Stir Fry Noodles

What do you do when life gets too busy and days seem to roll into one? Drop everything and go on a trip which becomes all the more fun if there is a family wedding also to attend. So that is exactly what we did. Visited the nation's glorious capital, attended an awesome wedding and visited some dear relatives and all was well when we got back:-) Washington DC is not to be done in a short trip though and we will be back. One could spend a full day in just the National Gallery of Art which houses a Da Vinci original not to mention the array of Manet, Monet, Rembrandt, Raphael and the likes!! I have visited many Art Museums but what sets the one in DC apart is the amazing collection of originals that can be viewed with no admission fees and the excellent but barely noticeable security that lets you enjoy the paintings in all abandon.

We also enjoyed eating out with the kids. One place that caught my fancy was Silver Diner which I came to know is a chain found in and around Maryland. The experience was new, service friendly and food choices many for adults and kids. This was the first choice from the concierge at the Hotel that we stayed at when queried about a local place to dine with kids. The building looked like a giant silver bus especially once you are inside. I think it is a relic or a mimic of truck stops. Marylanders might know more.

Nothing much has been cooking except my attempt to make the previous beef recipe with chicken. It is pretty good I tell you. But this time I am going to introduce what has become a family favorite that my husband perfected over the years. Quite often he silently gathers his ingredients and whips up this amazing treat that the kids and I enjoy to no end. It gives you a good feeling with all the veggies and a good taste with the touch of non vegs. Thus goes the recipe as given by the Chef himself:

In The Mix
Egg Noodles : 1 pack ( we get this from the local chinese store. these are not dry but rather soggy to the touch)
Vegetables : 1 cup each of diced cabbage, mushroom, bell pepper, thinly sliced carrots and anything else that you want to add to the medley.
Scallion : two stalks sliced to small pieces.
Stir Fry Sauce : 3 tbsp or as needed. we use Kikkoman's
Red Onion : 1/4 sliced large
Beef : 1/4 lbs thinly sliced ( can add cooked shrimp too)
sesame oil : 1 tbsp or as needed
olive oil : 1 tbsp or as needed
green chilies : 2 or 3 sliced in circles (optional)
or chili garlic paste : 1 tsp (optional)
salt : to taste


How To Do
Saute the onion first and then beef together for a while. Once beef is cooked, add carrots and bell pepper. No need to cover. Cook on high heat. Add mushrooms and scallions. Saute well till cooked. Now pour the Stir Fry Sauce and mix together. Add cabbage at the end to preserve crunchiness. Don't forget to add salt as needed at any stage.

Meanwhile cook the noodles by adding to boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Keep under cold water and drain. Add sesame oil to keep the noodles from sticking together. Add drained noodles to the prepared mix and cook on high heat for 3-4 minutes. Toss the pan as needed for a professional touch:-) Remember, high heat is a key factor. Add green chilies or garlic chili paste depending on your heat tolerance at this time. voila! Delicious dinner is ready. Garnish with fried egg strips if you have the time. Enjoy with homemade vinegar-soysauce mix.


For Vinegar-Soysauce Dressing
This is something that both my husband and his Mom needs if they are to eat noodles at home. I have come to sort of like it but he just relishes it.

Green chilies - 2 or 3 cut in circles
soy sauce - 4 tbsp
vinegar - 1 tbsp
water - 3 tbsp
salt - to taste

First add water to a small pan. Once it boils then add vinegar, salt, soy sauce and finally the chillies. Let boil for a minute or so and the dressing is ready to go.

For Fried Egg Strips
Beat one or two eggs together with salt. Make a thin omlette and cut into long strips. I saw this first when my HMom had this with a biriyani she had made for my birthday sometime back. It looks quite good on anything I'd say.