Cook this delicious vegetarian Shanghai noodles
Shanghai noodles, a staple in Chinese cuisine, have gained worldwide popularity for their rich flavors and versatility. Originating from the vibrant city of Shanghai, this dish has seen numerous adaptations to suit various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and eggless versions. It is celebrated for its simplicity and the comfort it provides. Let's get cooking and bring a taste of Shanghai into your kitchen.
Gather the following ingredients
To make vegetarian Shanghai noodles, gather 200g thick wheat noodles, one tablespoon vegetable oil, two minced garlic cloves, one julienned medium carrot, one sliced bell pepper, 100g sliced shiitake mushrooms, two chopped spring onions, two tablespoons soy sauce, one tablespoon dark soy sauce, one teaspoon sugar, and salt to taste. These ingredients ensure a delicious and accessible dish.
Preparing the noodles
Begin by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions until they are just tender. It's crucial not to overcook them as they will be stir-fried later on. Once cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process immediately. This ensures that your noodles remain firm and don't turn mushy when added to the stir-fry.
Stir-frying vegetables
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and saute until fragrant but not browned. Then add julienned carrots and sliced bell peppers into the pan. Stir-fry these vegetables for about two minutes before adding sliced shiitake mushrooms. Continue stir-frying until all vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
Combining ingredients
Add the cooked noodles into the pan with vegetables along with chopped spring onions. Pour in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and salt according to taste while stirring continuously to ensure that everything is evenly coated with sauces and well combined. The dark soy sauce gives your dish that authentic Shanghai noodle color while adding a rich flavor.
Final touches
Stir-fry everything together for another two minutes to let the flavors meld perfectly, ensuring not to overcook any ingredient, which would compromise their textures or colors. At this point, taste your creation and adjust the seasoning if necessary before turning off the heat. This careful balance is key to preserving the dish's authentic taste and vibrant appearance.
