Certainly! Let’s delve into the details of the Oriental Noodle Salad recipe. This delightful dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with vibrant flavors, making it perfect for large gatherings or a weeknight dinner.
Recipe Overview
Name: Oriental Noodle Salad
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Description: Make and share this Oriental Noodle Salad recipe from lovewithrecipes.com.
Category: Vegetable
Keywords: Asian, Kosher, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups
Ingredients and Quantities
- Orzo Pasta: 1 cup
- Scallions (Green Onions): 3, finely chopped
- Green Pepper: 1, diced
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 tablespoon
- Tabasco Sauce: 1/2 teaspoon
- Oil: 2 tablespoons (for frying)
- Optional Additional Ingredients:
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 – 1/3 cup (for adjusting seasoning)
- Additional Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (if needed before serving)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 41.6 kcal
- Fat Content: 1.8 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.2 g
- Cholesterol Content: 0 mg
- Sodium Content: 254.7 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 6.1 g
- Fiber Content: 0.6 g
- Sugar Content: 4.1 g
- Protein Content: 0.9 g
Yield and Servings
- Recipe Servings: 16
- Recipe Yield: Approximately 16 servings (depending on portion size)
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Heat Oil in a Frying Pan:
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. The oil helps in sautéing the vegetables, adding a subtle richness to the dish. -
Add Vegetables and Sauté:
Add the finely chopped scallions, diced green pepper, and minced garlic to the frying pan. Sauté the vegetables for about 3-5 minutes, or until they start to get tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. -
Mix in Seasonings:
Once the vegetables are tender, add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor, the brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness, and the Tabasco sauce provides a slight kick. -
Combine with Orzo Pasta:
Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the vegetable and sauce mixture over the cooked orzo. Mix thoroughly to ensure the orzo absorbs all the flavors. -
Serve Warm or Cold:
This salad can be served either warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion. For best results, place the salad in a Tupperware container and shake it up a few times before serving. This helps the noodles to absorb more of the flavors. -
Adjust Seasoning if Needed:
If the salad looks dry when you’re ready to serve, add a few shakes of soy sauce to moisten it up.
Serving Suggestions
This Oriental Noodle Salad pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:
- Grilled Chicken or Tofu: The salad’s flavors complement the smoky taste of grilled chicken or tofu.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside a medley of steamed vegetables for a healthy and balanced meal.
- Spring Rolls: Add some crunch by serving with crispy spring rolls on the side.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as julienned carrots, snap peas, or shredded cabbage to enhance the salad’s texture and flavor.
- Protein Addition: For a more filling meal, consider adding cooked shrimp, shredded chicken, or tofu to the salad.
- Noodle Options: While orzo pasta is used in this recipe, you can substitute it with other types of noodles such as rice noodles, soba noodles, or even spaghetti.
Health and Nutritional Benefits
This Oriental Noodle Salad is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits:
- Low in Calories: With only 41.6 calories per serving, this salad is a light and healthy option.
- Low in Fat: The salad contains a modest amount of fat, primarily from the oil used for frying, making it suitable for a low-fat diet.
- Rich in Fiber: The vegetables in the salad contribute to its fiber content, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
- Vegan-Friendly: By using vegetable-based ingredients and avoiding animal products, this salad is suitable for vegan diets.
Conclusion
The Oriental Noodle Salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its quick preparation time and the ability to serve it warm or cold make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or large gatherings. The combination of tender vegetables, savory soy sauce, and the slight kick from Tabasco sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds satisfied. Enjoy this salad as a side dish or as a light main course, and feel free to get creative with additional ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
