Description
Culinary magic happens when sweet and sour noodles blend Chinese-inspired flavors into a delightful dance of taste. Rich umami and tangy notes create a perfect harmony that satisfies cravings and brings comfort to your dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) lo mein, rice noodles, or spaghetti
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking and Finishing Oils:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for finishing)
Instructions
- Submerge the noodles in rapidly boiling water, monitoring the cooking time precisely according to the package guidelines to achieve the perfect al dente texture.
- Immediately transfer the noodles to a colander, rinse thoroughly with cold water to halt the cooking process, and set aside to drain completely.
- Warm a spacious skillet or traditional wok, drizzling a thin layer of vegetable oil across the surface over moderate heat.
- Introduce minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the heated oil, agitating quickly to release their aromatic essences without allowing them to brown.
- Slide vibrant bell peppers and julienned carrots into the fragrant oil, sautéing swiftly to maintain their crisp structure and bright colors.
- Whisk together a harmonious blend of umami-rich soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, golden honey, robust tomato paste, and a whisper of red pepper flakes in a separate mixing vessel.
- Pour the prepared sauce into the vegetable-laden pan, allowing the ingredients to become acquainted through gentle heat.
- Add the previously prepared noodles to the mixture, using tongs or chopsticks to ensure each strand becomes luxuriously coated with the sweet and sour sauce.
- Continue tossing and stirring until the noodles are thoroughly heated and glistening with the sauce, creating a cohesive and appetizing dish.
Notes
- Customize noodle texture by cooking slightly less than package instructions for a firmer bite.
- Consider using whole wheat or gluten-free noodles to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of sesame oil at the end for extra nutty complexity.
- Prep vegetables in uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg