Crispy fried noodles

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
3cupsVegetable oil, for deep fryg
¼cupWater
¼cupTamarind water -=OR=- lime
¼cupVegetable oil
2tablespoonsOnions, chopped
1tablespoonGarlic, chopped
½cupBean sprouts
1tablespoonCilantro leaves, chopped
2eachesGreen onions, diced
4ouncesRice vermicelli juice
4tablespoonsSugar
1tablespoonTomato paste
3tablespoonsSoy sauce
1teaspoonRed pepper flakes, optional
Lemon wedges

Directions

SYRUP

SEASONINGS

TO FINISH

Heat the oil to very hot. Drop a handful of uncooked noodles into the hot oil. They will immediately puff up to several times their size. Turn them over & quickly fry the other side. The entire process only takes a few seconds. Do not let the noodles brown.

Drain on paper towels.

Make the SYRUP by combining the water & tamarind water with sugar in a small pot. Cook over medium heat until it thickens.

Prepare the SEASONINGS by heating 1 tb vegetable oil in a wok or skillet. Add the onion & garlic & stir-fry until lightly browned. Add the tomato paste & soy sauce & stir-fry a further 3 minutes.

Clean the bean sprouts & remove the roots if you want. Place the noodles in a large bowl & pour the SYRUP & SEASONINGS mixture over them at once & mix thoroughly with your hands.

Add the bean sprouts, cilantro & green onions & mix again, being careful not to break the noodles into too small pieces. Sprinkle with the red pepper flakes if desired & serve with the lemon wedges.

Adapted from Puangkram C. Schmitz & Michael C. Worman, "Practical Thai Cooking"

Submitted By MARK SATTERLY On 10-18-94