Chicken Long Rice

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the delightful flavors of Chicken Long Rice, a dish influenced by Chinese culinary roots and loved in Hawaiian culture. With its aromatic blend of minced fresh ginger, sesame oil, garlic, and reduced-sodium soy sauce, this recipe promises to deliver a burst of flavors that will leave you craving for more. A creation from the Taste of Home Test Kitchen, this dish is not only packed with taste but also customizable with additional veggies like celery, sweet peppers, carrots, zucchini, or bok choy for those who love a veggie-rich meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 4 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips
• 5 ounces uncooked bean thread noodles or spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the minced fresh gingerroot, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Add the chicken strips to the bag, seal it, and turn to coat the chicken. Refrigerate the bag for 1 hour to let the flavors marinate.
2. While the chicken is marinating, place the bean thread noodles in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them stand for 30 minutes until the noodles turn translucent and soften. Drain the noodles and cut them into 4-inch lengths using scissors. If you’re using spaghetti instead of bean thread noodles, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
3. In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Add half of the marinated chicken mixture and stir-fry it for 4-6 minutes or until it is no longer pink. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining chicken.
4. In the same pan, combine the chicken broth, sliced fresh mushrooms, and the remaining soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the noodles and cooked chicken back into the pan, then cook and stir until the noodles are tender.
5. Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the Chicken Long Rice with thinly sliced green onions for a final touch of freshness.

COOK TIME: 15 minutes (Stir-fry: 4-6 minutes for chicken)

YIELD: 4 servings

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• For a more colorful and nutritious version, consider adding chopped celery, sweet peppers, julienned carrots and zucchini, or shredded bok choy to the dish.

TIPS:

• For an authentic experience, enjoy this dish with a gathering of friends at a luau or serve it as a special lunch option.
• While called “long rice,” the recipe uses transparent bean thread noodles, also known as cellophane noodles, which add a delightful texture to the dish.

In conclusion, Chicken Long Rice is a delightful dish that marries Chinese flavors with Hawaiian culinary tradition. With its invigorating blend of fresh ginger, sesame oil, garlic, and soy sauce, this recipe delivers an explosion of tastes that will transport you to an exotic culinary adventure. Courtesy of the Taste of Home Test Kitchen, this dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it with a variety of veggies if you prefer a veggie-rich meal.

The marinating process ensures that the succulent chicken thighs absorb the rich flavors of the ginger, sesame, garlic, and soy sauce, infusing the dish with aromatic goodness. The translucent bean thread noodles add a delightful texture to the dish, providing a unique touch to the recipe.

As you stir-fry the marinated chicken to perfection, the enticing aroma fills the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The versatility of this dish makes it an excellent choice for lunch specials, luaus, or large gatherings, where it is sure to become a crowd favorite.

For those who enjoy a colorful and nutrient-rich meal, the addition of chopped celery, sweet peppers, julienned carrots and zucchini, or shredded bok choy offers a delightful twist to this classic dish.

So, whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends or simply want to indulge in the exotic flavors of Hawaii, Chicken Long Rice is the perfect recipe to embark on a flavorful journey. Savor the captivating taste of this delightful fusion and relish the cherished memories it creates.