The Chinese Chicken and Snow Pea Salad is a delightful dish that pays homage to the harmony of flavors and textures characteristic of traditional Chinese cuisine, reimagined through a fresh and modern lens. This recipe marries the tender, savory appeal of marinated chicken with the natural sweetness and snap of snow peas, creating a dish that is as satisfying as it is nourishing. Born out of a respect for the balance inherent in Chinese culinary traditions, this salad is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of fresh, wholesome ingredients.
This recipe draws its inspiration from hallmark elements of Chinese cooking: thoughtful preparation, layered flavors, and a focus on highlighting the freshness of the ingredients. Snow peas, a widely used vegetable in Chinese dishes, are the backbone of the salad. Their vibrant green hue, natural sweetness, and crunchy texture lend a refreshing dimension that complements the marinated chicken beautifully. To preserve their color and crispness, the snow peas are quickly blanched and shocked in an ice bath—a technique often used in Asian cooking to maintain the integrity of vegetables.
The chicken, thinly sliced for even cooking, is marinated with a trio of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. This marinade is a classic combination frequently used in Chinese recipes to infuse the protein with umami richness and a subtle tanginess. Instead of being stir-fried as is common in many traditional Chinese recipes, the chicken is pan-seared in olive oil, allowing it to develop a golden-brown crust while retaining its juiciness. Aromatics like garlic and fresh ginger are sautéed alongside the chicken to amplify the depth of flavor, enhancing every bite of the dish.
In keeping with the emphasis on balance, the salad incorporates julienned red bell pepper for a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color. A touch of honey adds a delicate sweetness to the overall dish, while freshly ground black pepper brings a mild heat. Fresh cilantro, scattered generously as a garnish, brightens the salad with its herbal notes, tying all of the components together with an unmistakable zest.
What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its adaptability. It’s naturally gluten-free when tamari is used as a substitute for soy sauce, and it can be made vegetarian-friendly by swapping the chicken for firm tofu. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a sprinkle of red chili flakes can elevate the dish to another level, adding a warm kick that contrasts the cool, crisp snow peas.
Prepared in just 30 minutes, this salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a light lunch, a flavorful dinner, or a refreshing dish for entertaining. Nutritious and vibrant, it showcases how an understanding of Chinese culinary principles can be used to create something familiar yet exciting. The Chinese Chicken and Snow Pea Salad isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of freshness, flavor, and the art of balance in cooking.
Chinese Chicken and Snow Pea Salad
Ingredients
- 300 grams chicken breast sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons (affiliate link)soy sauce low sodium preferred
- 1 tablespoon (affiliate link)rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (affiliate link)sesame oil toasted
- 200 grams snow peas trimmed
- 1 cup red bell pepper julienned
- 3 tablespoons (affiliate link)olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 2 tablespoons (affiliate link)honey
- 1 teaspoon (affiliate link)salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon (affiliate link)ground black pepper freshly ground
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the sliced chicken breast with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- While the chicken marinates, blanch the snow peas in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer them immediately to an ice bath to retain their crispness and vibrant color.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (175°C / 347°F). Sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the marinated chicken slices to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, blanched snow peas, and red bell pepper. Add the honey, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything until well coated.
- Scatter chopped fresh cilantro over the top just before serving.