Chicken or beef - whatever your preference - inspired by a soy and sesame dressing, piled on top of a delicious fresh vegetable salad. Topped off with a side of steamed rice, this dish is perfect for a fresh and delicious main course any night of the week
INGREDIENTS (for 5 servings):
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- salt to taste
- garlic powder to taste
- 1 head lettuce - rinsed, dried and torn
- 3 large cucumbers, seeded and chopped
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
PREPARATION:
Rinse rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water until no longer cloudy. Transfer to a medium saucepan and cover with 2 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, remove from heat and let stand for at least 10 minutes, or until all liquid has evaporated.
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
Season chicken with salt and garlic powder. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken, reducing heat when necessary, until no longer pink in center and juices run clear. Transfer to preheated oven to keep warm.
Place lettuce, cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cilantro together in a large mixing or serving bowl. Toss to combine. In another bowl, stir together the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and crushed red pepper until well blended and sugar is dissolved.
Remove chicken from oven, slice into thin strips, and drizzle with dressing. Divide salad and rice among serving plates, and top each with chicken slices. Dressing may also be served at the table and each salad dressed individually.