NOODLES. Aren't they just... perfect? Versatile, delicious and quick to cook... what is there to not like?! A classic Chinese dish from the takeaway has to be the Chow Mein. Simple, effective and the perfect accompaniment to any meal. My version is simple, healthy, easy to make and a real crowd pleaser! Here we go...
You will notice that in this recipe, and a few of my other Chinese dishes, I like to use MSG (Monosodium Glutamate). MSG is a flavour enhancer, commonly used in Chinese dishes and in snacks all around the world. It adds a depth and an Umami taste to dishes, a similar effect to miso paste or seaweed. There is a stigma around it in many places and people are quite wary of using or eating it due to some bad press, and if you don't want to use it, that's absolutely fine! You can just use a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of miso paste instead. I personally really like using it in these types of dishes! used sparingly, there is absolutely nothing to be worried about!
If you would like to try it, you can purchase it at any Asian/Chinese supermarket at a great price, and it will last you a very long time!
Get these things ready: Pak Choi (or any leafy green), sliced mushrooms, 2 spring onions, 1 sliced red chilli, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp ginger powder, black pepper, sesame oil, fresh coriander leaf, dark soy sauce, 1/2 veggie stock cube, noodles of choice, MSG (optional)
In a pan, add 2 tsp sesame oil. On a medium heat, add the mushrooms, spring onion and chilli. Fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and fragrant.
2. Next, add 2 tbsp soy sauce, garlic and ginger powders. continue to cook on a medium heat for a further 2 minutes. The kitchen will smell AMAZING.
3. Add the pak choi (or greens of choice) and fresh coriander, along with around 200ml hot water. Crumble in 1/2 a veggie stock cube and stir to incorporate everything.
4. Taste the stock and add salt/ MSG (if using) and black pepper to taste. Add your dried noodle of choice. Cooking times will differ depending on what you choose to use, I have gone for a dried Udon noodle, that will take around 5-6 minutes to cook through and thicken the sauce. Keep them moving in the pan to prevent sticking. You can add a splash more water as needed to make sure the noodles cook through.
It's great to cook noodles in the stock, as they will absorb all the delicious flavours and help thicken up the sauce.
5. One the noodles are cooked through and your sauce has thickened, it's ready to serve! DONE. EAT. BE HAPPY. PEACE. <3
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