Noodle Salad

Singaporean Noodle Salad Recipe with Prawns and Peanut Butter Dressing

Region / culture: Singapore | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Noodle salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This dish is packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich mung bean sprouts, and a delicious peanut dressing that adds a creamy and nutty flavor to the dish.

History

Noodle salad has its origins in Asian cuisine, particularly in countries like Thailand and Vietnam. It is a popular street food dish that is loved for its combination of textures and flavors. The dish has evolved over the years, with different variations and ingredients being added to suit different tastes.

Ingredients

0.5 kg egg noodles
0.5 cup shredded carrots
0.5 cup chopped green onions (including the greens)
0.5 cup mung bean sprouts
1 large capsicum, cut into thin julienne
2 tbsp oil
0.25 cup roasted peanuts (optional)
0.5 dozen prawns fried in garlic, butter, salt and pepper (optional)

Dressing

0.25 cup chicken stock
0.25 cup peanut butter (optional)
1 tbsp freshly minced ginger
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce
0.5 tbsp sesame oil
2 tsp sugar
1 minced garlic clove

How to prepare

In a pot of boiling water, cook the noodles until they are soft and not mushy, adding 1 tbsp of oil.
Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water.
Spread the noodles out to dry, coating them with 1 tbsp of oil.
In another pan, bring the chicken stock to a boil.
Remove from heat and mix in the butter.
Add all the other dressing ingredients and mix well.
In a large bowl, place the noodles.
Toss the noodles with green onion, mung beans, capsicum, and 0.5 of shredded carrots.
Add the dressing and roasted peanuts, and toss well to combine.
Garnish with the remaining carrots just before serving.

Variations

Add cooked shrimp or chicken for an extra protein boost.
Swap out the mung bean sprouts for sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for a different texture.
Use almond butter or tahini in place of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy in the salad.

- Rinse the noodles under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.

- Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to ensure that the noodles and vegetables are well coated.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the noodle salad as a main dish for a light lunch or dinner. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or tofu.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the noodles until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy.

- Toss the noodles with the dressing just before serving to ensure that they are well coated.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use rice noodles or soba noodles in place of egg noodles.

- Substitute cashews or almonds for the peanuts.

- Use tamari in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

The noodle salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just add the dressing and garnish with peanuts and carrots just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the noodle salad in individual bowls or on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. Top with extra peanuts for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the noodle salad with a crisp white wine like a Riesling or a light lager beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a refreshing iced tea or sparkling water with lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 80% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains peanuts and soy

Summary

This noodle salad is a balanced dish that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Noodle salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich mung bean sprouts, and a creamy peanut dressing, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly as I sat in my grandmother's kitchen, watching her prepare a delicious noodle salad. I had always loved watching my grandmother cook - she had a way of making even the simplest dishes taste like heaven.

As she chopped the vegetables and boiled the noodles, I asked her where she had learned to make such a wonderful dish. She smiled and told me the story of how she had learned to make noodle salad.

"It all started when I was a young girl," she began. "I used to spend my summers at my aunt's house in the countryside. She was a fantastic cook, and she taught me many of the recipes that I still use today."

"One day, she took me to a local market where we picked out fresh vegetables, herbs, and noodles. We then went back to her kitchen, where she showed me how to prepare a noodle salad unlike anything I had ever tasted before."

"I watched as she cooked the noodles until they were perfectly al dente, then mixed them with a tangy dressing made from vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. She then added in a colorful array of vegetables - carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and green onions - and tossed everything together until it was well combined."

"I took a bite of the salad and was instantly hooked. The flavors were so vibrant and fresh, and the noodles had the perfect texture. I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself."

"Over the years, I practiced and perfected the recipe, adding my own twists and variations along the way. I've made it for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and picnics, and it's always a hit."

"I like to think of this noodle salad as a symbol of my journey in the kitchen - a dish that represents the love and care that goes into every meal that I make. It's a recipe that has been passed down through generations, and I hope to pass it on to future generations as well."

As my grandmother finished her story, she plated up the noodle salad and handed me a fork. I took a bite, savoring the flavors and feeling a sense of pride in knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down to me.

And so, the recipe for noodle salad became a staple in my own cooking repertoire, a dish that I would continue to make and share with loved ones for years to come. The memory of discovering this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and connection that food can bring to our lives.