Chinese Southern Belle

Ni Hao Y'all

Spicy Sweet & Sour Beanthread Noodle Salad

noodles, cellophane or glass

Learn More about the past of the Spicy Sweet & Sour Beanthread Noodle Salad!

Noodles have been a staple food in many parts of the world for at least 2,000 years. Interestingly, a 4,000 year-old bowl of noodles was unearthed in northwestern China. This bowl of noodles was made from two kinds of millet, cultivated 7,000 years ago! Therefore, China claims the earliest historical account of noodles. Although, Wheat flour and some noodle technology came from the Middle East. Later, Italy popularized pasta to the rest of the world.

The main distinction between Asian noodles and European pasta is the source ingredient. Therefore, Asian noodles may be made from flour, rice, millet, mung bean, buckwheat, even sweet potato! In China and other Asian countries, noodles symbolize longevity. My mom often serves me noodles on my birthday! Which makes Spicy Sweet & Sour Beanthread Noodle Salad a great dish for family meals.

Mung bean “bean thread” noodles a.k.a. cellophane, glass noodles are a refreshing, light way to enjoy noodles, and GLUTEN-FREE! Enjoy this Asian home chef recipe for Spicy Sweet & Sour Cellophane Noodle Salad which is vegetarian-friendly, low fat, gluten free. Sweet Potato noodles can also be used. They are slightly thicker and chewier to the bite. Good hot or cold.

Twirl and slurp your way to happiness and long life!

Prep Time:

30 min

Cook Time:

10 min

Feeds:

2-3

Ingredients:

2 small bundles bean thread or "cellophane" noodles –4 oz. long pink package, small, dried white bundles
1 c sliced green onions
1 c julienne-cut carrots, 1 c red pepper thin slices, 1 c fresh spinach or chard leaves, shredded
1 T sesame seeds

*Sauce:
3 T orange or peach preserves
3 T seasoned rice vinegar
2 T fresh garlic cloves, minced
1 T fresh ginger zest
1 T Asian-style roasted sesame oil
1 T tomato paste
1/2 t paprika
1/2 t Asian hot chili paste or cayenne pepper

1/4 cup water
2 T sesame oil
2 T soy sauce
Extra hot sauce
Salt to taste

*Saucy Shortcut: 1/2 cup Chinese Southern Belle's MY SWEET HOTTIE (MILD) peach ginger dressing substitutes for first 8 sauce ingredients and reduced prep time 10 min.

Instructions:

Prep noodles: pour boiling water over noodles in large bowl; let stand 15 minutes or until chewy tender. While waiting, mix sauce ingredients in small bowl. Drain and rinse noodles with cold water. Drain again.

Heat sesame oil in large skillet or wok, on medium. Add garlic, green onion, stir fry 30 sec, sizzling but not burned. Add vegetables and stir fry another minute, until vegetables are bright colored and greens slightly wilted. Add noodles and sauce. Toss until everything is mixed together, evenly coated with sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds, scallions, cilantro, and serve. Delicious hot or cold!