If we say that the Chinese invented everything, it may seem like an exaggeration, but in the case of noodles at least, history supports them. Welcome dear followers and followers to a Chinese invention as its name indicates: chinese noodles.
Versatile and profitable, the Noodles They are ideal for combining with a large number of ingredients and creating different dishes with different consistencies. With meat, chicken, seafood or vegetables, soup type, stews, fried, etc. Surely you are wondering if we are talking about noodles and the answer is yes.
About Chinese noodles
The recipe that we are going to see today is that of wok noodles with vegetables. If you have already learned with us how to correctly and easily do the vegetable wok You are already halfway there so the recipe will turn out flawless the first time. If you are new to the wok, don’t worry, we are going to give you the necessary tips.
The oldest noodles in the world
Chinese noodles have a long history dating back thousands of years in ancient China.. Chinese noodles are believed to have been invented during the Han Dynasty, which ruled from 206 BC to AD 220. However, some researchers suggest that they could have been around even earlier.
Chinese noodles quickly spread throughout China and became a staple in their diet. Over the centuries, different varieties of noodles were developed in different regions of China, each with its own style and technique of preparation.
its symbology
Chinese noodles are often associated with longevity and are considered a symbol of good fortune in Chinese culture.. Long, uncut noodles are served on special occasions such as Chinese New Year, and eating them is believed to represent a long and prosperous life.
What are Chinese noodles and how are they made?
Chinese noodles or noodles are a popular form of pasta made from wheat flour, rice, sweet potato, buckwheat, or other similar ingredients. They can have different shapes, sizes and textures, depending on the variety and the method of preparation.
Types of Chinese noodles
There are more popular types of Chinese noodles such as those listed below, but there are many other regional varieties and local specialties. Each type of noodle has its own characteristics and is used in different culinary preparations, from stir-fries and soups to steamed dishes.
- wheat noodles: They are the most popular Chinese noodles and are made with wheat flour. They come in different sizes and can be as thin as angel hair or thicker, like wheat soup noodles.
- Rice noodles: These noodles are made with rice flour and are very common in the cuisine of southern China and other countries in Southeast Asia. They are translucent and have a soft and elastic texture.
- egg noodles: These noodles are made with wheat flour and eggs, which gives them a pale yellow color and a richer flavor. They are common in dishes like chow my.
- sweet potato noodles: They are made with sweet potato flour and have a slightly purple color. They have a smooth texture and distinctive flavor. They are popular in the cuisine of the Shaanxi province of China.
- buckwheat noodles: These noodles, also known as soba, are made with buckwheat flour and originate in Japanese cuisine. However, they are also consumed in some regions of China, especially in the north.
- mung beans: They are transparent and gelatinous noodles made with mung flour (mung bean). They are common in Southeast Asian cooking and are also used in some Chinese dishes.
Are Chinese noodles healthy?
Chinese noodles are a source of carbohydrates and provide energy. However, how healthy they are can vary depending on the type of noodle and the ingredients used in its preparation. Whole wheat noodles may be a healthier option due to their fiber content, while refined noodles may have less nutritional value.
Chinese noodles can be relatively low in calories, especially if they are made into lean protein and vegetable based dishes. However, this can vary if high-fat sauces are added or the noodles are fried, which would increase the caloric content.
One of the recipes with the highest caloric and fat content in itself is that of fried noodles. The fried chinese noodles They are a popular preparation in Chinese cuisine and while they can be tasty and satisfying, it is important to eat them in moderation due to their caloric and fat content. This is because the typical preparation of Chinese fried noodles involves frying them in hot oil until crisp. Often vegetables, meat, seafood, or tofu are added, as well as sauces and seasonings to flavor the dish.
Chinese noodle wok recipe with vegetables
Chinese noodles are used in a wide variety of iconic dishes in Chinese cuisine. Some famous examples include the chow my (stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat), the lo my (noodles mixed with meat and sauce) and the dim sum (steamed wrapped noodles).
In this case, the recipe that we are going to see is the typical one for chow mein. The word “Chow Mein” in Chinese literally means “stir-fried noodles”. We suggest making it in a wok but it can also be done in a large skillet and remember that you can save this recipe as a base and use it by varying the ingredients.
- Yield: 4 portions
- Preparation time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 200 gr of Chinese noodles
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 green onion, julienned
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: white sesame seeds to decorate
How to make Chinese noodles with vegetables step by step
- Boil a large pot with water. When it is boiling put the Chinese noodles for 3 minutes. Drain and reserve.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a few seconds. Then add the chicken strips and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove everything from the wok and reserve.
- In the same wok, add the mushrooms and sauté for a few minutes until they are tender and have released their juices. Add the carrot, red and green bell peppers, and green onion. Sauté for a few minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Add the cooked noodles and reserved chicken to the wok. Mix everything well.
- In a separate bowl, mix the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using it). Pour the mixture over the noodles and vegetables in the wok.
- Cook everything together for a couple more minutes, stirring constantly, until the noodles are heated through and the flavors blend.
- Taste and rectify the flavors if necessary. Remove from the fire and serve. Sprinkle white sesame seeds on top for decoration.
Source: www.paulinacocina.net
