This recipe is adapted from one in Saveur magazine.
Ingredients:
FOR THE DRESSING: 1 small fresh, hot pepper, stemmed and chopped 1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped 1⁄2 teaspoon granulated sugar Pinch salt 6 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar 3 tablespoons fish sauce FOR THE CHICKEN: 1 boneless, skinless whole chicken breast 1 small red onion, peeled and very thinly sliced 3⁄4 cup white wine vinegar 1⁄2 Napa cabbage, very thinly sliced into long strips 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro and mint
Preparation:
For the dressing: Crush chiles, garlic, sugar, and salt into a fragrant, rough paste with a mortar and pestle. Scrape paste into a small bowl, then stir in rice vinegar and fish sauce. Set dressing aside.
2. For the chicken: Put chicken in a medium pan, add enough water to cover by 1″, then bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and gently simmer, partially covered, until chicken is just cooked through, 10–15 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool. Tear chickn into small strips, discarding any cartilage or fatty pieces. Set aside.
3. Meanwhile, put onions and white wine vinegar in a large bowl. Set aside to marinate for 15 minutes, then drain. Add cabbage, carrots, reserved chicken, and rau ram to onions and toss together. Shortly before serving, drizzle fish sauce dressing over salad, toss to mix well, and adjust seasonings to taste. The salad will wilt slightly.