Introduction
This delicious stir-fry combines the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables with the satisfying texture of brown rice noodles. Enhanced by a rich sauce and topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs, this dish not only pleases the palate but is also visually appealing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s easy to whip up and can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary preferences.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 4 ounces brown rice noodles
– 1 zucchini
– 1 red bell pepper
– ½ yellow onion
– 2 carrots
– 2 tablespoons oil
– 1 egg, beaten
– ½ cup peanuts, chopped
– ½ cup fresh herbs (such as cilantro, green onions, and basil), chopped
For the Sauce:
– 3 tablespoons fish sauce or vegan fish sauce substitute
– 3 tablespoons brown sugar (or another sweetener)
– 3 tablespoons chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons white vinegar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon chili paste (sambal oelek)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 2-3
Feel free to enjoy this colorful and nutritious stir-fry as a main course or as a side dish. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste, and you can easily make it vegetarian or vegan by substituting the egg and fish sauce. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Noodles
Place the uncooked brown rice noodles in a bowl of cold water to soak. Let them soak for about 20-30 minutes or until they become soft.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Spiralize the zucchini, red bell pepper, and onion into noodle-like shapes using a spiralizer. If you don’t have a spiralizer, simply cut the vegetables into thin strips. Cut the carrots into very small pieces or spiralize them if they are large enough.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a jar, combine the fish sauce (or vegan substitute), brown sugar (or another sweetener), chicken or vegetable broth, white vinegar, soy sauce, and chili paste. Shake well until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
Step 4: Stir-fry the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the prepared vegetables to the pan and stir-fry with tongs for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook, as you want them to maintain their texture. Transfer the vegetables to a dish and set aside.
Step 5: Stir-fry the Noodles
Add another tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Drain the soaked noodles, which should now be softened, and add them to the hot pan. Stir-fry the noodles for about one minute, using tongs to toss them gently.
Step 6: Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and stir-fry for another minute or two until the sauce starts to thicken and adheres to the noodles.
Step 7: Cook the Egg
Push the noodles to one side of the pan to create a small space. Pour the beaten egg into this space and let it sit for about 30 seconds. Then, toss everything together with the tongs; the egg will coat the noodles, making them sticky.
Step 8: Combine Everything
Add the stir-fried vegetables back into the pan, toss everything together, and then remove the pan from heat.
Step 9: Add Final Touches
Stir in the chopped peanuts and fresh herbs. Serve the dish immediately while it’s warm.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to substitute the brown rice noodles with any other type of noodle you prefer, such as wheat noodles or rice vermicelli.
Vegetable Variations
You can use other vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bean sprouts based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Adjusting Flavor
Taste the sauce before adding it to the noodles. You can adjust the sweetener, acidity, or spice level according to your preference.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in a pan or microwave.
Cook techniques
Soaking Noodles
Soak brown rice noodles in cold water until they soften. This step ensures that the noodles cook evenly during the stir-frying process.
Spiralizing Vegetables
Use a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler to create noodle-like shapes from zucchini, red bell pepper, and onion. This technique adds visual appeal and makes the vegetables easy to incorporate into the dish.
Chopping Carrots
Cut the carrots into very small pieces or spiralize them if they are large enough. Smaller pieces will cook more quickly and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Making the Sauce
Combine all sauce ingredients in a jar and shake well until fully mixed. This technique ensures an even distribution of flavors when added to the stir-fry.
Stir-Frying Vegetables
Heat oil over medium-high heat and stir-fry the vegetables for 2-3 minutes. This method retains the crunchiness of the vegetables while cooking them to a tender-crisp texture.
Cooking Noodles in the Pan
Drain the soaked noodles and add them to the hot pan with oil. Stir-fry for about a minute, using tongs to toss them for even cooking.
Thickening the Sauce
After adding the sauce to the noodles, stir-fry for another minute or two. This technique allows the sauce to thicken and adhere to the noodles, enhancing the overall flavor.
Using the Space for Eggs
Create a small space in the pan for the beaten egg. Let it sit for 30 seconds before tossing; this allows the egg to coat the noodles and contribute to a sticky texture.
Tossing Ingredients Together
After adding the cooked vegetables back into the pan, toss everything together to combine flavors. This technique ensures a cohesive mix of ingredients.
Finishing with Peanuts and Herbs
At the end, stir in chopped peanuts and fresh herbs. This final addition adds crunch, freshness, and brightness to the dish.
FAQ
Can I use other types of noodles instead of brown rice noodles?
Yes, other noodles like whole wheat, rice vermicelli, or even gluten-free options can be used as alternatives.
What vegetables can I substitute if I don’t have zucchini or bell peppers?
You can use other stir-fry friendly vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms as substitutes.
Is there a vegan option for the fish sauce?
Yes, you can use a vegan fish sauce substitute or simply use soy sauce as an alternative.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of chili paste or add fresh chili peppers to enhance the spiciness.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
Can I add protein to the dish?
Yes, feel free to add protein such as tofu, chicken, or shrimp to make it more filling. Cook the protein separately before adding it to the dish.
Conclusion
This vibrant brown rice noodle dish combines a delightful mix of vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful sauce, creating a nourishing meal perfect for any occasion. The addition of peanuts adds a crunch, while the herbs enhance its freshness. Enjoy this dish warm, and feel free to customize it according to your taste preferences.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Buddha Bowl
Combine cooked brown rice, spinach, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and avocado, topped with tahini dressing for a nutritious bowl.
Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry
Use firm tofu cubed and stir-fried with mixed vegetables and a spicy garlic sauce for an easy and satisfying meal.
Coconut Curry Noodles
Replace the sauce with coconut milk, curry paste, and a splash of lime juice for a creamy, aromatic dish.
Quinoa Salad with Citrus Dressing
Mix quinoa with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and a citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
Rice Paper Rolls
Utilize similar ingredients wrapped in rice paper sheets with a dipping sauce for a lighter, hand-held option.
