Cooking Social Club: Deliciously Crunchy Opposite Noodles with Tender Passed Chicken and Sweet Soy Glaze

Creating a dish that balances texture and flavor can be a challenge, but the Opposite Noodles recipe from the Cooking Social Club offers a perfect solution. This recipe features tender, passed chicken coated in a crispy layer, fresh Asian noodles cooked to perfection, and a rich sweet soy glaze that ties everything together. Whether you're a home cook or someone looking to expand your skills in a Chicago cooking class, this dish delivers a satisfying experience with every bite.

Opposite Noodles with Passed Chicken and Sweet Soy Glaze

Preparing the Passed Chicken

What Is Passed Chicken? Is it Chicken, poached in oil in low temp to be meltingly saucy.

The key to the chicken’s unique texture lies in the preparation method. Start with 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced about ¼ inch thick and medium length. This size ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender.

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken slices with 1 tablespoon of salt and ¼ cup of corn starch. Toss the chicken until each piece is fully coated with the starch and salt mixture.

2. Add ¼ cup of sesame oil and ⅛ cup of water to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until the chicken pieces have a thick coating.

3. Cover the bowl and let the chicken rest for at least one hour. This resting period allows the flavors to develop and the coating to set.

   
   

When ready to cook, heat 4 cups of a dense neutral oil such as canola, soy, or safflower oil in a thick saucepan. Maintain the oil temperature between 190 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Gently add the chicken pieces and cook for about 10 minutes or until the chicken changes color and can be easily cut. The chicken can remain in the oil for an hour without overcooking, allowing you to prepare other components of the dish. After cooking, strain the chicken and reserve the oil for future use.

Cooking Fresh Asian Noodles

Fresh Asian wheat noodles, such as lo mein or egg noodles, provide the perfect base for this dish. Use 1 pound of noodles and plan for at least 1 quart of boiling water per cup of noodles to allow them to tumble freely during cooking.

1. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

2. Add the noodles and cook fully, testing one or two pieces to determine the exact timing. Fresh noodles cook quickly and can become mushy if overcooked.

3. Once cooked, immediately transfer the noodles to a large bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. This step prevents the noodles from breaking down or ballooning when reheated in sauce.

4. Drain the noodles and toss them with 1 to 2 tablespoons of neutral oil to keep them from clumping.

   
   

This method ensures the noodles stay firm and separate, ready to absorb the sweet soy glaze without becoming soggy.

Rehydrating Dried Shiitake Mushrooms

Dried shiitake mushrooms add an earthy depth to the dish. Use 1 cup of dried mushrooms and 4 cups of water for rehydration.

1. Heat the water and immerse the mushrooms, and turn off the heat... allowing them to soak for at least two hours or until soft.

2. Drain the mushrooms, reserving the soaking liquid to use as a flavorful broth in the dish.

   
   

The broth can be added to the sweet soy glaze or used to enhance the noodle sauce, adding layers of umami.

Making the Sweet Soy Glaze

The glaze is simple but powerful, combining sweetness, saltiness, and garlic aroma.

• 1 cup dark brown sugar

• ½ cup soy sauce

• 6 cloves garlic

  
  

Combine these ingredients in a saucepan and heat slowly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly. This glaze will coat the noodles and chicken, giving the dish its signature glossy finish and rich flavor.

Bringing It All Together

To assemble the dish:

1. Toss the cooked noodles with the sweet soy glaze and a small amount of the reserved mushroom broth if desired.

2. Add the rehydrated shiitake mushrooms and mix gently.

3. Plate the noodles and mushrooms, then top with the crispy passed chicken pieces.

4. Optionally, garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for added texture and color.

   
   

This dish is a great example of how our Chicago area cooking class can teach you to combine simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The contrast between the crunchy chicken and tender noodles, enhanced by the sweet soy glaze, creates a memorable meal.

Tips for Success

• Resting the chicken is crucial for flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step.

• Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying to avoid off-flavors.

• When cooking noodles, test frequently to avoid overcooking.

• Reserve the mushroom soaking liquid to boost flavor in sauces or soups.

• Experiment with different types of fresh Asian noodles to find your favorite texture.

• Don't be afraid to add tons of fresh chopped ginger, garlic, and scallions for more authentic flavor!

  
  

This recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys hands-on cooking and wants to impress friends or family with a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a professional kitchen.