Sesame Soy Noodle Stir-Fry with Shiitake Mushrooms
Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with this Sesame Soy Noodle Stir-Fry featuring the rich umami of fresh shiitake mushrooms and the aromatic touch of sesame oil. Enhanced with the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar, this dish elevates a simple noodle stir-fry to a gourmet experience. Perfect for a light lunch or snack, it’s a quick and healthy option that is both satisfying and packed with nutrients. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley or celery leaves for a pop of color.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
fine dried egg noodles
1/4 lb (cooked until just tender)
medium red onion
1 (thinly sliced)
fresh shiitake mushrooms
1 1/2 cups (thinly sliced)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for stir-frying)
soy sauce
3 tablespoons (liquid seasoning)
balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (for flavor enhancement)
brown sugar
2 teaspoons (for sweetness)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
sesame oil
1 tablespoon (for finishing touch)
fresh parsley leaves
to garnish (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large saucepan of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fine dried egg noodles and cook them for 4-5 minutes or until just tender; they should be al dente. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside.
2
While the noodles are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the medium red onion and fresh shiitake mushrooms, ensuring uniform cuts for even cooking.
3
Heat a wok or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the surface. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced onion and mushrooms.
4
Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3 minutes, or until they become slightly tender and fragrant. Make sure to stir constantly to prevent sticking.
5
Add the drained egg noodles to the wok, followed by the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and salt. Toss everything together for an additional 3 minutes, making sure the noodles are well-coated with the sauce and heated through.
6
Lastly, drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry and give it one final toss to combine all the flavors. Remove from heat, transfer to a warmed serving bowl, and garnish with fresh parsley or celery leaves before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary flavors in this stir-fry?
The dish features a fusion of savory soy sauce, umami-rich shiitake mushrooms, and tangy balsamic vinegar, finished with aromatic sesame oil.
How long should the egg noodles be cooked?
Boil the fine dried egg noodles for 4 to 5 minutes or until they are just tender and al dente.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for one medium red onion, thinly sliced.
Which type of mushrooms are used?
The recipe specifically uses 1.5 cups of fresh shiitake mushrooms.
What oil should I use for the high-heat cooking?
Vegetable oil is used for the initial stir-frying of the onion and mushrooms.
Why is balsamic vinegar included in the sauce?
Balsamic vinegar provides a unique tangy sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile of the stir-fry.
Is this recipe vegan?
No, the recipe uses egg noodles. To make it vegan, you could substitute rice noodles.
When is the sesame oil added?
Sesame oil is drizzled over the stir-fry as a finishing touch just before removing it from the heat.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of soy sauce for the seasoning.
What is the purpose of brown sugar in the recipe?
Two teaspoons of brown sugar are added to provide a subtle sweetness and balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Should the vegetables be cut in a specific way?
Yes, both the red onion and shiitake mushrooms should be thinly sliced into uniform cuts for even cooking.
What type of pan is best for this recipe?
A wok or a heavy skillet is ideal for stir-frying the ingredients over medium-high heat.
How long do the vegetables need to be stir-fried?
The onion and mushrooms should be stir-fried for about 3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly tender.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to taste.
What is the suggested garnish?
Fresh parsley or celery leaves are recommended to add a pop of color and freshness.
Can I use dried shiitake mushrooms instead of fresh?
Yes, but they must be rehydrated in warm water and squeezed dry before being sliced and added to the wok.
Is this a spicy dish?
No, the recipe as written is savory and sweet rather than spicy.
What is the total cooking time for the noodles in the wok?
Once the noodles and sauce are added to the vegetables, they are tossed together for about 3 minutes.
How many mushrooms do I need by volume?
You will need 1.5 cups of fresh, thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms.
What heat setting should I use?
A medium-high heat setting is best to ensure the vegetables stir-fry quickly without getting soggy.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is bringing a large saucepan of lightly salted water to a rolling boil for the noodles.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients total, including seasonings and garnishes.
Is this dish suitable for a light lunch?
Yes, it is described as a quick and healthy option that is perfect for a light lunch or snack.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil?
Yes, any neutral high-smoke point oil like canola or grapeseed oil can be used.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking to the pan?
Stir constantly while cooking and ensure the pan is well-coated with oil.
How many noodles are used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 pound of fine dried egg noodles.
Should I serve the stir-fry immediately?
Yes, it is best served hot in a warmed serving bowl.
What provides the umami flavor in this dish?
The soy sauce and fresh shiitake mushrooms are the primary sources of umami.
Are celery leaves a good alternative to parsley?
Yes, celery leaves provide a similar aesthetic and a nice herbal note as a garnish.
What is the texture of the finished noodles?
The noodles should be al dente, meaning they have a slight bite and are not mushy.