Asian Crispy Roast Chicken Salad

I both love and hate salads. A salad really has to rock and capture my attention. Spare me a bland lunch time salad offering. Sometimes the most prep work on ingredients that go into a salad yields a better salad. Otherwise in most cased we have boring, sometimes soggy messes. This morning I woke up not knowing what to so with some chicken in the freezer that I knew would have to me my dinner.

I tossed a packet of some Chinese marinating powder I pick up from time to time. Its made with dehydrated shrimp, and spices and really transforms chicken.I totally picked up this tip from Jaden at Steamy Kitchen and am addicted. There are many types of marinaded and seasoning packet ts to find in the aisles of an Asian grocer. The fun part is reading the labels and trying to figure it out . I had half a head of Napa Cabbage and some string beans that needed to used or chucked soon. I parboiled the beans and chilled them with some thinly sliced raw scallions. I also chopped the cabbage and set to chill. I roasted my chicken thighs with skin on a rack over a pan in the oven . This allowed the fat to drip out and yield a crispier skin. When done I let the thighs cool to room temp to settle. I didn't have sesame oil so I improvise a quick taste dressing of 1 part olive oil, 1/2 part sweet chili sauce,and a smidgen of fresh diced ginger. Whisk up and you ready to go. Assemble on a plate or bowl the cold chilled Napa Cabbage, string beans, scallions. Top with sliced chicken with skin. Drizzle with dressing and your set.

Can it say it was delicious?! Maybe not the most healthy because of the use of dark meat and skin, but oh so flavorful and juicy. I don't think this would have worked so well with a boring breast.Play around and see for yourself. The key in the marinade and crispy skin.I am going to submit this one to Jadens contest too. It can be a 15 minute meal if you use store bought rotisserie chicken.

Pan Fried Hong Kong Noodles and Contest Over at Jadens!

Today was a day. Normally Friday I'm winding down, but this Friday I'm winding up. I went back 'into the field' as makeup artist today to help out with an event. After a few months of mostly working from my cubicle, I was itching to get out and keep my artistry skills up. I was pretty good and had lots of requests. Unfortunately what I hated before about working in the public all came rushing back. People are weird and I need the patience of Job to deal with them. Especially when they are getting something free.Anyway after a few hours and about 10 makeovers I went back to the office and wrapped up my day. The streets were packed with Lolapaloza concert goers and traffic was a mess.I detoured through China Town and picked up some Lychee's, and other provisions for the weekends. When money is tight China Town is a great find especially if you want to cook exotic but cheap.

Anyway this is what I created in about 15 min. Its like having takeout at home.

Glamah’s Pan Fried Hong Kong Noodles with Pork( serves 2)

Slice and sear 1 center cut boneless pork chop in oiled Wok. Add half chopped jalapeno pepper, and 1/2 cup chopped long beans. Stir around in Wok. Add 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and let meat and veggies simmer slightly. Take 1/2 lb *ready purchased /pre cooked Pan Fried Hong Kong noodles and add to Wok. Add a few tablespoons of water and more oil if needed, and toss all ingredients together and cook a minute or two more until mixed. Place noodles in serving dish and top with sliced raw green onion and * ready made purchased fried garlic.

* found in Asian Stores

I wrote this in the style that Jaden at Steamy Kitchen asked. You see its her Birthday and shes having a contest. She's giving away Flip Ultra 30 Minute video camera to whoever she picks, that has submitted a quick and easy Asian style meal in under 15 minutes.Its purely coincidence that I made this and then a few hours later surfed and saw this. Jaden is a huge influence on my cooking and she has one of the best food blogs out there. So I submit my humble entry and urge you all to submit too. Whats to loose and you get a tasty quick meal too!