Yum Mama Recipe

Instant noodles: These are quick-cooking noodles that form the base of the dish.

Chicken breast: Sliced thinly, it provides a lean source of protein.

Mixed vegetables: A blend of your favorite veggies adds color and nutrients.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the dish.

Chili paste: Brings heat and depth of flavor.

Sugar: Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness.

Minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth and flavor.

When sautéing the garlic, make sure to keep the heat at a medium level to prevent it from burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish. Once the garlic is fragrant, quickly add the chicken breast to the pan to ensure it absorbs the aromatic flavors.

• instant noodles - Substitute with rice noodles: Rice noodles offer a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making them a good alternative.

• sliced chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great plant-based protein that absorbs flavors well and provides a similar texture.

• mixed vegetables - Substitute with frozen vegetable mix: Frozen vegetables are convenient and often contain a variety of vegetables similar to fresh ones.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar umami flavor.

• chili paste - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha provides a similar heat and flavor profile, making it a good substitute for chili paste.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and a slight floral note, making it a good natural alternative to sugar.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a similar flavor and is convenient to use when fresh garlic is not available.

• Allow the noodles and chicken breast to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled Yum Mama into an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry to maintain the freshness of the dish.
• Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long the dish has been stored.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. The cool temperature will keep the vegetables crisp and the chicken breast tender.
• For longer storage, place the airtight container in the freezer. The Yum Mama can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.
• When ready to eat, thaw the frozen Yum Mama in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the integrity of the noodles and vegetables.
• Reheat the dish in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or a bit of water to refresh the flavors. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in the microwave. Place the Yum Mama in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Always check the temperature before serving. The dish should be heated through to at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
• Enjoy your reheated Yum Mama as a quick and delicious meal, retaining the vibrant flavors and textures of the original dish.

• For stovetop reheating:

  1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
  2. Add the leftover Yum Mama to the pan.
  3. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, adding a bit of water or broth if it seems dry.
  4. Cook until the noodles and chicken are heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

• For microwave reheating:

  1. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  4. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
  5. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed.

• For oven reheating:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles and chicken are heated through.

• For air fryer reheating:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftovers in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Pan: Use this to sauté the garlic, cook the chicken breast, and stir-fry the vegetables.

• Pot: This is essential for boiling the instant noodles according to the package instructions.

• Strainer: Use this to drain the cooked noodles after boiling.

• Spatula: This will help you stir and mix the ingredients in the pan.

• Measuring spoons: These are necessary for accurately measuring the soy sauce, chili paste, and sugar.

• Cutting board: Use this to slice the chicken breast and prepare the mixed vegetables.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the chicken breast and chopping the vegetables.

• Mixing bowl: Handy for holding the mixed vegetables before adding them to the pan.

Prep ingredients in advance: Slice the chicken breast and mixed vegetables ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of mincing it yourself.

Cook noodles simultaneously: While the noodles are boiling, start sautéing the garlic and cooking the chicken to multitask efficiently.

Opt for frozen vegetables: Use frozen mixed vegetables to skip the washing and chopping steps.

Measure sauces beforehand: Pre-measure the soy sauce, chili paste, and sugar to add them quickly when needed.