Description
Sesame Noodles with Crispy Chicken and Fried Egg
Ingredients:
For the crispy chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the sesame noodles:
8 oz soba noodles or ramen noodles
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp peanut butter
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, minced
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 green onions, chopped
For the fried eggs:
2 eggs
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the crispy chicken:
In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg and then coat them in the flour mixture. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Cook the noodles:
Cook the soba or ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Make the sesame sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger until smooth and combined. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Assemble the sesame noodles:
Toss the cooked noodles in the sesame sauce until they are well coated. Divide the noodles into bowls.
Fry the eggs:
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny (about 2-3 minutes). Season with a little salt and pepper.
Assemble the dish:
Top the sesame noodles with crispy chicken, a fried egg, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Serve and enjoy:
Serve your sesame noodles with crispy chicken and fried egg for a delicious and flavorful meal!
This dish is a perfect combination of savory noodles, crispy chicken, and a creamy sesame sauce with a rich fried egg on top! Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Begin by preparing all ingredients: cut chicken, mince garlic and ginger, and chop green onions. This mise en place is crucial for smooth execution. First, mix the dry coating for the chicken. Next, cook the noodles, drain, and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. While the noodles cool, whisk the sesame sauce vigorously until completely emulsified. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures maximum crispiness. Keep the cooked chicken warm in a low oven. Finally, fry the eggs last for perfectly runny yolks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy and the egg yolk is runny. For a vibrant presentation, add quick-pickled vegetables like carrots or cucumbers on the side. A sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a drizzle of chili crisp can add extra texture and heat. This meal is substantial on its own but pairs well with a simple side of steamed bok choy or a light miso soup.
How-to Summary
To make Sesame Noodles with Crispy Chicken and Fried Egg: 1) Coat chicken pieces in a flour-cornstarch mixture and pan-fry until golden. 2) Cook and cool your noodles. 3) Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter, vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger to create the sauce. 4) Toss noodles in the sauce. 5) Fry eggs sunny-side up. 6) Assemble bowls with sauced noodles, topped with crispy chicken, the fried egg, sesame seeds, and green onions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier during frying. If using breasts, reduce frying time slightly to prevent dryness.
What can I substitute for peanut butter? Tahini (sesame paste) or almond butter are excellent alternatives for a different nutty flavor or to accommodate allergies.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store components separately in airtight containers. Reheat chicken in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Reheat noodles gently with a splash of water.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Absolutely. The sesame sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and whisk again before using.
My sauce is too thick. How can I thin it? Simply whisk in a tablespoon of warm water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The pasta water from cooking the noodles also works well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the chicken, as this steams the pieces and prevents a crispy crust. Do not skip rinsing the cooked noodles in cold water; this stops the cooking process and removes excess starch that can make them gummy. Ensure your sesame sauce is fully whisked to a smooth, homogenous state before tossing with the noodles. Finally, do not overcook the fried eggs—the runny yolk is essential for adding richness to the final dish.
Conclusion
This Sesame Noodles dish masterfully combines textures and flavors—chewy noodles, crispy chicken, and a rich, runny egg—all brought together by a savory, nutty sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal achievable in your own kitchen. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a truly impressive and satisfying dinner. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!