Ginger Chicken With Crisp Napa Salad Recipes

CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD WITH GINGER SESAME DRESSING

Steps:

• Whisk together the dressing ingredients and then set aside. Heat an empty large frying pan over medium low heat and toast the sesame seeds. Remove to a separate dish and set aside when lightly browned. Toast the almonds next, tossing them frequently until they are browned as well.
• Add just a drizzle of oil to the pan and saute the cabbage just a few minutes, until it is barely wilted and still crisp. It will turn a brighter green color. Remove to a large bowl and toss with tongs to cool it a bit. (Otherwise, it will continue to cook a bit more in the bowl.) In a separate bowl, toss the chopped chicken with a small amount of dressing to coat it lightly.
• Add the chicken to the bowl with the cabbage, along with the lettuce, cucumber and oranges. Drizzle with dressing and then toss well to coat everything. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and almonds just before serving.

GINGER CHICKEN WITH CRISP NAPA SALAD

Steps:

• Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin or a bottle, pound each to an even ½-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt.
• In a small bowl, combine the ginger, garlic, cilantro, cayenne and 4 tablespoons oil. Finely grate the lime zest directly into the bowl; reserve the lime. Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with the marinade. Let sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cut the cabbage lengthwise, core it, then slice crosswise into ½-inch-thick strips. Transfer to a large bowl and toss in the cucumber slices, chives and mint leaves.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in 1 tablespoon oil and heat until shimmering, about 1 minute. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Cut the reserved lime in half and squeeze the juice over the chicken; slice the chicken. Transfer the chicken to serving plates and slice.
• Toss the cabbage mixture with the vinegar and remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Season to taste with salt and serve alongside the chicken.

CRUNCHY CABBAGE SALAD WITH CHICKEN AND ORANGE GINGER DRESSING

Steps:

• For the salad: Remove the skin from the chicken and shred the meat with a fork. Toss in a large bowl along with the scallions, red pepper, cabbage, lettuce, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, cilantro, peanuts and chow mein noodles. With a sharp knife, cut the peel from one of the oranges, then cut the segments away from the membranes. Coarsely chop the segments, then add them to the bowl. Slice the other orange in half and squeeze over a small bowl, reserving 2 tablespoons juice.
• Make the dressing: Whisk together the reserved orange juice, hoisin sauce, vinegar, ginger and garlic in a small bowl. Slowly add the oil, whisking constantly, until emulsified and thick; season with salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad, then season with salt and pepper. Toss and serve.