Stir-fry with Pasta

Stir-fry with Pasta Recipe Made with Mandarin Orange and Ginger

| Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Stir-fry with pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of Asian cuisine with the comfort of pasta. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend dinner with friends and family.

History

Stir-fry with pasta is a fusion dish that combines the cooking techniques of stir-frying with the Italian staple of pasta. This dish is a modern take on traditional stir-fry dishes, incorporating pasta to create a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

3 cups dry thin spaghetti (broken in half)
olive oil or peanut oil
0.5 sweet onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
0.75 cup sliced mushrooms
0.25 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup bean sprouts
1 cup frozen peas or snow peas
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 x 11 oz (312 g) can mandarin orange segments, drained, reserving liquid
0.5 tsp ground ginger
2 tbsp low-salt soy sauce
(optional: sesame oil and red pepper flakes)

How to prepare

Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
Drain the pasta.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, drizzle a small amount of oil and sauté the onions for 1 minute.
Add the garlic, green pepper, bean sprouts, and mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms begin to soften.
Combine the reserved juice with enough water to equal half to three-fourths cup.
Blend in the cornstarch, ginger, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Push the vegetables aside and add the liquid.
Stir and cook until the mixture starts to thicken.
Add the cooked pasta and mix it with the vegetables and thickened sauce in the pan.
Sprinkle with a small amount of sesame oil and top with the orange pieces.

Variations

Add your favorite protein source, such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu, to make this dish more filling and satisfying.
Experiment with different vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots, to customize this recipe to your liking.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the stir-fry sauce.

Notes

You can add leftover meat with the vegetables: pork, beef, shrimp or chicken works great.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the stir-fried vegetables and sauce.

- Use a high heat when stir-frying the vegetables to ensure they cook quickly and retain their crispness.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources, such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this stir-fry with pasta hot, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro for added flavor. Pair it with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is a cooking technique that involves quickly cooking ingredients in a hot pan or wok with a small amount of oil. This method helps retain the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients while creating a delicious and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have thin spaghetti, you can use any type of pasta you have on hand, such as fettuccine, linguine, or angel hair pasta.

- Feel free to substitute the vegetables in this recipe with your favorites, such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.

- If you don't have mandarin orange segments, you can use fresh orange slices or pineapple chunks as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and sauce for this stir-fry with pasta ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This can help save time and make meal prep easier on busy days.

Presentation Ideas

To make this dish more visually appealing, garnish it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor. Serve it in a large bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This stir-fry with pasta pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a refreshing iced green tea or sparkling water with a splash of citrus.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this stir-fry with pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until heated through, or reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this stir-fry with pasta contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used. This dish is a satisfying and filling meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this stir-fry with pasta mainly come from the pasta and vegetables. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the small amount of peanut oil used for stir-frying the vegetables. Fats are essential for absorbing certain vitamins and minerals and are an important component of a balanced diet.

Proteins

This stir-fry with pasta is a vegetarian dish, so the protein mainly comes from the pasta and vegetables. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body and is important for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

The vegetables in this dish provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients are important for supporting the immune system, promoting healthy skin, and aiding in digestion.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten and soy. Be sure to check the labels of your ingredients if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.

Summary

Overall, this stir-fry with pasta is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Stir-fry with pasta is a delicious and versatile dish that combines the flavors of Asian cuisine with the comfort of pasta. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and protein sources. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal with friends and family for a memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Stir-fry with Pasta. It was a warm summer day, and I had invited my dear friend Martha over for lunch. Martha was known for her delicious and unique recipes, and I always looked forward to trying out her latest creations.

As I greeted Martha at the door, she handed me a small notebook filled with handwritten recipes. "I thought you might like to try this one," she said with a smile. I eagerly flipped through the pages and came across the recipe for Stir-fry with Pasta. I had never tried combining stir-fry with pasta before, and I was intrigued by the idea.

Martha explained that she had learned the recipe from a Chinese friend who had taught her the art of stir-frying. She had added her own twist by incorporating pasta into the dish, creating a fusion of flavors that was both comforting and satisfying.

I couldn't wait to give it a try. I gathered all the ingredients - chicken, bell peppers, broccoli, soy sauce, garlic, and of course, pasta - and set to work in the kitchen. The aroma of the stir-fry sizzling in the pan filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As Martha and I sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the Stir-fry with Pasta. The flavors exploded in my mouth, the tender chicken and crisp vegetables perfectly complemented by the savory sauce. The pasta added a satisfying chewiness that brought the dish to a whole new level.

From that moment on, Stir-fry with Pasta became a regular feature on my menu. I would often make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, or just for a cozy night in with my husband. Each time, it was met with rave reviews, and I would always credit Martha for introducing me to this delicious recipe.

Over the years, I have made some adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own special touches to make it my own. Sometimes I would use shrimp instead of chicken, or swap out the vegetables depending on what I had on hand. I even experimented with different types of pasta, finding that spaghetti worked just as well as the traditional noodles.

As I continued to make Stir-fry with Pasta, it became more than just a recipe to me. It became a symbol of friendship, of sharing and creating memories with loved ones. I would often think of Martha and the day she had introduced me to this amazing dish, grateful for her generosity and culinary expertise.

Now, as I pass on the recipe to my grandchildren, I hope that they too will find joy in preparing and sharing this delicious meal. I hope that they will remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered the recipe, and the love and care that went into every bite.

Stir-fry with Pasta will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting connections. And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of this comforting dish, I am filled with gratitude for the friends and family who have enriched my life through their love and their recipes.