Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal? Look no further than this recipe for stir-fried vermicelli noodles! This dish is incredibly versatile, easily adaptable to your favorite ingredients and spice levels, and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch. The delicate rice vermicelli noodles soak up the delicious sauce beautifully, creating a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite. Imagine perfectly cooked noodles coated in a fragrant sauce, mingling with vibrant vegetables and your choice of protein.
This simple yet impressive dish requires minimal ingredients and even less cleanup. From perfectly prepping your noodles to mastering the art of the quick stir-fry, we'll guide you through each step. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Wok or non-stick pan
- Chopsticks
- Spatula
- Scissors
Ingredients
- Vermicelli noodles (rice and water)
- Chinese Bok Choy
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Bell pepper
- White onion
- Pork belly (or chicken)
- Eggs
- Salt
- Cooking alcohol
- Soy sauce
- Sake
- White pepper
- Fish sauce
- Cooking oil: 2 spoonfuls
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Noodles and Ingredients
- Boil a pot of water until it comes to a boil. Add the vermicelli noodles and cook until al dente, using the chopstick test to ensure they are not too soft. Quickly drain the noodles and cover with a lid to continue cooking with residual heat. Do not rinse with cold water.
- Cut up the vegetables (bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, bell pepper, white onion) and protein (pork belly or chicken) into small slices.
- Season the eggs with salt and a little cooking alcohol, then beat them lightly.
Step 2. Stir-fry Proteins and Vegetables
- Heat 2 spoonfuls of oil in a wok or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and cook until tender, ensuring the oil is hot enough to create bubbles immediately. Remove from heat.
- Add the pork belly (or chicken) to the pan and cook until some of the oil renders out. Then add the white onions and red bell pepper, cooking until softened.
- Add the stem parts of the bok choy and cook until softened. Then add the mushrooms and finally the bok choy leaves, letting them wilt slightly.
- Season the vegetables with salt, white pepper, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sake. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3. Combine and Season Noodles
- Add the cooked vermicelli noodles to the pan. Use chopsticks and a spatula to gently break them apart and incorporate them with the other ingredients. Ensure the noodles are dry to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Finish with a little more soy sauce for extra flavor.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- The key to perfectly cooked vermicelli is to avoid overcooking and rinsing with cold water.
- To achieve tender scrambled eggs, use very hot oil and add the eggs quickly.
- Make sure the noodles are dry before adding them to the stir-fry to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of noodles?
Yes! While vermicelli is traditional, you can substitute with other thin noodles like angel hair pasta or even thin rice noodles. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. What kind of protein can I add?
This recipe is very adaptable! Add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, beef, or even pork. Just make sure it's pre-cooked and ready to be added during the stir-fry.
3. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Rinse the cooked vermicelli noodles under cold water before adding them to the stir-fry. This helps separate the strands and prevents clumping. Also, ensure your wok or pan is hot before adding the noodles.
This simple stir-fried vermicelli noodle recipe is a delicious and versatile weeknight meal solution. With its quick preparation time and adaptable ingredient list, it's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the satisfying flavors and the ease of creating this flavorful dish!