Craving a refreshing and flavorful salad that's ready in a flash? Look no further than this vibrant Chinese Glass Noodle Salad! This recipe delivers a delightful combination of textures and tastes, showcasing the delicate, translucent glass noodles alongside crisp vegetables and a zesty, savory dressing. It's the perfect light lunch, a satisfying side dish, or a healthy addition to your weeknight dinner routine. The quick preparation time makes it ideal for busy weeknights, while the customizable ingredients allow you to tailor it to your preferences.
This incredibly simple yet elegant salad is bursting with fresh flavors and requires minimal cooking. From the preparation of the ingredients to the final toss, you’ll find this recipe surprisingly easy to follow. To discover exactly how to create this delicious Chinese Glass Noodle Salad, let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Pot
- Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- Eggs
- Salt: a pinch
- Oil: 1 teaspoon
- Glass Noodles
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Soy Sauce
- Rice Vinegar (or other vinegar)
- Sugar
- Scallions
- Garlic
- Red Chili Peppers (optional)
- Chili Flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Crack eggs into a bowl, season with a pinch of salt.
- In a pan over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon of oil and half the egg mixture. Cook both sides until set (about 2 minutes). Repeat with remaining egg mixture. Slice the eggs into strips.
- In a pot of boiling water, blanch the glass noodles for 30 seconds. Remove and drain.
- Blanch the carrots for 20 seconds in the same pot. Remove and drain.
- Blanch the spinach for 10 seconds. Remove and drain.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar.
Step 2. Combine the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the glass noodles, spinach, carrots, eggs, scallions, garlic, red chili peppers (if using), and chili flakes (if using).
Step 3. Infuse with Flavor
- In a small pan over high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of oil until smoking hot. Pour the hot oil over the scallions, garlic, red peppers, and chili flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the salad and toss everything together.
Read more: Chinese Shredded Chicken Salad Recipe: Easy Sesame Chicken
Tips
- According to traditional Chinese medicine, spring is a great time to eat spinach, as it helps to clear, smooth, and nourish the liver.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 250-350
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbs: 40-50g
- Protein: 5-8g
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It's best to prepare the dressing separately and add it just before serving to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy. Store the noodles and vegetables separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
2. What can I substitute for the glass noodles?
While glass noodles provide the best texture, you can substitute with rice vermicelli or even thin spaghetti. Keep in mind that the cooking time and texture will differ slightly.
This quick and easy Chinese Glass Noodle Salad is a perfect example of how healthy and delicious can be effortlessly combined. Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful dish as a light meal, a vibrant side, or a satisfying snack anytime. Now that you've mastered this recipe, feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables and seasonings to create your own unique variations!