Asian Noodle Salad with Chilies

Asian Noodle Salad with Chilies Recipe - Vegetarian Recipe from Asia

Region / culture: Asia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Asian Noodle Salad with Chilies is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the hearty texture of spaghetti with the aromatic qualities of sesame oil, soy sauce, and fresh herbs. This salad is a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, making it a refreshing choice for any meal. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish, making it a favorite for potlucks, picnics, and everyday meals.

History

The origins of Asian Noodle Salad can be traced back to various Asian cuisines that have a long history of noodle dishes. This particular recipe, with its use of spaghetti, is a fusion adaptation that caters to a broader audience by incorporating easily accessible ingredients while maintaining the essence of traditional Asian flavors. Over time, it has evolved into a popular dish among those who appreciate the melding of different culinary traditions.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) dried soba noodles or spaghetti
0.25 cup Oriental sesame oil
0.25 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp sugar
1.5 tbsp balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 tsp salt
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
8 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp minced jalapeno chiles, red or green
1.5 cups dry-roasted peanuts, lightly salted, coarsely chopped

How to prepare

Cook the noodles in a large pot of rapidly boiling salted water until they are just tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally.
Drain the noodles.
Rinse the noodles with cold water until they are cool.
Drain the noodles well.
Transfer the noodles to a large bowl.
In a small bowl, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and salt. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
Add the mixture to the noodles.
Add the chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, and jalapeno chiles to the noodles and mix well.
(The salad can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate).
Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the salad and serve.

Variations

For a gluten-free version, use rice noodles instead of spaghetti and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free. To add more protein, include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seeds for the peanuts.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best texture and flavor for your Asian Noodle Salad, it's important to cook the spaghetti until it's al dente. Overcooking can make the noodles mushy, while undercooking will leave them too firm. Rinsing the noodles in cold water stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, which helps prevent them from sticking together. When mixing the dressing, make sure the sugar is completely dissolved to ensure a smooth, even coating on the noodles.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. It can be a standalone meal or paired with grilled meats or vegetables for a more substantial offering. For a refreshing twist, serve it over a bed of mixed greens.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is the proper cooking and cooling of the noodles to achieve the ideal texture. Additionally, emulsifying the dressing ingredients ensures a cohesive flavor throughout the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

If sesame oil is not available, you can use olive oil for the dressing, though the flavor will be different. Rice vinegar can replace red wine vinegar for a milder acidity. For a less spicy version, reduce the amount of jalapeno chiles or omit them altogether.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made a day ahead, making it a convenient option for gatherings or meal prep. Store the salad in the refrigerator and add the chopped peanuts just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a large bowl garnished with extra cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch of elegance. For individual servings, consider using small bowls or plates with a garnish of lime wedges.

Pairing Recommendations

This Asian Noodle Salad pairs well with white wines such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, which complement the dish's spicy and tangy flavors. For non-alcoholic options, consider iced green tea or sparkling water with a squeeze of lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Asian Noodle Salad with Chilies contains approximately 400-500 calories, making it a moderate-calorie option that can fit into a balanced diet. The exact calorie count can vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.

Carbohydrates

This Asian Noodle Salad is primarily carbohydrate-based, with the main source being the spaghetti. A serving of this dish provides a significant amount of carbohydrates, which are the body's primary energy source. The sugar and vegetables add additional carbs, making this dish an energy-rich option.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the sesame oil and dry-roasted peanuts. Sesame oil is rich in unsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy. The peanuts add both unsaturated fats and a small amount of saturated fats. Overall, the fat content contributes to the dish's satiety factor and adds to its mouthfeel and flavor.

Proteins

Proteins in this salad are provided by the peanuts, which are a good source of plant-based protein. While the dish is not high in protein, it does offer a modest amount that contributes to muscle repair and growth. For a higher protein content, you could add tofu, chicken, or shrimp.

Vitamins and minerals

The fresh cilantro and green onions in this salad are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and bone health. The sesame oil also contributes vitamin E, an important antioxidant.

Alergens

This recipe contains allergens such as wheat (in the spaghetti), soy (in the soy sauce), and peanuts. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution and consider suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Asian Noodle Salad with Chilies is a balanced dish that offers carbohydrates for energy, healthy fats, a modest amount of protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. It's a flavorful option that contributes to a well-rounded diet.

Summary

Asian Noodle Salad with Chilies is a delightful fusion dish that combines the best of Asian flavors with the convenience of spaghetti. It's a versatile, nutritious option that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a unique side dish, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and textures.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was during my travels in Southeast Asia, where I stumbled upon a small street food stall in a bustling market. The owner, a friendly elderly woman, was busy preparing various dishes and the scent of spices and chilies filled the air.

Intrigued by the aromas wafting from her stall, I approached her and struck up a conversation. She told me that she had been cooking for as long as she could remember and had learned all her recipes from her own grandmother. She graciously agreed to teach me one of her most popular dishes - Asian Noodle Salad with Chilies.

We spent the entire afternoon together, as she patiently guided me through the process of making the salad. She showed me how to cook the noodles to perfection, how to prepare the dressing with the right balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, and how to toss everything together with fresh vegetables and herbs.

As we worked side by side, I couldn't help but marvel at the way she effortlessly combined ingredients and flavors to create a dish that was both simple and complex at the same time. Her hands moved with such grace and precision, each movement deliberate and purposeful.

When the salad was finally ready, we sat down to enjoy our creation together. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the tang of the dressing, the crunch of the vegetables, and the kick of the chilies all coming together in perfect harmony. It was a meal I would never forget.

After saying our goodbyes, I made sure to jot down the recipe in my trusty notebook, determined to recreate the dish for my family and friends back home. And ever since that day, Asian Noodle Salad with Chilies has become a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of the kindness and generosity of that wonderful woman I met on my travels.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its delicious flavors and unique blend of ingredients.

I often think back to that day in the bustling market, the sun beating down on us as we worked together to create something special. The memory of that experience is etched in my mind, a reminder of the magic that can happen when people come together over a shared love of food.

And so, whenever I make Asian Noodle Salad with Chilies, I am transported back to that moment in time, to the sights, sounds, and smells of that bustling market stall. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.