Are you looking for a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that you can whip up on a busy weeknight? Look no further than this versatile stir-fry noodle recipe! It’s a dish that can be adapted to whatever you have on hand, making it a true kitchen staple.
The Beauty of a Back Pocket Recipe
We all have those days where we’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make. That’s where this stir fry comes in. It’s not fancy, it’s not complicated, but it’s absolutely delicious and totally customizable. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to make your life easier and tastier.
Customizable Stir Fry Magic
The base of this recipe is simple: noodles, a protein of your choice (we love tofu!), and an array of colorful veggies. The secret to its magic is the sauce—a quick shake-in-a-jar concoction that brings everything together. Here’s what makes it so great:
- Pantry Friendly: Most ingredients can be found in your pantry, so it’s perfect for those nights when you haven’t planned ahead.
- Adaptable: No tofu? Use chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. Don't have a specific vegetable? Just swap it for whatever you do have. Feel free to mix and match to your hearts content!
- Noodle Love: While a rice stir fry is great, there’s something extra satisfying about a noodle stir fry. It's a real comfort food.
Getting Started
To make this stir fry, start with some brown rice noodles. Cook them up. Then, fry your protein until it’s golden and flavorful. You can do this in a separate skillet or add it at the very end. For vegetables we highly recommend a pre-chopped stir fry mix to save time. Stir-fry until crisp-tender. Finally combine your noodles, sauce and protein.
The Sauce
This sauce is the magic in this recipe! Simply shake up soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option), brown sugar (or honey), water, white vinegar, and chili paste. The combination of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy creates a delicious coating for the noodles and veggies.
Finishing Touches
Like many great dishes, the final garnish makes all the difference! We top this dish with peanuts, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime. It is both simple and fresh.
Make it Your Own
This is more than a recipe; it’s a guide to creating your own back-pocket stir fry. It’s about using what you have, embracing flexibility, and enjoying a delicious meal that fits your tastes and needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sauces, proteins, and vegetables. The possibilities are endless!
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 7 ounces brown rice noodles
- 1 (14 ounce) package tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3-4 cups chopped vegetables
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- Peanuts, cilantro, and lime for serving
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 2-3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili paste
Instructions:
- Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a jar and shake until smooth.
- Noodles: Soak rice noodles in a bowl of warm water.
- Tofu: Press tofu to remove excess water, cut into cubes, and fry until golden brown. Season with a splash of sauce. Set aside.
- Veggies: In the same pan, add veggies, garlic, and a little oil. Stir fry until tender-crisp.
- Assemble: Drain the noodles. Add to pan with veggies. Pour half the sauce and mix. Add the tofu. Top with peanuts, cilantro, and lime.
Enjoy this quick and tasty stir fry any night of the week!