Spicy Mongolian Noodles

Vegetarian Spicy Mongolian Noodles Recipe from Mongolia | Ingredients: Ginger, Garlic, Mushrooms, Tofu, Bok Choy & More

Region / culture: Mongolia | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spicy Mongolian Noodles is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender noodles with a spicy and savory broth. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.

History

The origins of Spicy Mongolian Noodles can be traced back to traditional Mongolian cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients. This dish has been adapted over the years to suit different tastes and preferences, but it still retains its spicy and aromatic qualities.

Ingredients

10 oz (283 g) uncooked noodles
0.33 cup water
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
2 tsp minced fresh garlic
1 bunch green onions, cut into 0.5" pieces
4 oz (113 g) fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed & sliced
4 cups vegetable broth
0.25 cup soy sauce
0.5 tsp sambal oelek (ground fresh chile paste)
10.5 oz (298 g) extra firm lite silken tofu, cut into cubes
4 cups sliced bok choy greens, stalks removed
0.33 cup chopped cilantro

How to prepare

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until tender, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, place 0.33 cup of water, ginger, and garlic in a large soup pot.
Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the onions and mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes. Add the broth, soy sauce, and chili paste. Cover and bring to a boil.
Add the tofu and bok choy and cook for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the cooked noodles and cilantro. Stir to combine. Serve immediately.

Variations

Add in some sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch.
Use chicken or shrimp instead of tofu for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the noodles until they are just tender, as overcooking can result in a mushy texture.

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

- Feel free to add in additional vegetables or protein to make this dish even heartier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spicy Mongolian Noodles hot, garnished with additional cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling

- Stir-frying

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular firm tofu instead of lite silken tofu.

- Substitute shiitake mushrooms with button mushrooms if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the broth and noodles ahead of time, but wait to combine them until ready to serve to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Spicy Mongolian Noodles in individual bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

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

300

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 4g

Fats

- Total Fat: 5g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 12g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Calcium: 15% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

Spicy Mongolian Noodles is a nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Spicy Mongolian Noodles is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for spice lovers. With a flavorful broth and tender noodles, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Susan who had just returned from a trip to Mongolia. She had brought back all sorts of exotic spices and ingredients, and she was eager to share them with me.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, she pulled out a worn notebook filled with scribbled notes and handed it to me. "This, my dear, is the recipe for Spicy Mongolian Noodles," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "It's a traditional dish that I learned to make from a local chef while I was traveling through the countryside."

I eagerly flipped through the pages, taking in the colorful descriptions of the various spices and vegetables that made up the dish. Cumin, chili flakes, ginger, garlic, scallions – the list went on and on. My mouth watered just thinking about the combination of flavors and textures.

Susan noticed my excitement and smiled knowingly. "I knew you would appreciate this recipe," she said. "It's a bit spicy, but I think you can handle it."

I rolled up my sleeves and got to work, following the detailed instructions in the notebook. I chopped, sautéed, and simmered, letting the aromas of the spices transport me to a faraway land. The kitchen filled with the tantalizing scent of garlic and ginger, and my stomach grumbled in anticipation.

Finally, the dish was ready. I twirled a forkful of noodles onto my plate and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – spicy, savory, and oh so satisfying. I closed my eyes and savored each mouthful, feeling grateful for Susan's generosity in sharing this recipe with me.

From that day on, Spicy Mongolian Noodles became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time, I would think back to that summer day in Susan's kitchen and smile, grateful for the gift of this delicious recipe.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. I swapped out some of the vegetables for ones that were more readily available at my local market, and I played with the spice levels to suit my own taste preferences. But the heart of the dish – the bold flavors and hearty noodles – remained unchanged.

As I shared the recipe with friends and family, they too fell in love with Spicy Mongolian Noodles. It became a dish that brought people together, sparking lively conversations and happy memories around the dinner table. I felt proud to have passed on this culinary tradition to those I cared about, knowing that it would be enjoyed for years to come.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of garlic and ginger, I can't help but feel grateful for all the experiences and people who have influenced my cooking journey. From Susan's adventurous spirit to the unknown chef in Mongolia who first shared this recipe with her, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us across cultures and generations.

And so, as I take a bite of Spicy Mongolian Noodles, I raise a toast to all those who have inspired me along the way. May their stories and flavors continue to enrich my culinary adventures for years to come. Cheers!