Thai Rice Noodles: A Quick and Delicious Asian Delight
If your culinary inclinations lean toward the vibrant and aromatic world of Asian cuisine, then this Thai Rice Noodles recipe is sure to pique your interest. Don’t be misled by the array of ingredients; this dish is deceptively simple to prepare, yet bursting with flavor and texture that will leave you craving more. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, it beautifully captures the essence of Thai flavors with every delightful bite.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Category | Asian |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Review Count | 1 |
| Calories | 364.7 per serving |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 364.7 |
| Total Fat | 19.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 93 mg |
| Sodium | 650.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 39.8 g |
| Fiber | 2.1 g |
| Sugars | 4.5 g |
| Protein | 8.5 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | cloves of garlic, minced |
| 1/4 | pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined |
| 2-3 | tablespoons sugar |
| 3 | tablespoons fish sauce |
| 3 | tablespoons soy sauce |
| 1 | tablespoon hot chili sauce |
| 1 | egg, beaten |
| 1 | tablespoon tamarind paste |
| 2 | cups bean sprouts |
| 2 | scallions, sliced |
| 2 | tablespoons salted peanuts, chopped |
| 1/4 | cup unsalted peanuts, chopped |
| 1 | green onion, sliced |
Instructions
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Soak the Noodles: Begin by soaking the rice noodles in a large bowl of hot water for about 20 minutes, or until they become soft and pliable. Once ready, drain them thoroughly and set aside. This crucial step allows the noodles to absorb moisture and ensures they cook evenly later on.
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Heat the Oil: In a wok or a large skillet, heat a generous splash of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, it’s time to add your minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it turns golden and fragrant, taking care not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish.
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Cook the Proteins: Add the raw shrimp to the wok, along with the ground pork if you’re using it. Stir-fry these proteins for a few minutes until they are lightly browned and fully cooked. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque, indicating they are ready to be incorporated into the dish.
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Add the Flavorings: Sprinkle in the sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, and hot chili sauce. Stir everything together, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely into the mixture, creating a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors that will coat the noodles beautifully.
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Incorporate the Eggs: Next, pour in the beaten egg, letting it set slightly on the surface of the hot mixture before gently stirring it in to scramble. This adds a lovely richness and depth to the overall flavor profile of your dish.
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Combine with Noodles: Introduce the softened rice noodles into the wok, using your spatula to carefully toss and stir-fry everything together for about two minutes. You want the noodles to absorb the flavorful sauce and heat through without becoming mushy.
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Tamarind Time: Push the noodles to one side of the wok and pour the tamarind paste into the open space. Allow it to cook for about one minute, stirring it in so that it mingles with the noodles and infuses them with its tangy flavor.
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Add Fresh Ingredients: Toss in the bean sprouts and sliced scallions, stirring them into the mixture until the bean sprouts are just slightly cooked, which should take no longer than one minute. This step keeps them crisp and adds a delightful crunch to your dish.
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Final Mixing: Bring all the ingredients back to the center of the wok, stirring everything together until well combined. The goal is to ensure that the noodles, vegetables, and proteins are evenly distributed, creating a colorful and appetizing presentation.
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Garnish and Serve: To finish, sprinkle the dish with the chopped salted peanuts and sliced green onions just before serving. This not only adds a burst of flavor but also gives your Thai Rice Noodles a pleasing crunch and a pop of color that’s sure to impress.
Conclusion
This Thai Rice Noodles recipe stands as a testament to the beauty of Asian cuisine—simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or an impressive dish to share with friends, the combination of shrimp, fresh vegetables, and savory sauces creates a delightful culinary experience. Enjoy the burst of flavors, and don’t hesitate to make this dish a regular feature in your kitchen repertoire!
Feel free to tweak the ingredients or spice levels to suit your taste. Happy cooking!
