Craving a flavorful and satisfying dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Chinese spaghetti recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas that are both healthy meals and utterly delicious dishes. It's a simple yet elegant dish perfect for busy weeknights, and even beginner cooks will find it easy to master. Forget takeout – let's dive into homemade cooking with this fantastic recipe!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- Optional: 1/4 cup cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein
Instructions:
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Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
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Sauté the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and mushrooms and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked spaghetti to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the pasta and vegetables, tossing to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious and easy Chinese spaghetti!
Cooking Tips for the Best Chinese Spaghetti:
- Don't overcook the vegetables: You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the flavor.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon or two of sugar. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the dish.
Variations:
- Spicy Chinese Spaghetti: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Chinese Spaghetti: Omit the chicken or shrimp and add extra vegetables like snow peas or zucchini.
- Creamy Chinese Spaghetti: Stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 (depending on additions)
- Protein: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Fat: 10-15g
This easy recipe for Chinese spaghetti is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. It's a perfect example of how healthy meals can also be incredibly delicious and satisfying. Enjoy!