Are you craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner? Look no further! This knife-cut noodle recipe is your answer. Forget fiddly noodle-making machines; this recipe shows you how to achieve perfectly textured noodles using just a sharp knife and some simple ingredients. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple to master, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinners with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or your preferred oil)
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- For the Noodles:
- Your favorite protein (cooked chicken, pork, tofu, or shrimp – about 1 cup)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, snap peas, etc.)
Instructions:
Making the Noodles:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add Water Gradually: Gradually add the warm water, mixing with a fork until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if it's too sticky.
- Rest the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in easier rolling and cutting.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough out as thinly as possible, either by hand or using a pasta machine. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the dough into thin noodles. Aim for noodles about 1/8 inch wide. If using a pasta machine, use the thinnest setting.
- Dust and Separate: Lightly dust the noodles with flour to prevent sticking and separate them gently.
Cooking the Noodles and Sauce:
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until well combined.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Stir-Fry: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cooked protein and vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked noodles and sauce to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, add a splash of chicken broth or vegetable broth to the sauce.
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini all work well.
- If you don't have time to make the noodles from scratch, you can use store-bought fresh or dried noodles instead. However, the homemade noodles offer a superior texture and taste!
- To make this a vegetarian or vegan meal, simply omit the meat and use tofu or tempeh instead.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe offers a balanced and healthy meal. Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. A reasonable estimate for a serving containing chicken or tofu, mixed vegetables, and the sauce would be around 350-450 calories, with a good source of protein and carbohydrates. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient quantities.
This knife-cut noodle recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. It’s a delicious dish that showcases the beauty of homemade cooking and provides a truly satisfying culinary experience, perfect for satisfying any craving for easy recipes and best recipes. Enjoy!