Looking for a light, flavorful, and surprisingly easy weeknight meal? Steamed chicken legs with glass noodles offer a delicate balance of textures and tastes, perfect for a healthy and satisfying dinner. This recipe avoids heavy sauces and frying, prioritizing the natural flavors of the chicken and the subtle sweetness of the glass noodles. The aromatic blend of ginger, garlic, and scallions infuses the dish with a vibrant freshness, making it a delightful culinary experience. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe is designed for simplicity and speed.
This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dish without the restaurant-quality effort. The tender, juicy chicken legs pair perfectly with the delicate, almost ethereal glass noodles, creating a harmonious culinary dance. Ready to learn how to create this delicious and healthy meal? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Blender (optional)
- Steamer
- Charcoal stove (optional)
Ingredients
- Chicken legs
- Coriander leaves
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Galangal
- Lemongrass
- White pepper
- Dried chili peppers
- Salt
- Sugar
- Banana blossom sauce
- Seasoning sauce
- Glass noodles
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Aromatics and Marinate Chicken
- coriander leaves, kaffir lime leaves (sliced), shallots, garlic (cut), galangal, lemongrass (cut and sliced).
- In a mortar and pestle, pound together the garlic, shallots, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, white pepper, and a small amount of galangal (avoiding an overly strong flavor). A blender can be used as an alternative.
- Add chili peppers to taste and pound until well blended.
- Make incisions in the chicken legs to allow the marinade to penetrate.
- Season the chicken with the pounded aromatics, salt, sugar, banana blossom sauce, and seasoning sauce. Mix well and marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2. Steam the Chicken
- Place the marinated chicken legs in a steamer and steam over a charcoal stove (or other heat source) for about 30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Step 3. Add and Steam Glass Noodles
- After 30 minutes, add the glass noodles to the steamer, gently pressing them down into the chicken juices. Steam for another 10 minutes.
Read more: Fresh Thai Steamed Fish: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe
Tips
- Adjust the amount of galangal to your preference. Too much can create a strong, bitter taste.
- The consistency of the pounded aromatics can be adjusted to your liking; some prefer a finer grind, while others prefer a coarser texture.
- Adjust the amount of seasoning sauce to your taste and the amount of chicken.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-500
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbs: 25-35g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of legs?
Yes, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will work well. Adjust cooking time as needed, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook than legs.
2. What can I substitute for glass noodles?
While glass noodles offer the best texture, you can try substituting with thin rice noodles or even spaghetti, although the texture will be different.
This simple steamed chicken legs and glass noodles recipe is a perfect example of how healthy eating doesn't have to be boring. The fragrant flavors and delicate textures make it a satisfying and elegant meal, ideal for any night of the week. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary efforts!