Adding A Twist to a Classic: Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe with Ramen Noodles

If you're looking for a refreshing and tasty salad recipe that's easy to make, then you might want to try making a Chinese chicken salad with ramen noodles. This dish is perfect for those who want to enjoy a light and healthy meal that's packed with flavour. With the right ingredients and preparation techniques, you can create a delicious salad that will satisfy your taste buds.

To start, you'll need to gather the necessary ingredients for the salad. You'll need chicken breast, cabbage, green onions, ramen noodles, seeds, and almonds. You'll also need ingredients for the dressing, such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and salt. If you want to add more flavour and texture to your salad, you can also use seafood, such as shrimp or crab, as a suggestion.

Once you have all the ingredients, you can start preparing the salad. You'll need to cook the chicken breast and shred it into small pieces. Then, you'll need to chop the cabbage and green onions and mix them with the chicken. Next, you'll need to cook the ramen noodles and add them to the bowl. Finally, you'll need to add the seeds and almonds and mix everything together. Dress the salad with the dressing and serve it as a main dish or side dish.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese chicken salad with ramen noodles is a refreshing and tasty dish that's easy to make.
• Gathering the right ingredients and preparing them properly is key to making a delicious salad.
• You can add seafood to the salad to enhance its flavour and texture.

Gathering Ingredients

When it comes to making a delicious Chinese chicken salad with ramen noodles, choosing the right ingredients is key. Here are some tips to help you gather the best ingredients for your salad.

Choosing the Best Chicken

For the best flavour, it's recommended that you use cooked chicken in your salad. You can either cook the chicken yourself or use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. If you prefer seafood, you can use cooked prawns or crab meat as a substitute.

Selecting Fresh Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are essential to any salad, and a Chinese chicken salad is no exception. Choose crisp and colourful vegetables such as shredded cabbage, napa cabbage, coleslaw mix, carrots, and sliced green onions. You can also add mandarin oranges for a sweet and tangy flavour.

Ramen Noodles & Extras

Ramen noodles are a staple in this salad and provide the perfect crunch. You can use any flavour of ramen noodles, but the most popular choice is plain or chicken flavoured. Toasted sesame seeds and slivered almonds are great additions to this salad and add a nice nutty flavour. If you want to add a bit of heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.

When shopping for ingredients, make sure to choose the freshest produce and highest quality chicken or seafood. With these tips, you'll be able to gather the best ingredients for your Chinese chicken salad with ramen noodles.

Preparation Techniques

Preparing a Chinese chicken salad with ramen noodles requires a few essential techniques to ensure that the dish is flavourful and well-balanced. Here are some of the key techniques you need to know.

Cooking the Chicken

Start by cooking your chicken breast. You can do this by baking it in the oven or searing it on a stovetop. Once cooked, allow it to cool before chopping it into small pieces. This will help it blend well with the other ingredients in the salad.

Prepping the Vegetables

Next, gather your vegetables. Shred the cabbage into thin strips and chop the green onions into small pieces. You can also add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers for added crunch and flavour.

Handling the Ramen Noodles

For the ramen noodles, discard the flavour packet and cook them according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will ensure that the noodles remain firm and don't turn mushy.

To add some seafood to your Chinese chicken salad, you can try adding cooked shrimp or crab meat. These seafood options will complement the flavours of the salad and add some extra protein. Make sure to use fresh seafood and cook it thoroughly before adding it to the salad.

By following these preparation techniques, you can create a delicious Chinese chicken salad with ramen noodles that is sure to impress.

Dressing the Salad

Mixing the Dressing

To make the perfect dressing for your Chinese chicken salad with ramen noodles, you will need a few key ingredients. Start by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl. Add in a pinch of sugar and salt to taste. You can also add in some freshly grated ginger and a drizzle of honey for added flavour. Mix everything well until the sugar and salt have dissolved.

Tossing the Salad

To make the salad, combine your chopped chicken, shredded cabbage, green onions, noodle pieces, seeds, and almonds in a large bowl. Pour your freshly mixed dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated. If you want to add some seafood to your salad, try adding some cooked shrimp or crab meat for an extra burst of flavour.

Serve your Chinese chicken salad with ramen noodles chilled, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Plating the Salad

When it comes to plating your Chinese chicken salad with ramen noodles, you have a few options. You can either serve it family-style in a large bowl, or you can plate it individually for a more polished presentation. If you choose to plate it individually, start by placing a bed of mixed greens on each plate. Then, top the greens with a generous scoop of the chicken salad. Garnish with some extra sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and flavour.

Pairing with Sides

This Chinese chicken salad with ramen noodles makes a great main course for a light lunch, but it's also perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and get-togethers. To make it a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with some steamed rice or quinoa. You could also serve it with some fresh fruit or a vegetable side dish, such as roasted broccoli or grilled asparagus.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could even add some seafood to the mix. Shrimp or crab meat would both be great additions to this salad. Simply cook the seafood separately and add it to the salad just before serving. The sweetness of the seafood would complement the tangy dressing and crunchy noodles perfectly.

Storing and Reusing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Chinese chicken salad with ramen noodles, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, it is important to note that the ramen noodles and almonds will not stay crunchy if stored in the dressing. To keep the toppings crunchy, it is best to add them right before serving.

To reuse the leftovers, you can add some fresh ingredients to make a new dish. For example, you can add some cooked shrimp or crabmeat to the salad to create a seafood version of the dish. You can use canola oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil to cook the seafood and add it to the salad.

If you are looking for some inspiration, you can check out some affiliate links for other Chinese chicken salad recipes with ramen noodles. These links can provide you with some additional ideas for how to use your leftovers in new and creative ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a good dressing for a Chinese chicken salad with ramen noodles?

A good dressing for a Chinese chicken salad with ramen noodles should be light and tangy. A simple dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey is a great option. You can also add some grated ginger for extra flavour. If you prefer a creamy dressing, you can add some mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the mix.

How do I make my ramen noodle salad extra crunchy?

To make your ramen noodle salad extra crunchy, you can toast the noodles and almonds in a pan on medium heat for 3-4 minutes. This will give them a nice crispy texture. You can also add some chopped celery or water chestnuts for extra crunch.

Can I add mandarin oranges to my ramen noodle chicken salad?

Yes, you can add mandarin oranges to your ramen noodle chicken salad. They will add a sweet and tangy flavour to the dish. You can also try adding some sliced avocado or mango for extra sweetness.

What are some simple ways to prepare a Chinese chicken salad with ramen?

One simple way to prepare a Chinese chicken salad with ramen is to toss together some shredded cabbage, sliced chicken breast, and cooked ramen noodles. You can also add some chopped green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds for extra flavour. Drizzle the salad with a light dressing made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey.

Is sesame oil a must in a ramen noodle chicken salad, and if so, how much?

Sesame oil is not a must in a ramen noodle chicken salad, but it does add a nice nutty flavour to the dish. If you choose to use sesame oil, start with a small amount (about 1 tablespoon) and adjust to taste. You can also try using other oils like olive oil or canola oil if you prefer.

Are there any variations of Ming's Chinese chicken salad recipe that include ramen noodles?

Yes, there are many variations of Ming's Chinese chicken salad recipe that include ramen noodles. Some people like to add sliced almonds, mandarin oranges, or even shrimp or crab meat to the salad for extra flavour. You can also try using different types of noodles like soba or udon for a twist on the classic recipe.