Garlicky Instant Ramen Noodle Salad With Grilled Chicken Thighs
  1. Place chicken in a medium bowl. Process garlic, cilantro roots, oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, pepper, and salt in a small food processor until smooth. Using a rubber spatula, scrape marinade into bowl with chicken and mix well. Cover and chill at least 4 hours and up to 12 hours.

  2. Place chiles, vinegar, brown sugar, and fish sauce in a small glass jar; cover and shake to combine. Do ahead: Dressing can be made 1 day ahead. Store at room temperature.

  3. Cook garlic and oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often, until garlic begins to turn light brown around the edges, about 2 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until garlic is medium brown and crisp, about 1 minute more. Immediately strain oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a small heatproof bowl. Let cool. Do ahead: Garlic can be cooked 1 day ahead. Transfer garlic oil and crispy garlic to separate airtight containers and store at room temperature.

  4. Cook noodles in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain and return noodles to pot. Pour in lukewarm water to cover and stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to release as much starch from noodles as possible. Drain and repeat until water is clear. Drain well, shaking off excess moisture. Transfer noodles to a large bowl, pour in garlic oil, and toss to coat.

  5. Prepare a grill for high heat; lightly oil grate. Grill chicken until lightly charred on both sides and an instant read-thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°, 8–10 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.

  6. Add dressing to noodles and toss well to coat. Taste and add more fish sauce and/or vinegar if needed; noodles should be salty and sour with sweetness trailing behind. Add scallions, lettuce, cilantro, salt, half of peanuts, and half of crispy garlic and toss to combine.

  7. Transfer noodles to a platter and arrange chicken on top. Sprinkle crispy garlic and remaining peanuts over. Do ahead: Noodles can be cooked and dressed with oil 6 hours ahead. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

Course🍽️Main Course

Diets🥩Carnivore...

Category🥗Salad

CuisineAsian

Occasions📆Everyday🏞️Picnic🍲Potluck

Season🔁Year-round

DifficultyEasy ⏰ 30m

Loading...