Hot and Spicy Noodles with Pea Shoots

Hot and Spicy Noodles with Pea Shoots Recipe - Vegetarian Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 2 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Hot and Spicy Noodles with Pea Shoots is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the heat of spicy chili oil with the freshness of pea shoots. This dish is perfect for those who love a little kick in their noodles.

History

This recipe is a modern take on traditional Chinese noodle dishes that often feature spicy sauces and fresh vegetables. The combination of spicy chili oil and pea shoots creates a unique and satisfying flavor profile that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

4 oz (113 g) of pea shoots
4 oz (113 g) of dried chinese wheat noodles (thin mixes best with the shoots, but thick works OK too)
1 peeled garlic clove
1 tbsp of sugar
2 tbsp of chinese black vinegar (Chinkiang vinegar)
1 tbsp of soy sauce
2 heaped tablespoons of la jiao, with plenty of oil
1 tbsp of grated ginger
a fistful of chopped coriander (optional)

How to prepare

Pick through the pea shoots and remove any brown or black pieces. Wash and drain, but do not spin dry.
Bring a pot of salted water large enough to hold the noodles and shoots to a boil.
Take note of the recommended boiling time for the noodles. Drop them into the boiling water and keep track of their doneness either by using a watch or taste-testing.
Cut the garlic clove in half and rub the sides and bottom of the bowl in which the noodles will be served (or eaten from). Discard the garlic.
In the same bowl, mix soy sauce, sugar, la jiao, vinegar, and ginger using a fork or whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust the flavors for sourness, spiciness, and saltiness. The sauce should have a strong flavor, as it will be diluted once the noodles and greens are added.
About 2 minutes before the noodles are done, add the pea shoots to the boiling water and stir to ensure they are submerged. Cook the shoots until they are more boiled than blanched, but still retain a slight crunch.
Drain the noodles and pea shoots using a colander, then immediately add them to the sauce. Toss everything together and enjoy. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped coriander on top.

Variations

Add protein such as tofu, chicken, or shrimp to make the dish more filling.
Substitute the pea shoots with spinach or bok choy for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pea shoots just until they are slightly wilted but still retain a crunch. Overcooking them can result in a mushy texture.

- Adjust the amount of chili oil to suit your spice preference. You can add more or less depending on how spicy you like your noodles.

- For a more filling meal, you can add protein such as tofu, chicken, or shrimp to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hot and Spicy Noodles with Pea Shoots as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the noodles according to package instructions to ensure they are cooked al dente.

- Toss the noodles and pea shoots with the sauce immediately after draining to ensure they are evenly coated.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pea shoots, you can use spinach or bok choy instead.

- If you don't have chili oil, you can use sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and cook the noodles ahead of time, but be sure to toss everything together just before serving to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hot and Spicy Noodles with Pea Shoots in individual bowls garnished with chopped coriander for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Hot and Spicy Noodles with Pea Shoots with a crisp white wine or a cold beer to balance out the heat of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hot and Spicy Noodles with Pea Shoots contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hot and Spicy Noodles with Pea Shoots contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hot and Spicy Noodles with Pea Shoots contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Hot and Spicy Noodles with Pea Shoots contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the pea shoots and ginger.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Hot and Spicy Noodles with Pea Shoots is a nutritious dish that is high in carbohydrates and healthy fats. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a great choice for a balanced meal.

Summary

Hot and Spicy Noodles with Pea Shoots is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for spice lovers. With a flavorful sauce and fresh pea shoots, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a bustling market in Chinatown with my dear friend Mei. The smells of exotic spices and the chatter of vendors filled the air, creating an atmosphere of excitement and adventure.

As we wandered through the crowded stalls, Mei suddenly stopped in front of a small, unassuming booth. The elderly woman behind the counter smiled warmly at us and began to speak in rapid Mandarin. Mei translated for me, explaining that the woman was selling homemade noodles and was known for her delicious and spicy dishes.

Intrigued, we decided to give it a try. The woman handed us each a steaming bowl of noodles, topped with vibrant green pea shoots and a fiery red sauce. One bite was all it took for me to fall in love with the bold flavors and satisfying heat of the dish.

I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make these Hot and Spicy Noodles with Pea Shoots for myself. I begged the woman to share her recipe with me, but she merely chuckled and waved us away, saying it was a secret passed down through generations. Undeterred, I made a mental note to recreate the dish at home through trial and error.

Back in my own kitchen, I set to work experimenting with different combinations of ingredients and techniques. I spent hours perfecting the recipe, adjusting the levels of spice and sweetness until I had created a dish that rivaled the one I had tasted at the market.

I discovered that the key to the dish was in the sauce – a complex blend of chili paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar that perfectly complemented the chewy noodles and crisp pea shoots. The trick was to find the right balance of flavors, creating a dish that was both fiery and savory, with just a hint of sweetness to round it out.

Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own unique touches and improvisations. I experimented with different types of noodles, from thick and chewy udon to delicate rice noodles, each adding its own texture and flavor to the dish.

I also discovered that the addition of fresh herbs and spices could elevate the dish to new heights. A sprinkling of fragrant cilantro or a handful of crispy fried shallots could transform a simple bowl of noodles into a culinary masterpiece.

As I shared my creation with friends and family, they marveled at the depth of flavor and the complexity of the dish. They begged me for the recipe, but I always smiled enigmatically and told them it was a secret passed down through generations.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of garlic and ginger, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. The recipe for Hot and Spicy Noodles with Pea Shoots has become a beloved staple in my culinary repertoire, a dish that brings joy and warmth to all who taste it.

I may never know the true origins of the recipe, but I am grateful to that mysterious woman in the Chinatown market for sparking my creativity and inspiring me to create something truly special. And as I take a bite of the steaming noodles, feeling the heat of the chili paste and the crunch of the pea shoots, I know that I have truly captured the magic of that fateful day.