| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 395 | 14g | 2g | 59g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 3g | 8g | 1.12g |
Why I Love Thai Spicy Garlic Rice Noodles with Vegetables
Among all the delightful dishes I’ve come across in my culinary journey, one Thai recipe has captured my heart and taste buds profoundly – the Spicy Garlic Rice Noodles with Vegetables. This dish, a play on the traditional Pad Thai, combines the vibrant flavors of garlic, chili, and lime, with a garden variety of crisp, fresh vegetables. There’s something innately comforting about the union of these ingredients, quite akin to the harmony witnessed in an Irish stew or New England clam chowder finesse.
A Symphony of Flavors
The name itself reveals the delightful symphony of flavors that this recipe offers. From the fiery kick of the garlic and Thai chili, the freshness of lime juice, to the savory notes of the soy sauce, each ingredient in Spicy Garlic Rice Noodles with Vegetables plays its part to the hilt. It reminds me of my home-cooked dinners growing up, when my beloved grandma would craft something warm and delightful out of the freshest ingredients she could find for our New England-Irish family.
I must add my appreciation for the Thai culinary practice of harmonizing contrasting flavors. It mirrors the cooking philosophy I encountered while exploring Mediterranean cuisine. The famed Chef David Thompson, known for his Thai culinary inclination, has been a source of inspiration for me in this regard. His ability to mix and match flavors is something I’ve often found in the cuisines I adore.
Recipe Pairing and Suggestions
This recipe goes tremendously well when paired with a Thai sweet iced tea or a sparkling citrus drink, offering a balance to its warmth and spice. Considering the dish’s nature, it could easily be complemented with some grilled tofu or chicken satay if you’d like to add a protein source.
In a fun exploration of irony, the Spicy Garlic Rice Noodles with Vegetables is a testament to how we casually venture into the multitude of flavors from around the world. I believe it’s this adventurous outlook that has helped me honor my rich culinary heritage while exploring and bridging other diverse food cultures. If you’re someone who appreciates a dish that combines tradition with a dash of adventure, this is a recipe well worth trying.
What You’ll Need
- 12 oz dried rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 zucchini, julienned
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Thai chili paste or Sriracha sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts, chopped (optional)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the noodles. Place the dried rice noodles in a large bowl, pour boiling water over them and let them soak for about 10 minutes or until they have softened. Once done, drain and set them aside for later.
Step Two
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant.
Step Three
Add the thinly sliced red and yellow bell peppers, julienned carrots, broccoli florets, and julienned zucchini to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and are brightly colored.
Step Four
In the meantime, whisk together the lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and Thai chili paste or Sriracha sauce in a small bowl. Set this aside.
Step Five
When the vegetables are ready, add the soaked and drained rice noodles to the skillet along with the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles and vegetables are well coated with the sauce.
Step Six
Add the chopped green onions, basil leaves, and cilantro leaves to the skillet. Continue to toss and cook for about 2 more minutes.
Step Seven
Remove the skillet from heat. If desired, garnish the noodles with chopped peanuts and serve them with wedges of lime on the side. Enjoy the Spicy Garlic Rice Noodles with Vegetables while they are hot.
