California-style Thắng cố

Ingredients

In this California adaptation of Thắng cố, we incorporate the fresh and diverse ingredients commonly found in California cuisine. We add a variety of locally sourced vegetables such as avocado, cherry tomatoes, and kale to enhance the nutritional profile and add a vibrant touch. The dressing is also modified to include lime juice, cilantro, and a hint of chili, giving it a zesty and slightly spicy kick that complements the California twist. We alse have the original recipe for Thắng cố, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7 oz) rice noodles 200g (7 oz) rice noodles
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 avocado, sliced 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup kale, thinly sliced 1 cup kale, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, honey, olive oil, and chili flakes to make the dressing.
4. 4.
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice noodles, sliced chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, kale, and cilantro.
5. 5.
   Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle crushed peanuts over the top for added crunch.
7. 7.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice noodles — Make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking the rice noodles as they can vary in cooking time. Rinse them with cold water after cooking to prevent sticking.
• Avocado — Choose ripe avocados that are slightly soft to the touch. To prevent browning, drizzle the sliced avocado with a little lime or lemon juice.
• Chicken breasts — For juicy and tender chicken, let the grilled chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing them. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the dressing for 30 minutes before grilling.
• Customize the dish by adding other California-inspired ingredients such as grilled corn, sliced strawberries, or crumbled feta cheese.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili flakes to the dressing.
• To make it a heartier meal, serve the Thắng cố with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Serving advice

Serve the California-style Thắng cố in individual bowls, garnished with extra cilantro leaves and crushed peanuts. Accompany it with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of tanginess. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and can be served as a light lunch or dinner.

Presentation advice

Create an appealing presentation by arranging the sliced chicken, avocado, and cherry tomatoes on top of the rice noodles. Sprinkle the crushed peanuts and cilantro leaves over the dish for a pop of color and texture. Serve the dressing on the side or drizzle it over the entire dish just before serving.