Asian Noodles

Vegetarian Asian Noodles Recipe with Peas, Bell Pepper, and Carrots

Region / culture: Asia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Asian noodles have a unique charm that captivates food lovers around the globe. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of the East, combining tender egg noodles with a vibrant mix of vegetables and a tantalizing sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion, this dish is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes.

History

The history of Asian noodles dates back thousands of years, with each region developing its own unique variations. This particular recipe is inspired by the traditional noodle dishes of China, where noodles have been a staple food for centuries. It incorporates ingredients like hoisin sauce and rice wine vinegar, which are commonly used in Chinese cuisine, along with a mix of vegetables and spices that reflect the diverse flavors of Asia.

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) of dry egg noodles
8 oz (227 g) of snow peas
1 medium red bell pepper, julienned
2 medium carrots, julienned
2 scallions (white and light green parts), sliced
0.5 cup of cashews (optional)
2 tbsp of peanut oil
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 green chile pepper, seeded and minced
4 oz (113 g) of fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
3 tbsp of rice wine vinegar
2 tsp of minced fresh ginger
1 tbsp of hoisin sauce

How to prepare

1. Cook the noodles according to the package directions; drain well.
2. Blanch the snow peas in boiling water for 1 minute. Drain and refresh in cold water, then pat dry. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add carrots and scallions.
3. In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and chile pepper and cook, stirring often, for 30 seconds. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes. Add mushrooms to the bowl with the vegetables.
4. Add vinegar, ginger, and hoisin sauce to the pan and warm through. Pour over the vegetables. Add noodles and toss. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Variations

For a gluten-free version, use rice noodles and gluten-free hoisin sauce.
Add tofu or chicken for a protein boost.
Swap out the vegetables for whatever is in season or suits your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Asian noodles are perfectly cooked and flavorful, follow these tips:

- Use a large pot of boiling water to cook the noodles to prevent them from sticking together.

- Blanching the vegetables briefly keeps them crisp and vibrant.

- Warm the sauce before adding it to the noodles to help distribute the flavors evenly.

- Toss the noodles and vegetables gently to avoid breaking the noodles.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served warm or at room temperature. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple side of steamed greens or a light soup.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques in this recipe include boiling, blanching, and stir-frying, which are common in Asian cooking. These methods help to preserve the texture and nutrients of the ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

Soy sauce can be used in place of hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.

- Almonds or peanuts can replace cashews.

- Sesame oil can be used instead of peanut oil for a nuttier aroma.

Make Ahead Tips

The vegetables can be julienned and the sauce mixed a day ahead. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator to save time on the day of cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the noodles in a large bowl or platter, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light white wine, such as a Riesling or a Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the fresh flavors without overpowering them.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a little water if necessary to prevent the noodles from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of this delightful noodle dish contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying yet not overly indulgent meal option.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, primarily from the egg noodles, which provide the energy needed for daily activities. A single serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come mainly from the peanut oil and cashews, if used. These ingredients contribute healthy unsaturated fats, with a total fat content of about 10 grams per serving.

Proteins

Proteins in this dish are provided by the egg noodles and the variety of vegetables, with a higher boost if cashews are included. Each serving offers around 11 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This Asian noodle dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the colorful mix of vegetables. It's particularly high in Vitamin A from the carrots and Vitamin C from the red bell pepper, along with a range of B vitamins and minerals like iron and potassium.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include wheat (from the noodles) and soy (from the hoisin sauce). Those with nut allergies should omit the cashews.

Summary

Overall, this Asian noodle dish is a balanced meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's relatively low in calories and can be easily modified to suit different dietary needs.

Summary

This Asian noodle recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal. With its colorful presentation and versatile ingredients, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Asian noodles. It was a warm summer day, and I was walking through the bustling streets of Chinatown in San Francisco. The smells of exotic spices and sizzling woks filled the air, and I couldn't help but feel drawn to one particular food stall.

As I approached the stall, I saw a elderly woman with weathered hands deftly tossing noodles in a large wok. Her movements were like a dance, graceful and precise. I watched in awe as she added a medley of vegetables and fragrant spices to the noodles, creating a dish that looked and smelled absolutely divine.

Intrigued, I mustered up the courage to approach the woman and ask her for the recipe. She smiled warmly at me and began to tell me the story behind the dish.

She explained that she had learned to make these noodles from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. The secret, she said, was in the preparation of the noodles - they had to be cooked just right, not too soft or too firm.

As she spoke, I could see the passion and love she had for this dish shining through. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make these Asian noodles for myself.

The woman graciously agreed to teach me her family recipe, and we spent the entire afternoon cooking together. She showed me how to select the freshest ingredients, how to season the dish just right, and most importantly, how to infuse the noodles with the love and care that would make them truly special.

As we cooked, the woman shared stories of her childhood in China, of family gatherings and celebrations where these noodles were always the star of the show. I listened intently, soaking in every word and every gesture, determined to learn all I could from this wise and talented cook.

By the time we finished cooking, the sun had begun to set, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets of Chinatown. The woman handed me a steaming bowl of the Asian noodles we had made together, and I took my first bite.

The flavors exploded in my mouth - a perfect balance of savory and sweet, with just a hint of spice. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew in that moment that I had discovered a truly special recipe.

I thanked the woman profusely for sharing her knowledge and her passion with me, and as I walked back to my own home, I couldn't wait to try making Asian noodles for my own family.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it uniquely my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who always ask for seconds and thirds, and I have even passed it down to my own grandchildren, who now carry on the tradition of making these delicious Asian noodles with love and care.

Every time I make this dish, I am reminded of that warm summer day in Chinatown, of the kind woman who shared her recipe with me, and of the joy and connection that food can bring to our lives. And I am grateful, every day, for the gift of cooking and sharing this special recipe for Asian noodles.