Long Life Noodles

Long Life Noodles Recipe - Chinese Steak and Vegetable Spaghetti

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Long Life Noodles is a traditional Chinese dish that is believed to bring good luck and longevity to those who eat it. This dish is typically served during Chinese New Year celebrations and other special occasions.

History

Long Life Noodles have been a part of Chinese cuisine for centuries. The long noodles symbolize a long and prosperous life in Chinese culture. It is believed that the longer the noodles, the longer the life of the person eating them.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) steak, sliced into thin strips
1 lb (454 g) spaghetti or long thin noodles
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp sesame oil, plus extra
1 tbsp soy sauce, plus extra
0.5 cup fresh bean sprouts
0.5 cup fresh pea pods
0.25 cup chopped fresh broccoli
0.25 cup sliced red or green bell peppers
dash of pepper
2 green onions, chopped
1 tsp sugar
salt to taste

How to prepare

In a hot wok or large frying pan, heat a small amount of oil and stir fry the steak.
Drain the steak and set it aside.
Cook the noodles according to the package directions.
Drain the noodles and place them in a large bowl.
Blanch the vegetables in boiling water, each separately, and drain them well.
Add the cooked steak and vegetables to the bowl.
Mix the oils, soy sauce, pepper, and sugar together, then pour the mixture over the ingredients in the bowl and mix well.
Season with more soy sauce and sesame, if needed.
If desired, you can also add water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, shrimp, or chicken strips.

Variations

Add different vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or snow peas.
Use different proteins such as tofu, shrimp, or chicken.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the steak quickly over high heat to keep it tender.

- Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy.

- Blanching the vegetables before adding them to the dish helps to retain their vibrant colors and crisp texture.

Serving Suggestions

Long Life Noodles can be served as a main dish or as a side dish with other Chinese dishes such as stir-fried vegetables or dumplings.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the steak and vegetables quickly over high heat helps to retain their flavors and textures.

- Blanching the vegetables before adding them to the dish helps to cook them evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use rice noodles or whole wheat noodles instead of traditional wheat noodles.

- Substitute tamari for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Long Life Noodles can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Long Life Noodles with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Long Life Noodles pair well with Chinese tea, such as oolong or jasmine tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Long Life Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Long Life Noodles contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of Long Life Noodles contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

One serving of Long Life Noodles contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

One serving of Long Life Noodles contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Long Life Noodles are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Long Life Noodles may contain soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Long Life Noodles are a balanced dish that provides carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Long Life Noodles are a delicious and symbolic dish that is perfect for celebrating special occasions or enjoying as a comforting meal. With a balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to bring good luck and happiness to all who enjoy it.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Long Life Noodles. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was wandering through the bustling streets of Chinatown, my senses overwhelmed by the vibrant colors and tantalizing smells that filled the air. As I passed by a small, unassuming shop, a fragrant aroma caught my attention and drew me inside.

The shop was a treasure trove of exotic ingredients and delicacies, and I found myself drawn to a display of long, slender noodles that seemed to shimmer in the soft light filtering through the windows. Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with the shopkeeper, an elderly woman with a kind smile and a twinkle in her eye.

She told me that these noodles were known as Long Life Noodles, a traditional Chinese dish believed to bring good luck and longevity to those who ate them. Intrigued by the idea of a dish that could bestow such blessings, I asked the shopkeeper if she could teach me how to make them.

She nodded, her eyes crinkling at the corners in a knowing smile. "Of course, my dear," she said. "But first, you must understand the significance of each ingredient and the care that must be taken in preparing them."

And so, she began to share with me the secrets of Long Life Noodles. She explained that the noodles themselves symbolized longevity, while the ginger represented good health and the soy sauce stood for prosperity. Each element of the dish was carefully chosen to create a harmonious balance of flavors and energies, ensuring that those who ate it would be blessed with a long and fulfilling life.

Over the course of the afternoon, the shopkeeper guided me through the process of making the noodles, demonstrating the proper technique for kneading the dough and shaping it into long, thin strands. She showed me how to infuse the noodles with the rich, savory flavors of the broth, made from simmering chicken bones, ginger, and star anise for hours on end.

As we worked together, I felt a sense of connection with the shopkeeper, as if she were passing down a centuries-old tradition to me, a humble student eager to learn. Her hands moved with practiced ease, her movements graceful and precise, as she wove together the strands of dough into a beautiful, intricate pattern.

Finally, the noodles were ready, steaming hot and fragrant, garnished with slices of tender chicken, fresh green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. I took a tentative bite, savoring the rich, umami flavor of the broth and the chewy texture of the noodles.

The shopkeeper watched me with a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling with pride. "You have done well, my dear," she said. "May these Long Life Noodles bring you health, happiness, and prosperity for many years to come."

And so, I left the shop that day with a heart full of gratitude and a belly full of delicious noodles, eager to share this newfound recipe with my family and friends. As I prepared the dish for them, I felt a sense of joy and satisfaction, knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations.

And so, whenever I make Long Life Noodles now, I think back to that sunny afternoon in Chinatown, to the shopkeeper who shared her wisdom and her recipe with me. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn something new, to connect with a culture different from my own, and to experience the magic of cooking as a form of love and nourishment.

For me, Long Life Noodles are more than just a dish – they are a symbol of tradition, connection, and the enduring power of food to bring people together. And as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of noodles with my loved ones, I am reminded of the shopkeeper's words, and I send a silent prayer of gratitude for the blessings that this simple, humble dish has brought into my life.