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Spiced chicken noodles with peanut sauce

Peanut chicken noodles are a satisfying Australian-style stir-fry inspired by the flavors of Southeast Asian satay. Tender chicken thighs are seasoned with coriander, cumin, and turmeric, then tossed with chewy Hokkien noodles, crisp vegetables, and a creamy peanut and coconut sauce. Lime, sweet chili, and soy sauce balance the richness with brightness, sweetness, and a savory edge. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this is the kind of multicultural cooking that has become a familiar part of the Australian food scene.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons coriander (ground)
2 teaspoons cumin (ground)
2 teaspoons turmeric (ground)
1 1⁄2 pounds chicken (thigh fillets, coarsely chopped)
1 package noodles (hokkien noodles, 8 oz package)
6 green onions (chopped diagonally into 1 1/2-inch pieces.)
1 1⁄2 cups baby corn (fresh, chopped diagonally into 1 1/2-inch pieces.)
2 tablespoons peanut oil (divided)
1 carrot (large, thinly sliced)
1⁄2 cup peanut butter (crunchy)
1⁄2 cup coconut cream
1⁄2 cup broth (chicken broth or stock)
2 tablespoons sauce (sweet chili sauce)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

Combine the ground coriander, cumin, and turmeric in a medium bowl. Add the chopped chicken and toss well until every piece is evenly coated in the warm, golden spice blend. This quick step builds a fragrant base layer of flavor before the chicken ever hits the wok.

Combine the crunchy peanut butter, coconut cream, chicken stock, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice in a medium jug or bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Having the sauce ready means the stir-fry can move quickly once the wok is hot.

Place the hokkien noodles in a large heatproof bowl and cover them with boiling water. Separate the noodles gently with a fork, then drain well. Draining thoroughly keeps them springy rather than sticky.

Heat half of the peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken in batches and stir-fry until browned all over. Cooking in batches keeps the heat high, so the chicken sears and caramelizes rather than steams. Transfer each batch to a plate as it finishes.

Heat the remaining peanut oil in the wok. Add the baby corn and carrot, then stir-fry until just tender and vibrant. Keeping them crisp-tender preserves their color and gentle bite.

Return the chicken to the wok along with the drained noodles, green onions, peanut sauce, and chopped coriander. Stir-fry until everything is heated through and glossy with the rich peanut sauce. Serve right away, while it's hot and fragrant.

Yield
4 servings
Preparation time 20 minutes
Cooking time 15 minutes
Total time
35 minutes

Notes

Chicken thigh stays juicier and more flavorful than breast in a fast, high-heat stir-fry, but breast works well if that's your preference.

Toast the spice blend for a few seconds in the hot wok before adding it to the chicken for an even deeper, more aromatic flavor.

Don't crowd the wok. Searing the chicken in batches gives it a golden, caramelized finish rather than a pale, steamed one.

Drain the noodles well and toss them in soon after soaking so they stay springy and separate.

Adjust the sauce to taste. Add a splash more chicken stock to loosen it, or extra sweet chili sauce for more heat and sweetness.

Variations

For a nut-free version, swap the peanut butter for a smooth sunflower seed butter and finish with a scattering of toasted seeds.

Save a handful of fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime to add right at the end for a bright, fresh lift.

Source

Australian cuisine

poultry, noodles, vegetables
stir-fry, easy
Australian food recipes
Food in Oceania

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