feels intense one second, and rounded and sweet the next. This sensory delusion will make you dig in again and again. Perhaps that’s the crazy part.

This recipe is perfect for a busy night. It’s quick and simple to prepare. Like all stir fries you're best to have everything ,easured in advance so that you can cook it quickly - just the time it takes you to measure out an ingredient could turn the entire dish to mush!

Ming's Crazy Chicken-Rice Noodle Stir-Fry

- serves 3 to 4 -
Adapted from Simply Ming by Ming Tsai

8 ounces rice noodles
2 tablespoons Thai fish sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon sambal
3 tablespoons canola or grapeseed oil
3 shallots, sliced thinly
1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup scallions, green and white parts, sliced
1/4 cup basil (Thai or sweet), thinly sliced plus more for garnish
1 lime, quartered

Add the noodles to a large bowl. Cover with warm water. Set aside for 20 minutes, until the noodles are tender. Drain them in a colander.

While the noodles are soaking, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and sambal.

Place a work or a large skillet over high heat. Pour in the oil. When hot, add the shallots and stir-fry for one minute. Dump in the ground chicken, and, stir constantly, cook for 3 minutes. Add the drained noodles and the sauce to the wok. Stir until they are warm. Then toss in the basil and scallions, stir again and serve.

Garnish with the lime wedges and basil.

Comments

[Vicky]

Definitely my style :) even the 1 T of sambal.

[Kayte]

That looks "crazy" good! I have Ming's first cookbook (received as a gift) and have never made a single thing from it...I would say it is time I dusted it off and did a little exploring. Thanks for the inspiration.

[JDeQ]

I hope that you enjoy it Vicky.

I don't have any books by Tsai Kayte - I bet that it is interesting with some really good recipes.