Chinese New Year Noodles

Chinese New Year Noodles Recipe - Vegetarian Dish from China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chinese New Year Noodles are a traditional dish enjoyed during the Chinese New Year celebration. This dish symbolizes longevity and prosperity, making it a popular choice for the holiday festivities.

History

Chinese New Year Noodles have been a staple dish in Chinese culture for centuries. The long noodles represent a long life, and it is believed that by eating them during the New Year celebration, one will be blessed with good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

Ingredients

2 tbsp peanut oil
0.5 tsp salt
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
0.25 tsp freshly grated ginger

Vegetables

6 Chinese dried mushrooms, julienned
1 cup napa cabbage
0.25 cup dried lily buds, soaked for one hour (optional)
2 oz (57 g) dried bean curd skin, soaked for one hour (optional)
0.5 cup bamboo shoots, julienned

Sauce

2 tbsp foo yee
1 tbsp light soy sauce
0.13 tsp sugar
2 tsp sesame oil
0.5 tsp ground white pepper
1 tsp garlic and red chili paste, to taste

Additional

4 oz (113 g) cellophane noodles (saifun), soaked for one hour
2 cups chicken stock
chopped green onions

How to prepare

Before starting, ensure all ingredients are prepared and ready.
Soak and prepare the vegetables, then mix the sauce.
Heat the wok and add the oil, salt, garlic, and ginger.
Cook briefly, then add the vegetables.
Continue cooking until the vegetables are hot and tender, then add the sauce, drained noodles, and chicken stock to the wok.
Stir and simmer uncovered until the noodles are translucent, tender, and have absorbed most of the broth.
Taste for salt and transfer to a serving bowl.
Garnish with green onions and serve.

Variations

Add shrimp or chicken for additional protein.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers or snow peas for added flavor and texture.
Substitute the cellophane noodles with rice noodles for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soak the cellophane noodles in water for at least an hour before cooking to ensure they are soft and pliable.

- Be sure to julienne the vegetables thinly to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.

- Adjust the amount of chili paste to suit your spice preference.

- Taste the dish before serving to adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Chinese New Year Noodles can be served as a main dish or as a side dish alongside other Chinese New Year delicacies. Pair with steamed vegetables or a protein dish for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe. Be sure to cook the vegetables quickly over high heat to retain their crispness and nutrients.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find certain ingredients, feel free to substitute with similar vegetables or proteins. Be creative and use what you have on hand to make this dish your own.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and sauce ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Chinese New Year Noodles with chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve in a decorative bowl for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chinese New Year Noodles with a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a complete Chinese New Year feast. Serve with hot tea or a refreshing lychee drink.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Chinese New Year Noodles contains approximately 300 calories. Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid consuming excess calories.

Carbohydrates

Chinese New Year Noodles are a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the cellophane noodles and vegetables. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

The peanut oil used in this recipe provides healthy fats that are essential for brain function and overall health. Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid consuming excess fats.

Proteins

While this dish is primarily carbohydrate-based, the chicken stock and curd skin provide a small amount of protein. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

The vegetables in Chinese New Year Noodles provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and soy sauce, which are common allergens. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this dish to guests.

Summary

Chinese New Year Noodles are a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy this dish as part of a well-rounded meal.

Summary

Chinese New Year Noodles are a delicious and symbolic dish enjoyed during the Chinese New Year celebration. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is not only flavorful but also nutritious. Enjoy this dish with loved ones as you ring in the Lunar New Year.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Chinese New Year Noodles. It was many years ago, when I was visiting a friend in Chinatown. The streets were bustling with people, the air filled with the delicious smells of all kinds of food cooking in the various restaurants and street stalls.

As I meandered through the narrow streets, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant neighborhood, I spotted an elderly woman standing outside a small noodle shop. She was busily tossing noodles in a wok, the steam rising in delicate tendrils around her. Intrigued, I approached her and struck up a conversation.

She smiled warmly at me and told me that she was preparing a special dish for Chinese New Year. She explained that this dish, known as "Longevity Noodles," was traditionally eaten during the holiday to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

I watched as she deftly cooked the noodles, adding in a mixture of vegetables, meats, and seasonings. The aroma wafted towards me, making my mouth water in anticipation. I couldn't resist asking her for the recipe, and to my delight, she agreed to share it with me.

She handed me a worn piece of paper, covered in Chinese characters and scribbled notes in English. With a grateful smile, I thanked her profusely and tucked the recipe into my purse. Little did I know at the time that this simple act of kindness would lead me on a culinary journey that would enrich my life in ways I could never have imagined.

When I returned home, I immediately set to work recreating the dish in my own kitchen. I followed the instructions carefully, using the freshest ingredients I could find. The smells of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce filled my tiny apartment, transporting me back to the bustling streets of Chinatown.

As I took my first bite of the noodles, I was overcome with a sense of nostalgia and wonder. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before – savory, sweet, and spicy all at once. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my culinary repertoire, a dish that I would make time and time again for special occasions and celebrations.

Over the years, I have perfected the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to suit my tastes and those of my family. I have shared it with friends and loved ones, who have all marveled at the complex flavors and textures of this simple yet elegant dish.

Each Chinese New Year, I make a big batch of these noodles to share with my family and friends. We gather around the table, our chopsticks clinking against bowls as we dig into the steaming pile of noodles, laughing and reminiscing about the past year and looking forward to the adventures that lie ahead.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day in Chinatown so many years ago, I am grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to this recipe. It has not only enriched my culinary skills but also brought me closer to the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and traditions.

So as I prepare to usher in another Chinese New Year, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a belly full of noodles. And as I watch my loved ones savor each bite of this dish, I know that the legacy of this recipe will live on for generations to come, a testament to the power of food to bring people together in joy and celebration.