Thai fried noodles (2)

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
Asian rice noodles cut about 1/8 inch wide, OR-
1poundsFlat rice noodles (fresh or dried)
¾cupFish sauce; -OR- Soy sauce
4teaspoonsRice wine vinegar OR- distilled white vinegar
2tablespoonsSugar
4teaspoonsHigh-quality paprika; -OR- Catsup or Tomato paste
½cupVegetable oil OR more if needed
8ouncesBoneless pork OR- boned & skinned chicken cut into very small pieces
2tablespoonsMinced or pressed garlic
2teaspoonsGround dried red hot chili, OR-
1tablespoonMinced fresh hot chile
4Eggs; lightly beaten
8ouncesMedium-sized shrimp shelled and deveined, tails left intact
10ouncesFresh bean sprouts
3Green onions; thinly sliced
½cupChopped dry-roasted peanuts (unsalted)
¼cupChopped fresh cilantro
Finely minced dried shrimp
Fresh cilantro sprigs
Lemon or lime wedges

Directions

FOR GARNISH

In a bowl, cover the noodles in lukewarm water and let stand to soften, about 15 minutes for fresh noodles or about 30 minutes for dry noodles. Drain and cut into 6-inch lengths, if desired. Set aside.

In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and paprika, catsup, or tomato paste. Set aside.

Heat a wok or saute pan over high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the pork or chicken, garlic, and chili and stir-fry for 1 minute. Stir in the drained noodles and the reserved fish sauce mixture and stir-fry about 30 seconds. Push the noodles to one side, pour in about a tablespoon more oil, if necessary, and add the eggs; cook just until slightly set, then break them up. Add the shrimp and stir-fry just until they turn pink. Add most of the bean sprouts, the green onion, and ¼ cup of the peanuts and stir-fry until the sprouts and onions are crisp-tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer to a serving plate.

Sprinkle with the chopped cilantro, remaining ¼ cup peanuts, and dried shrimp. Garnish with the remaining bean sprouts, cilantro sprigs, and lemon or lime wedges, and serve immediately. Diners squeeze lemon or lime juice to taste.

Serves 8 as a pasta course, or 4 as a main course From: stigle@... (Sue Stigleman)