Are you looking for a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This cafeteria noodles recipe is your answer! Bursting with vibrant vegetables and savory seasonings, these noodles come together in no time and are perfect for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for the family, this dish is sure to please everyone. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients
- 200g noodles (spaghetti or egg noodles)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 100g mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 2. Preparation time is 10 minutes, and cooking time is 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal option.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 person): approximately 350 calories, 12g protein, 15g fat, 45g carbohydrates, and 6g fiber. This dish offers a balanced mix of nutrients that supports a healthy diet.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt.
- Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the noodles are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add the diced bell pepper, julienned carrot, and sliced mushrooms.
- Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they are tender.
- Drain the cooked noodles and add them to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, tossing everything to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute the vegetables based on your preference or what’s available. For instance, zucchini, broccoli, or snap peas can work well. Additionally, you can use gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Serving and Pairings
Cafeteria noodles pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for added protein. They also work well as a side dish to complement a larger meal, especially with Asian-inspired dishes.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. This dish can be frozen, but the texture may slightly change upon reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the noodles can lead to a mushy texture.
- Not sautéing the garlic long enough can result in a bland flavor.
- Skipping the seasoning can make the dish taste flat.
- Using too much oil can make the noodles greasy.
- Not tossing the noodles with the sauce evenly can lead to uneven flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Use a timer to avoid overcooking the noodles.
- Prep your ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process.
- Experiment with different sauces for varied flavors.
- Keep the heat at medium to prevent burning the garlic.
- Fresh herbs can elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat noodles instead of regular noodles?
Yes, whole wheat noodles can be used as a healthier alternative, providing more fiber and nutrients. They may alter the texture slightly, but they will still be delicious.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit any meat and add more vegetables or tofu for protein. The soy sauce and sesame oil provide plenty of flavor.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Adding chili flakes or a splash of rice vinegar can enhance the flavor profile. You can also include a dollop of hoisin sauce for sweetness.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and is perfect for meal prepping. Just keep the sauce separate until you are ready to eat for the best texture.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great additions. Just cook the protein separately and mix it in with the noodles before serving.
Conclusions
This cafeteria noodles recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also versatile and satisfying. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a delightful lunch option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a taste of comfort food!
Cafeteria Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
- 200 g noodles spaghetti or egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion sliced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 carrot julienned
- 100 g mushrooms sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt.
- Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sliced onion, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add diced bell pepper, julienned carrot, and sliced mushrooms.
- Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until tender.
- Drain the cooked noodles and add them to the skillet.
- Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, tossing to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.