Sometimes, the best dishes come from unexpected places, don’t you think? Picture this:
a lazy afternoon in the kitchen, ingredients scattered like a painter’s palette, and the craving for something both familiar and thrilling. That’s where this Spicy Hearts of Palm Noodle Stir Fry steps into the spotlight.
It’s like discovering a hidden gem in an old cookbook—one that whispers of exotic flavors and bold textures. This isn’t just food; it’s an adventure on a plate, a fiery dance of spice and freshness that will make your taste buds do a little jig.
Now, before I get sidetracked reminiscing about that time I tried to grow my own herbs (spoiler: it didn’t end well), let’s get back to these noodles.
They’re not merely a meal. They’re a statement—a testament to the magic that happens when simplicity meets a splash of creativity.
Ready to be wowed? Let’s get cooking.
Steps
- Begin by rinsing the hearts of palm noodles under cold water in a colander and allow them to drain.
- In a large skillet over high heat, cook the ground chicken for about five minutes, ensuring it is browned and fully cooked.
- Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet. Lower the heat to medium and add a teaspoon of sesame oil, along with minced garlic, grated ginger, and the drained noodles. Cook for one to two minutes until everything is heated through.
- Incorporate the soy sauce, hoisin, and sambal oelek into the skillet. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional two to three minutes to blend the flavors.
- Stir all ingredients together thoroughly, then divide the stir fry between two plates. Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and extra sambal if more spice is desired.
Ingredients
- 12-ounce package of hearts of palm noodles (Palmini)
- 8 ounces of ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- ¼ cup of reduced-sodium soy sauce (or a gluten-free alternative)
- 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sambal oelek (or sriracha as an alternative)
- Scallions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Nutritional Values
Calories: 550 kcal | Carbohydrates: 33 g | Protein: 52 g | Fat: 24 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Cholesterol: 196 mg | Sodium: 3544 mg | Fiber: 10 g | Sugar: 5 g
FAQ
- What are the health benefits of hearts of palm noodles?
- Hearts of palm noodles are a non-starchy vegetable, meaning they provide fewer calories for a larger volume of food, which can help with satiety and reducing overall intake. They are low in carbohydrates and calories, and contain small amounts of nutrients such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and folate. Additionally, they are rich in minerals like potassium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc.
- How do hearts of palm noodles taste?
- Hearts of palm noodles have a mild flavor that resembles hearts of palm but isn’t too strong. They readily absorb the flavors of the sauces and seasonings used in the dish, making them a versatile ingredient for various recipes.
- Is it necessary to rinse hearts of palm pasta before cooking?
- Yes, it is recommended to rinse hearts of palm noodles, such as Palmini, before cooking. Rinsing helps to mellow out the natural taste of the noodles.
- What can be used as a substitute for sambal oelek if I don’t have it on hand?
- If sambal oelek is unavailable, you can replace it with sriracha for a similar level of heat and flavor. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder dish, you can omit the spicy ingredients altogether.
- What are some variations for this stir fry recipe?
- You can adjust the spiciness by using sriracha instead of sambal or omitting the spice altogether. If you can’t find hearts of palm noodles, you can substitute with zoodles or cooked rice noodles. For a gluten-free version, use coconut aminos or tamari instead of soy sauce. Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers, edamame, or broccoli to enhance the dish’s nutritional value.
Tips
- Rinse the Noodles: Before cooking, make sure to rinse the hearts of palm noodles in a colander under cold water to neutralize their taste.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you don’t have sambal oelek or prefer a different level of spiciness, you can use sriracha or omit the spicy sauce entirely.
- Experiment with Noodle Alternatives: If hearts of palm noodles are unavailable, feel free to substitute them with zoodles or cooked rice noodles for a similar texture.
- Enhance with Vegetables: For added nutrition and flavor, consider incorporating additional vegetables such as bell peppers, edamame, or broccoli into the stir fry.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A high-quality, non-stick skillet for cooking the chicken and stir fry ingredients.
- Colander – For rinsing and draining the hearts of palm noodles.
- Grater or Microplane – For grating fresh ginger.
