Rice Noodles With Chile And Basil Recipes

Steps:

• Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil, then add a small handful of salt. Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water. Add 1 tablespoon of the canola oil and toss to coat.
• While the noodles cook, in a medium bowl, mix the cucumber, onion and jalapeno with the 1/4 cup rice vinegar and a generous pinch of salt. Let stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the sweet chili sauce with the soy sauce, cornstarch and the remaining 1 tablespoon of the rice vinegar. In a large cast-iron skillet or wok, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chili sauce mixture and cook until the chicken is glazed, about 2 minutes.
• Transfer the noodles to bowls and top with the chicken. Serve with the pickled vegetables and basil leaves.

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. As the oven heats, press the tofu (you can do this by sandwiching the block in paper towels and placing a cutting board, plus a heavy pot, can or book on top).
• Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and place in a medium bowl. Add the salt and oils, and toss to combine.
• Sprinkle the cornstarch, panko and sesame seeds, if using, and toss gently so the tofu cubes are coated.
• Spread on the prepared sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping once, until golden-brown and crisp.
• While the tofu bakes, start the noodles: Put the dry rice noodles in a big, wide bowl. Fill a kettle, bring the water to a boil, and pour the boiling water over the noodles to cover. Set aside for 6 to 10 minutes, until the noodles are fully rehydrated and soft. (Time may vary by brand.) Then drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again. Transfer noodles to a large bowl.
• As the noodles soak, prepare the spicy sesame oil: In a small pot, combine sesame oil, peanut oil, garlic, ginger, red-pepper flakes and sesame seeds. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook on the lowest heat for 10 to 12 minutes, until the garlic slices turn golden.
• Meanwhile, on your cutting board, make a small mound with the teaspoon of salt. Place the basil and the scallions on top, and use your knife to furiously chop and smash until you have a rough paste.
• Mix the basil paste into the bowl of rice noodles. Pile the baby spinach on top. Pour at least half of the hot oil immediately over the spinach, tossing so that the heat wilts the leaves slightly. Then add the juice of the 1/2 lime and toss to combine. Taste for salt and lime juice, and add more oil as you see fit.
• Arrange the tofu on top of the noodles, or mix them in so that the cubes hide like little treasures. For extra flair, garnish with additional sesame seeds and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.

Steps:

• 1. Mix sugar, lime juice and fish sauce in small bowl. Set aside. Bring large pot of water to boil. Remove from heat. Add red rice noodles, stirring to separate noodles in water. Let stand 5 to 7 minutes or until noodles are tender but firm. (If you are using Asian wheat noodles, you will need to actually cook them for 5-7 minutes rather than merely letting them soak in hot water.) Drain well. Place in serving bowl. Set aside.
• 2. Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet or wok on medium-high heat. Add garlic and chile; stir fry 15 seconds or until fragrant. Add chicken, carrots and green onions; stir fry 3 to 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
• 3. Stir in fish sauce mixture; stir fry 1 minute. Add basil (or cilantro); stir fry 30 seconds or until basil (or cilantro) is wilted. Add to noodles in bowl; toss to coat. Serve immediately.
• Tip: Thai basil has dark green leaves with purple stems and has a licorice flavor. It can be found in most Asian markets. If unavailable, substitute Italian basil.