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June 10, 2005

Chopstick Chicken and Noodles

2 adult servings.

This particular recipe brings back memories of teaching toddlers to use chopsticks. On a visit to Chinatown, I discovered training chopsticks for kids - small wooden tongs that were joined together at one end, perfect tools for little fingers. I used this recipe for Max’s first chopstick experience; many giggles and much flying food accompanied the meal. He had so much fun that Chopstick Chicken became a regular request. Soon enough, Max’s chopstick skills were perfected, and within two weeks, he was teaching his friend Jonathan to use them.

Fresh fettuccine or egg noodles
3 tablespoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, sliced
1 small onion, chopped finely
2 chicken breast cutlets (skin and bone removed), cut into very thin slices
1 1/2 cups green beans, sliced
1/4 cup red pepper, sliced into strips
1 carrot, peeled and cut into very thin strips
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or fresh cilantro
Optional: 1/2 cup canned pineapple in its own juice (drained) or fresh pineapple, cut into small cubes

Prepare and cut all ingredients.

Fill a medium saucepan with water to boil; cook the noodles according to the directions on the package (usually 6 minutes in boiling water), and drain well.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat.

Add the garlic, ginger, and onion; sauté for 3 minutes.

Add the chicken and saute for 5 to 8 minutes, until slightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from pan and set aside.

Add the green beans, pepper, carrot, water and soy sauce; if more liquid is needed, add a few extra tablespoons of water, then cover with a lid and allow the vegetables to cook on high heat for 3 to 4 minutes, or until cooked through but not soggy.

Remove the lid, and add the cooked chicken, basil, cilantro, and pineapple (if using). Stir and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.

Serve with the noodles.

- Recipe featured in Nanny Wisdom, Secrets from the Nannies Kitchen – Giving Your Children a Healthy, Balanced Diet.

Posted by Justine Walsh on June 10, 2005. Send to a friend.