Chinese Cold Pasta Salad

Introduction

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Chinese cold noodle dishes, which are often served as a refreshing and light meal during the hot summer months. The combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, and garlic is a common flavor profile in Chinese cuisine, and it adds a rich and savory element to the dish.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta until it is al dente, as overcooked pasta can become mushy in the salad.

- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

- Feel free to add in additional vegetables or protein, such as shredded chicken or tofu, to make this dish a more substantial meal.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled meats or seafood. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the pasta until al dente and then tossing it with the sauce and vegetables ensures that the flavors are well distributed throughout the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have vegetable broth on hand, you can use chicken broth or water as a substitute. You can also use any type of pasta you prefer in this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with some additional chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. It also goes well with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until warmed through, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chinese Cold Pasta Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chinese Cold Pasta Salad contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chinese Cold Pasta Salad contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chinese Cold Pasta Salad contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the red bell pepper and cilantro.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and soy, which are common allergens. Be sure to check for any other allergens in the ingredients you use.

Summary

Chinese Cold Pasta Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chinese Cold Pasta Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. With its unique flavor profile and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Chinese Cold Pasta Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for a dish I had never heard of before.

The recipe called for simple ingredients - spaghetti noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, sugar, and a mix of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers. It seemed like a refreshing and light dish, perfect for a hot summer day. Intrigued by the combination of flavors and textures, I decided to give it a try.

I remember gathering all the ingredients and following the instructions carefully. I cooked the spaghetti noodles until they were al dente, then rinsed them under cold water to stop the cooking process. In a separate bowl, I whisked together the soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, and sugar to create a tangy and savory dressing. I chopped up the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces and mixed everything together in a large bowl.

As I tossed the noodles with the dressing and vegetables, the vibrant colors and fresh aromas filled the air. I could already tell that this dish was going to be a hit. I let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together, then served it to my family for dinner.

The first bite was a revelation. The cold noodles were slick and slippery, coated in a glossy dressing that was both sweet and salty. The crunch of the fresh vegetables added a refreshing contrast, and the sesame oil imparted a nutty richness that tied everything together. My family couldn't get enough of it, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in our household.

I later learned that this Chinese Cold Pasta Salad was a popular dish in Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold and spicy flavors. It was traditionally served as a side dish or appetizer, but I found that it made a satisfying main course as well. Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my taste preferences.

One day, while shopping at the local farmer's market, I struck up a conversation with a vendor who was selling fresh produce. As we chatted, she mentioned that she had grown up in Sichuan province and had fond memories of her mother making Chinese Cold Pasta Salad for their family. I was thrilled to meet someone who had a personal connection to the dish and eagerly asked her for any tips or tricks she could share.

She told me that the key to a good Chinese Cold Pasta Salad was in the balance of flavors - sweet, salty, sour, and spicy. She suggested adding a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a kick of heat. She also recommended using the freshest and highest quality ingredients possible, as they would elevate the dish to another level.

I took her advice to heart and began experimenting with different variations of the recipe. I added spicy chili oil for an extra kick, swapped out the traditional spaghetti noodles for chewy udon noodles, and even threw in some shredded chicken or tofu for protein. Each version was a delight, and I loved how versatile and adaptable this dish was.

As I continued to make Chinese Cold Pasta Salad for my family and friends, I found that it became a beloved favorite among them. They marveled at the unique combination of flavors and textures, and would often request it for potlucks and gatherings. I was proud to have discovered such a delicious and satisfying recipe, and I knew that it would be passed down through the generations, just like the cookbook that had introduced me to it.

In the end, I am grateful for that moment of curiosity that led me to uncover the recipe for Chinese Cold Pasta Salad. It has brought joy and delight to my loved ones, and has become a cherished part of our family's culinary repertoire. I can only hope that others will have the same experience of discovery and delight when they try this dish for themselves.

Categories

| Chinese Recipes | Chinese Salads | Fettuccine Recipes | Pasta Recipes | Salad Recipes | Vegetable Stock And Broth Recipes |

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