Crazy Noodles

I’ve always been fascinated with some of the stories authors/chefs have for many of their recipes. Some have old recipes passed down from their ancestors, some had a “eureka” moment, and there seems to be a countless myriad of others. Myself? I open a book, look at a picture and think to myself, “Hey, that look’s good!”

Part of learning about cooking for me (and I’m still learning) is figuring out what brings a dish together. I mean, starting out, I’d be the guy that ate chocolate, then immediately had a hamburger or drank orange juice. Hopefully, I’ve learned a little bit since then, though I’m still heavily reliant on recipes for any inspiration. But slowly, I think I’m getting the hang of it =P

I used to watch Ming Tsai on food network waaaaaay back. He and Martin Yan were probably the two cooks on TV that got me more interested in the stuff. Ming with the great explanations and Martin with the entertainment (My grandmother called him “Chop chop lo”). Both are incredible cooks and I still find myself looking their work up time after time. Lately, I’ve been cooking a bunch from Simply Ming, this dish included. I’m not usually a fan of fusion cuisine but Ming does an incredible job blending flavors together while trying to keep dishes distinctly Asian.

Recipe originally from Ming Tsai’s Simply Ming.

Side note : Don’t overcook the noodles! Once boiled, they usually will only need to be stirred in with the sauce and then served.

Crazy Noodles

Time: 30-40 minutes
Serves: 3-4 with side dish

Ingredients:
– 8oz Thin rice noodles
– 3 shallots, minced
– 3 – 4 stalks scallions, chopped
– 1/4 up Fresh thai basil, chopped
– 3 tbsp fish sauce
– Juice of 2 limes
– 2 tsp sugar
– 1 – 2 tbsp Sambal Olek
– 1 lb Ground Chicken or Turkey
– 1 egg

Method:
1. Boil water in a stock pot and cook noodles until just done (see packaging).
2. Add some oil to a frying pan, stir fry shallots for a minute, until starting to turn translucent.
3. Add chicken/turkey, season lightly with salt and pepper, stir fry until cooked through.
4. Mix together the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and Sambal Olek. Add the cooked noodles into the pan and pour the sauce on top. Toss well to combine.
5. Add scallions and basil, toss well.
6. Make a well at the center of the pan. Add the egg in, let set for a couple seconds, then break apart the yolk and stir into the rest of the noodles. Stir fry until egg is just done and then remove and serve.