BBQ Lemongrass Chicken & Garlic Shrimp Noodle Bowl

Prep time : 20 minutes | Cook time : 10 minutes | Makes 3-4 servings

This is my kind of meal: a big, loaded bowl with lots of crunch, lots of freshness, and a sauce you want to pour on everything. Sweet, salty, tangy, a little spicy - the limey fish sauce dressing ties it all together and makes it feel bold and exciting without being fussy. Between the smoky BBQ chicken, garlicky shrimp, and all the fresh toppings, every bite hits. Bowls like this are proof that sauces (again) are the best part.

INGREDIENTS

Sauce

• ¾ cup warm water

• 3 tbsp sugar

• Juice of 2 large limes

• 4 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 small Thai red chili, minced

BBQ Lemongrass Chicken

• 4-6 chicken thighs

• Soy sauce, to taste

• 3 tbsp lemongrass paste

• 1 shallot, thinly sliced

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp neutral oil

Garlic Shrimp (optional)

• 12 shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Bowls

• 1 package Thai Kitchen stir-fry rice noodles

• Shredded carrots, about 1 large

• Shredded cabbage, about 1 cup

• 2 mini cucumber, sliced

• 1 avocado, sliced

• Fresh cilantro

• Green onions, sliced lengthwise

• Chopped peanuts

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Whisk together the warm water, sugar, lime juice, fish sauce, minced garlic, and chili until the sugar dissolves, then set aside. Marinate the chicken thighs in soy sauce, lemongrass paste, sliced shallot, sesame seeds, honey, and a splash of neutral oil, letting it sit while the grill heats. BBQ the chicken until fully cooked and lightly charred, then rest briefly before slicing.

2. Cook the rice noodles by pouring boiling water over them and letting them sit for about 5 minutes, then drain and taste to make sure they’re tender. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add the shrimp and garlic, and cook until lightly golden, and fragrant. Wait to add the garlic midway through so that it doesn’t burn.

3. To assemble, add noodles to bowls and top with shredded carrots, cabbage, cucumber, avocado, cilantro, green onions, and peanuts. Layer on the sliced BBQ chicken and garlic shrimp, then pour the sauce generously over everything. Toss slightly before eating so every bite gets coated.