Best Orchids Tangy Cool Noodles Recipes

ORCHID'S TANGY COOL NOODLES

Steps:

• 1. Cook noodles in boiling water. Cook 2 to 3 minutes. Drain immediately in a colander and chill thoroughly under cold running water. Shake off excess water, then return the noodles to a clean dry bowl.
• 2. Blend the seasonings in a small bowl.
• 3. Pour the sauce evenly over the noodles, using a handful of noodles to wipe the bowl clean so you don't lose any of the sugar.
• 4. Toss gently with your hands to separate the noodles and distribute the sauce, then add the green onions and toss again to mix.
• 5. Notes: Remember that the chili will grow more pronounced within a few hours, so err on the cautious side if you are not eating the noodles immediately. For best flavor, cover and put aside for several hours at room temperature or store overnight in the refrigerator. Toss before eating to redistribute the seasonings. Garnish with green onion slices. These will last 4 to 5 days, sealed airtight and refrigerated. Flavor peaks in spiciness on the second day.

COOL NOODLES WITH VIETNAMESE GARNISHES

Steps:

• SAUCE:.
• In a mortar, with a pestle, pound the sea salt and garlic into a paste. Add the chiles and pound to a paste. Transfer the mixture to a small mixing bowl and set aside.
• In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, palm sugar, vinegar and fish sauce and cook, stirring , over medium low heat until the sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes.
• Cool, then add to the pounded paste, mix well and set aside.
• TURKEY:.
• In a 12 inch skillet, heat th eoil over high heat for 1-2 minutes or until very hot. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring to separate and crumble the meat, until evenly browned.
• Add the lemongrass, curry powder and sea salt, mix well, and cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes.
• Transfer to a serving bowl and cover until ready to serve.
• NOODLE NESTS:.
• In a 6 qt saucepan, bring 5 cups water to a boil. Drop the noodeles into the boiling water and stir to separate the strands. Let boil vigorously for 2 mintues.
• Drain and rinse with several changes of cold water. Then fill saucepan with water and return noodles to pan.
• With your middle or index finger, scoop up a 1 inch bundle of noodles. Squeeze out excess water with your other hand.
• Twist the noodles into a figure 8 bundle then fold over to make a circular nest and place on a large serving platter. Repeat with rest of noodles.
• TO SERVE:.
• Place a bowl of the chile sauce in the center of a large platter. Arrange the nests of noodles on one side and mounds of the bean sprouts, green beans, fennel and cilantro on the other.
• Set a bowl of the turkey topping nearby.
• Have each guest put 3 or 4 nests on his or her plate, top with a couple spoonfuls of turkey, as well as the vegetable garnishes, then drizzle several spoonfuls of the sauce over the noodles, separating an loosening he strands so the noodles absorb the sauce.

NOODLES WITH CRISPY CHILLI OIL EGGS

Steps:

• To make the chilli oil, tip the shallots, garlic, cinnamon stick, star anise and oil into a wide pan (a deep frying pan is good), then bring to a gentle sizzle. Cook for 15-20 mins over a low-medium heat, stirring now and again, until the shallots and garlic are crisp and golden brown. They will burn easily if the heat is too high, so watch the pan.
• Meanwhile, toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden, then tip into a bowl and set aside. Put the cumin seeds and Szechuan peppercorns in the pan and toast for 1-2 mins until aromatic. Tip into a pestle and mortar or spice grinder, and grind to a powder. Mix with the toasted sesame seeds.
• Add the ginger, chilli flakes, soy and sugar to the bowl with the toasted, ground spices. When the shallots and garlic are crisp, strain the oil over the bowl using a sieve. Leave the crispy bits of garlic and shallot in the sieve to cool and become even more crisp. Discard the cinnamon and star anise.
• Stir the cooled shallots and garlic through the spiced oil mixture. Will keep chilled for up to two weeks in an airtight, sterilised jar.
• When ready to make the noodles, heat the veg oil in a wok. Add the pak choi and stir-fry for a minute with a splash of water and a pinch of salt. Cover with a lid (or a baking tray if you don't have one). Steam for a minute, then lift the veg from the wok, letting any liquid drip off. Set aside on a plate. Put the vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and sugar in the pan along with 2 tsp of the crispy chilli oil. Bring to a bubble, then add the noodles and toss for a few minutes over a high heat until the sauce is clinging to the noodles and they're soft and slippery. Divide the noodles between two bowls and put the pak choi on top.
• Wipe out the pan. Add another drizzle of the crispy chilli oil along with about 2 tsp of sediment from the jar. When sizzling, crack in the eggs and fry until crispy around the edge, spooning over the oil as they cook. Slide the fried eggs over the noodles, adding more crispy bits from the jar, if you like.