Trying to make noodles for Asian food can be a complicated task. There are wide different varieties of noodles that you can use. Some of the common types include Japanese yam starch noodles and Chinese noodles.
Chinese noodles
Chinese noodles are versatile whether you’re cooking for a crowd or taking a potluck. Mix and match them with vegetables, meats, and sauces for various tastes. They’re also great for serving cold or warm. You can even refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
There are three basic types of noodles used in Chinese dishes. These include chow mein, lo mein, and linguine. They all come in various shapes and sizes. Some are as thin as coffee stir sticks, while others are thicker and more springy.
Chow mein noodles are made with eggs, water, and kansui, an ingredient that gives them a golden color. They’re also dryer than lo mein noodles. They’re great for stir-fried dishes with a heavy sauce.
Lo mein noodles are made with flour and are thinner and less springy than chow mein noodles. They’re suitable for travel because they’re not time sensitive. They’re also great for hearty noodle soups. They’re usually served with a bowl of broth on the side.
Fresh egg noodles are a staple at Chinese restaurants. You can find them in the refrigerated section at most Asian markets. They’re yellow and have a springy texture. They’re best cooked in light broths. You can make homemade noodles, but they should be stored separately from the broth.
You can use any noodles with peanut sauce. A lighter soy sauce will help avoid staining the noodles as dark soy does. You can also add garlic chili sauce for an extra kick. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try using whole-wheat noodles. You can also make a vegetable-based stir-fry sauce.
You can also make your hand-pulled noodles. This involves holding a paste in both hands and forming a long, thin noodle.
In China, noodles are considered a symbol of longevity. They’re usually served uncut. In some cases, they’re dipped into a boiling broth. When they’re done, they’re filled with a drizzle of oil and seasonings. These noodles are often served as part of a Lunar New Year feast.
Chinese noodles can be found in the refrigerated section of most Asian markets. You can cook them with any stir-fry sauce. You can also add sliced mushrooms for a bit of umami flavor.
Japanese yam starch noodles
Yam starch noodles, also known as shirataki, are Japanese ones typically low in calories and gluten-free. They are a popular choice for those with a low-carbohydrate diet. The noodles can be used in a variety of recipes.
While shirataki noodles are the classic ingredients for sukiyaki, they can be used in a wide range of dishes. Some cooks blanch the noodles before serving them for a better texture. They can also be flavored with yam or blue-green algae. They can also be used in soups, salads, and stir-fries.
Shirataki is made from a tuber of an Asian plant, namely the konjac yam. They can be purchased in either dried or canned forms. Some brands are sold in bundled or vacuum-sealed packages. They are commonly available in stores in non-Japanese markets and are often combined with tofu.
“shirataki” refers to glucomannan, a highly viscous soluble fiber in the tropical konjac plant. It is an ingredient in shirataki that adds flavor and texture to the dish.
The noodles are usually bundled in bundles or straight strands. The packaging is designed to keep the noodles dry and prevent them from spoiling. They are also sold in dried form and are sometimes packaged in brine.
There are many different types of yam noodles. Some are made from tofu, while others are made from wheat flour. Even a few varieties are made from buckwheat and wheat flour.
These noodles can be cooked in boiling water for two to four minutes, depending on the type. They can be tossed or stir-fried in a skillet. They are most often eaten cold and can be used in various recipes.
Shirataki can be made with other proteins and starches to add flavor to the dish. They can be cooked in soups, tomato sauce, and salads. They can also be cut into halves or pieces for a more manageable texture.
There are a few basic steps to follow when making yam starch noodles. First, rinse the noodles thoroughly. Once they have been rinsed, they can be put into boiling water. They should be allowed to stay in the water for one minute. They should be stirred with a wooden spoon. They should be removed from the water once the cooking is complete.
Common noodle varieties in Asian groceries
Identifying the varieties of Asian noodles in the grocery can be a bit confusing. While there are some similarities, there are also many variations. For example, some wheat flour noodles are called somen, while some rice flour noodles are called away teow.
Some famous noodles include ramen, udon, la mian, he fen, you tiao, and mi xian. Each noodle is unique in texture and shape. Each has a particular preparation method and uses specific ingredients.
Aside from the common noodle varieties, there are also a few specific noodle dishes. Some of these dishes have symbolic meanings. Some are served to celebrate the Lunar New Year, while others are done to commemorate a passing year. The length of the noodle is a symbol of auspiciousness. It can range from a few centimeters to more than two feet.
Hand-pulled noodles are usually eaten in soups and stir-fries. They can be thin, like vermicelli, or very thick. They are typically sold dried or fresh. Sometimes seaweed is mixed into the dough for protein.
Some noodle varieties are made from buckwheat flour, wheat flour, or water. They are commonly found in Japanese, Korean, and Cantonese cuisines. They have a nutty flavor and are nutritious. They are most often eaten cold or hot with a dipping sauce. They are also popular in spring rolls and fried pastries.
The most common glass noodle is made from mung bean or sweet potato starch. These noodles are opaque and are sold in a sealed plastic bag. The texture is gelatinous primarily and polished, and most have a slight sweetness. Some varieties are straightforward, while others are translucent. They can be used in salads, soups, and stir-fries.
Some Asian noodle varieties are sold in a vacuum-sealed plastic pouch. Some noodle types are made with rice flour, while others are made with vegetable starch. These noodle types are sold at large grocery outlets in the international food aisle.
The most popular Asian noodle is ramen. It is usually sold in packages that contain a packet of seasonings. It can be eaten with broth or dashi or served with mirin broth and green onions.
Preparing linguine for Asian noodles
You can make various stir-fry recipes depending on the type of linguine you use. You can add vegetables, such as carrots, to the dish to give it more color and texture. You can also use sauces to enhance the flavor of your noodles. You can find bottled sauces at most grocery stores or make your own.
The first step in preparing linguine for Asian noodles is to heat a pan over medium-high heat and pour some oil. Once it is heated, add in the garlic and cook until fragrant. After the garlic is cooked, add the sauce and mix to combine. Once the sauce is ready, add the noodles and stir to coat them. You can add peanuts, cilantro, or green onion to the dish. You can also mix in soy sauce, brown sugar, and white pepper to enhance the taste of the noodles.
Then, you can cook the noodles for 3 to 5 minutes. You can also use a sauce like Sriracha to add flavor to your dish. You can add broth, such as low-sodium chicken broth, to the noodles. This will add flavor and help thicken the sauce. You can even substitute a low-sodium broth for cooking wine.
To add more flavor to your linguine, you can try using soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. You can also mix in some green onion, peanuts, or carrots. These sauces can be combined with other ingredients for a more diverse recipe. You can also use a light soy sauce instead of dark soy. It won’t stain the noodles like darker soy and will still taste great.
When you’re preparing linguine for Asian noodles, you can use a wide variety of different noodles. There are lengthy, thin, and flat noodle varieties. You can also find spaghetti-style noodles. Some of these noodles are made from tofu, which provides a chewy, protein-rich texture. You can buy these noodles in an Asian market or prepare them with baking soda water.
