Taiwan Chao Main

Taiwan Chao Main Recipe - Delicious Rice Noodle Dish from Taiwan

Region / culture: Taiwan | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Taiwan Chao Main is a popular and flavorful noodle dish that combines tender rice noodles with a savory pork and vegetable sauce. This dish is a staple in Taiwanese cuisine and is loved for its bold flavors and satisfying textures.

History

Taiwan Chao Main has its roots in traditional Taiwanese cooking, where noodles are a common ingredient in many dishes. This particular recipe has been passed down through generations and has evolved over time to include a variety of ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

500 g fine rice noodles
6 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
250 g fatty minced pork
2 tsp Chinese five spice powder
3 Chinese mushrooms, soaked in water and diced
6 tbsp light soy sauce
a pinch of sugar
1 medium onion, sliced and fried
oil, for cooking
1 bunch of spring onions, green ends only, cut into 2–3 cm lengths
0.5 cup of carrot, cut into fine slivers
Additional 125 ml of light soy sauce
500 ml of water
2 cups of bean shoots
1 bunch of garlic chives, chopped
a few leaves of coriander leaves

How to prepare

Soak the noodles in boiling water according to the instructions on the packet, then strain them in a colander. Be careful not to overcook.
In a frypan, fry the garlic, then add the pork mince and five spice powder. Fry the spices to enhance the flavor.
Add the mushrooms and soy sauce, then a pinch of sugar and enough water to cover the meat. Cover and simmer for about 50 minutes before adding the onions for a further 10 minutes.
In a wok, heat some oil over high heat and lightly stir fry the spring onions, then add the carrot sticks. Add additional soy sauce and a cup of boiling water.
Add the noodles and toss them through the mixture in the wok.
Add the bean shoots and garlic chives. Toss everything together and serve on a large plate.
Pour the meat sauce over the noodles and garnish with coriander leaves.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the pork mince with tofu or mushrooms.
You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas for added texture and flavor.
Adjust the amount of soy sauce and sugar to suit your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure not to overcook the rice noodles, as they can become mushy. Follow the instructions on the packet for the best results.

- Frying the garlic and pork mince together helps to enhance the flavors of the dish.

- Simmering the meat sauce for a longer period of time allows the flavors to develop and intensify.

- Tossing the noodles with the vegetable mixture ensures that each bite is full of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Taiwan Chao Main can be served as a main dish on its own or paired with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the vegetables and meat separately helps to retain their individual flavors and textures.

- Simmering the meat sauce allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and savory sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Chinese five spice powder, you can use a combination of ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns.

- You can use chicken or beef mince instead of pork mince for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meat sauce and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Simply reheat and toss with the noodles when you're ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Taiwan Chao Main on a large plate or platter, garnished with fresh coriander leaves for a pop of color. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

Taiwan Chao Main pairs well with a cold glass of Taiwanese tea or a refreshing fruit juice. You can also serve it with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi for a tangy contrast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers 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

Each serving of Taiwan Chao Main contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Taiwan Chao Main contains approximately 60g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Taiwan Chao Main contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Taiwan Chao Main contains approximately 20g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Taiwan Chao Main is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Taiwan Chao Main is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Taiwan Chao Main is a delicious and satisfying noodle dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With its bold flavors and nutritious ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Taiwan Chao Main. It was back in the 1960s, when my husband and I were living in Taiwan. We had moved there for his job, and I quickly fell in love with the vibrant culture and delicious cuisine.

One day, while exploring a bustling food market in Taipei, I stumbled upon a small food stall run by an elderly woman. She was cooking up a storm, and the smell of her dishes wafted through the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. Intrigued, I approached her stall and watched as she expertly prepared a dish that looked like a stir-fried noodle dish with an array of colorful vegetables and meat.

I couldn't resist asking her what she was making, and she smiled warmly and told me it was Taiwan Chao Main, a popular street food in Taiwan. Intrigued, I asked her if she could teach me how to make it, and to my surprise, she agreed.

Over the next few weeks, I would visit the food stall regularly, watching and learning as the elderly woman cooked up her delicious Taiwan Chao Main. She taught me the secrets of creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the chewy noodles to the crunchy vegetables and tender meat.

I quickly became obsessed with perfecting the recipe, spending hours in my tiny kitchen experimenting with different ingredients and techniques. I would invite friends over to taste my creations, and they were always impressed by the authentic flavors and aromas of Taiwan Chao Main.

As the years passed, I continued to refine and improve the recipe, adding my own twist to make it truly my own. I would often think back to that kind elderly woman in the food stall, grateful for her generosity in sharing her recipe with me.

Now, decades later, I still make Taiwan Chao Main regularly for my family and friends. It has become a beloved staple in our household, a dish that brings us together and reminds us of our time in Taiwan.

Every time I cook Taiwan Chao Main, I am transported back to that bustling food market in Taipei, the sights and sounds of the city swirling around me as I watch the elderly woman expertly stir-frying her noodles. It is a memory that I hold dear, a reminder of the beauty and richness of the culinary world and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones.

So the next time you're craving a taste of Taiwan, give this recipe a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. Enjoy!