Stir-fried Rice Noodles

Directions

  1. 1Do not boil rice noodles; soak them in water for about 15 to 20 minutes, then drain.
  2. 2Remove the core from the savoy cabbage and thinly slice it.
  3. 3Cut the red bell pepper in half, remove seeds and white pith, and thinly slice it.
  4. 4Mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine or white distilled vinegar, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic cloves, and fish sauce to create the special sauce.
  5. 5Heat a little oil in a sauté pan or wok over high heat.
  6. 6Add the sliced cabbage and bell pepper to the pan and stir-fry until they have some color but still retain some texture.
  7. 7Add the soaked and drained noodles to the pan and stir-fry for about a minute until they get a little color.
  8. 8Add green onion, thin sliced jalapeño (or other chili, or no chilies), the special sauce, and a squirt of lime.
  9. 9Continue to stir-fry; the noodles will absorb the liquid from the sauce.
  10. 10If the noodles are not quite cooked, add a little splash of water.
  11. 11Garnish with chopped peanuts, more green onion, shrimp, cooked chicken, or any other desired toppings.

Ingredients

  • rice noodles
  • savoy cabbage, thinly sliced
  • red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • soy sauce
  • sesame oil
  • rice wine or white distilled vinegar
  • fresh ginger, grated
  • 4 to 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • fish sauce
  • oil
  • green onion
  • jalapeño, thin sliced
  • chili
  • 1 squirt lime
  • water
  • peanuts, chopped
  • shrimp
  • cooked chicken

Equipment

knifesauté panwok

Tips

  • Never boil rice noodles; soak them in water instead.
  • Fish sauce smells terrible but tastes awesome, and is a key ingredient in dishes like Pad Thai.
  • The smoother the skin, the juicier the lime.