Instant noodles are a versatile and beloved comfort food, but they often get a bad rap for being too simple or unhealthy. With the right technique and a few additional ingredients, you can transform instant noodles into a delicious, restaurant-quality dish. This recipe will show you how to prepare perfectly crispy fried instant noodles without scalding them with boiling water or cooking them directly in the pot. By following this method, you’ll achieve noodles that are tender yet firm, combined with flavorful vegetables and savory pork. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
For the Noodles:
- 2 packs instant noodles
- 1 tbsp salt (for soaking)
For the Vegetables:
- 1/2 cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 carrot, shredded
- 5-6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 piece ginger, minced
- 2-3 millet peppers, chopped (optional)
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 1 cup soybean sprouts
For the Pork:
- 100g fatty pork, cut into thin strips
For the Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp chicken essence
- 1 tsp pepper
- Cooking oil
Directions:
Prepare the Instant Noodles:
- Soak the Noodles: Place two packs of instant noodles in a large bowl. Add 1 tbsp of salt and fill the bowl with cold water. Let the noodles soak in cold water. Do not use warm or boiling water, as it will make the noodles too soft and they won’t hold up during frying. Let them soak while you prepare the other ingredients.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Shred and Mince: Shred the cabbage and carrot as finely as possible. Mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the millet peppers (if using).
- Clean the Sprouts: Wash the soybean sprouts in a large bowl of water with a teaspoon of salt to clean them thoroughly. Soak for about 15 minutes, then drain.
Prepare the Fatty Pork:
- Cut and Season: Cut the fatty pork into thin slices, then into strips. Set aside.
Season the Noodles:
- Drain and Season: Once the noodles have soaked, drain them and place them in a bowl. Add 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, and a small amount of pepper. Mix well to coat the noodles evenly.
Fry the Ingredients:
- Render Pork Fat: Heat a small amount of cooking oil in a pan over low heat. Add the fatty pork and fry until the fat renders and the pork turns brown and crispy.
- Add Aromatics: Increase the heat to high and add the minced garlic, ginger, and millet peppers. Stir-fry until fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the shredded carrots and stir-fry until they start to soften. Then add the cabbage and soybean sprouts. Continue to stir-fry on high heat until all the vegetables are cooked and softened.
Fry the Noodles:
- Add Noodles to Pan: Add the seasoned noodles to the pan. Use chopsticks or tongs to spread them out evenly in the pan.
- Stir-Fry Together: Stir-fry on high heat, mixing the noodles with the vegetables and pork.
- Final Seasoning: Add 1 tsp chicken essence, 1 tsp salt, and a small amount of pepper. Continue to stir-fry until all ingredients are well combined and the noodles are cooked through.
Finish with Green Onions:
- Add Green Onions: Add the chopped green onions and stir-fry quickly until everything is evenly mixed and the green onions are fragrant.
Serve:
- Plate and Enjoy: Transfer the fried noodles to a plate and serve hot. Enjoy this delicious and perfectly crispy fried instant noodles dish!
Tips and Sharing:
- Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy for more variety and nutrition.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to balance the flavors.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan to maintain the crispy texture.
- Customization: Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer millet peppers according to your preference.
- Batch Cooking: This recipe can be doubled if you’re cooking for a larger group or want to have leftovers for the next day.
Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe works because it uses a unique method of soaking the instant noodles in cold water with salt, which prevents them from becoming too soft during frying. The combination of crispy pork, aromatic garlic and ginger, and fresh vegetables creates a well-balanced and flavorful dish. The seasoning and frying techniques ensure that each component is perfectly cooked and seasoned, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal that’s far beyond ordinary instant noodles.
Conclusion
Fried instant noodles don’t have to be boring or unhealthy. With this recipe, you can elevate a simple pack of noodles into a gourmet dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The method of soaking the noodles in cold water ensures they retain their texture during frying, while the addition of fresh vegetables, pork, and flavorful seasonings creates a dish that’s both tasty and nutritious. Try this trick and transform your instant noodles into a spectacular meal that everyone will love.
Enjoy your perfectly crispy fried instant noodles!