VIETNAMESE NOODLE BOWL

This easy-to-assemble dish is a good introduction to the fresh tastiness of Vietnamese cooking.

INGREDIENTS

1½ lbs. chicken breast, cut into pieces about 1-inch by ½-inch by ¼- inch thick

½ cup hoisin sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 teaspoons minced garlic

½ teaspoon white pepper

½ lb. rice vermicelli noodles

1 tablespoon oil

3 cups shredded lettuce

2 cups bean sprouts

½ cup chopped cilantro

¼ cup sliced green onion

4 tablespoons chopped peanuts

Sauce:

¼ cup lime juice

¼ cup fish sauce

¼ cup water

2 teaspoons vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

1 jalapeno, chopped

Shredded carrot, optional

DIRECTIONS

Mix hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic and pepper. Place chicken in marinade while preparing vegetables and sauce. Make sauce by mixing lime juice, fish sauce, water, vinegar, sugar, jalapeno and carrot, if using. When ready to cook, prepare noodles according to package directions. Heat oil in a skillet or wok. Pour chicken and marinade into the skillet and stir-fry until done.

Among four bowls, divide lettuce, bean sprouts, cilantro, noodles, onion and chicken. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and sauce and serve. Makes 4 servings.