Authentic Asian noodles can be found at many local markets and grocery stores. Some common types include Dan dan, Somen, Udon, and Mi xian. Each one of these foods is delicious and has its distinct flavor.
Authentic Pad See Ew
Authentic Pad See Ew wide Asian noodles are popular street food in Thailand. This stir-fried noodle dish contains flat rice noodles, scrambled eggs, and soy sauce. It is a quick and easy recipe that can be prepared with just a few ingredients.
The critical ingredient is dark soy sauce. This will give your noodles a nice balance of sweet and savory. Finding this type of sauce in North America can be challenging, but you can find a similar product in Malaysia.
To make Pad See Ew noodles, start with fresh wide rice noodles. You can also use dried noodles, but they absorb less sauce than fresh noodles. You will need to soak them for about an hour before stir-frying them. If you don’t have a wok, you can cook the noodles in a microwave oven.
Next, prepare your vegetables. You can use gailan (green leafy vegetable), Chinese broccoli, or pak kana. All of these are almost identical to each other. You can use baby spinach or finely chopped broccoli florets if you don’t have any.
You will need a few other ingredients to complete the recipe. You can also substitute chicken for beef. You will need a soy sauce, dark and light. You will also need to add garlic.
Dan dan
Initially, Dan dan noodles were street foods in Sichuan. The word comes from a bamboo pole, usually used by hawkers to carry ingredients. These noodles were served with a spicy sauce.
Dan Dan noodles are typically made with thin wheat noodles. The sauce is layered over the noodles, containing a combination of soy sauce, Chinese wine, chilis, pickled vegetables, and ground pork. It’s not uncommon to find a numbing, eye-watering spice in this dish.
The key to achieving savory flavors is balance. For example, if you want to serve a meaty portion of noodles, you can replace the minced meat with king oyster mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms. You can also use rice wine instead of soy sauce to fry the meat. If you’re using beef, you can skip cooking sherry.
You can also use homemade chili oil. This ingredient can be used in many different dishes. It is an excellent alternative to store-bought chili oil, which is often overly flavored. You can make a jar of this super aromatic, flavorful sauce and keep it in a separate place for easy access. It’s also beneficial in many Sichuan dishes.
You can add toasted peanuts if you want a nutty taste to your noodles. You will need about 1/2 cup of unsalted raw peanuts. You should ensure the peanuts are dry, golden in spots, and hot when you roast them.
Udon
Whether you’re looking for a noodle to add to soup or stir fry, there’s a noodle for you. There’s no shortage of varieties, from thick ramen noodles to thin egg noodles. Choosing the right noodle for your dish is essential.
To get the best flavor, look for a noodle with a solid earthy base. Often called buckwheat noodles, these noodles have a chewy texture and are high in protein.
You can also find steamed chow fun noodles, which are silky smooth. These noodles are often found at dim sum restaurants. Alternatively, you can purchase dried noodles. Regardless of your choice, remember to cook the noodle before adding them to your dish.
You can also try egg noodles, which are similar to spaghetti in shape. These are light brown and usually served with a dipping sauce. They’re 8-10 inches long and retain some bite after cooking.
Another famous Asian noodle is you tiao, also known as sen Yai. These noodles are 1/4 inch wide and are slightly chewy. They’re excellent in stir fries with thick sauces.
Try using ingredients like Chinese broccoli to get the most flavor out of your noodle. This cruciferous vegetable is known for its thick stalks and tender green leaves. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with finely chopped broccoli florets and baby spinach.
Mi xian
Among the Asian noodles, Mi Xian is a rice-based noodle with a spongy, soft texture. These noodles are commonly found in stir-fries and soups. They are also popular in Cantonese cooking. They are used in Wonton Noodle Soup, layered with wontons. They are also used in Chinese cuisine to make chow mein.
Mixin, which means “crossing the bridge,” is a famous rice noodle from the Yunnan province of China. It is usually served with broth. In some Yunnanese restaurants, it is eaten in a separate bowl with various condiments. It is filled with a spicy root called zhe’ergen. The broth is flavored with chrysanthemum flowers. It is also drizzled with sesame oil.
Ho Fun, or Shahe Fen, is another type of Chinese noodle. It is round and flat, making it suitable for stir-frying dishes. They are available in both dried and fresh forms. They are displayed in sheets and strips. The dried form is best for use in stir-fried dishes.
Gou tiao noodles, or lai fan, are round chubby noodles with a mild, slippery texture. They are great in stir-fries with solid flavors. They are also popular in Cantonese and East Coast Chinese cooking.
Somen
Some noodles can be an excellent option for cooling off during hot summer days. These thin and wispy noodles can be an accompaniment to other dishes. The white oval-shaped noodles can be topped with a tangy sauce or optional toppings. They can also be eaten with a warm turmeric-miso soup.
Somen noodles can be bought in most Asian markets. You can also order them online. Depending on the type you choose, they will come in different sizes. These noodles are usually sold in packages of serving-sized bunches.
Somen noodles are made of wheat flour and water. They are thin and delicate noodles usually served in hot or cold soups. They are often filled with a dipping sauce called tsuyu and are perfect for family meals. The thin strands are also delicious with marinated tofu or pickled cucumber.
Somen is also available in a dried form. You can buy these noodles in the international food aisle of large grocery stores. These noodles are typically packaged in sealed plastic bags. It is essential to follow the directions on the package to avoid sticking.
Somen is a popular summer tradition in Japan. During this season, restaurants serve some noodles on bamboo flumes. Patrons catch the noodles with chopsticks and dip them into the excellent broth. This makes it easy to maintain portion control.
Tofu
Adding tofu to wide Asian noodles is a great way to add protein and texture to your dish. Tofu has nine essential amino acids that are important for your health. It also contains iron, selenium, and magnesium. You can find tofu in a variety of different stores.
When you are making a stir fry with tofu, make sure to cook it separately from the noodles. This helps to ensure that it remains crispy and prevents it from crumbling. It is also a good idea to freeze leftover tofu for another recipe.
When ready for the tofu, you need to cut it into cubes. You can use a knife or a slotted spoon to remove the pieces.
Once you have cut the tofu, place it on a plate. You can also press the tofu with a heavy book or paper towel. After 30 minutes, the tofu will be ready to fry.
For your stir-fry, you will need to add a few ingredients to the wok. You can mix olive oil, canola oil, and sesame oil. To keep the noodles from sticking, you will need to toss the noodles with a bit of sesame oil before cooking.
Serving etiquette
Whether preparing a noodle dish at home or ordering it in a restaurant, you will need to know how to serve wide Asian noodles. The noodles are available in different shapes and sizes, and there are also differences in the texture of the noodles. You can fill your guests with a delicious meal with the right noodles. Here are some tips to help you decide which noodles to do.
There are three main types of Asian noodles. These are wheat noodles, rice noodles, and glass or cellophane noodles. While each of these varieties comes in various flavors, they all have a common characteristic: the noodle’s flat, wide surface. These noodles are used in stir-frying and soups. They can be served hot or cold and are perfect for quick, nutritious meals.
Another famous noodle is the egg noodle. This noodle has a meaty flavor and is about 8-10 inches long. It is usually served with dipping sauces. It’s also commonly cooked into a soup, served with a cold broth, or eaten by itself. They have a thin, light brown color and are typically shaped like spaghetti. It has a loose flour powder coating that must be removed before you can blanch it.
