In a crunch to get dinner on the table? Look no further than the humble noodle. These easy dinner recipes come together in a flash and the Asian flavors are super kid-friendly. Time to get slurping.
Dan Dan noodles
The noodle so nice they named it twice! Kids go nuts for this fragrant, hearty dish.
serves 4
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 pound ground pork
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
12. ounces ramen noodles
4 scallions, sliced
Optional:
Chili oil
Pickled ginger
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add pork and cook for a few minutes until browned. Add the hoisin, soy sauce and vinegar and sauté for 5 to 10 more minutes until cooked through. Meanwhile, boil noodles per package instructions, usually 4 to 5 minutes. Drain noodles, then add to a large bowl, along with the pork, and mix well. Adjust seasoning with soy sauce, then top with scallions and optional toppings. Â
Peanut noodles with edamameÂ
Tell your kids you’re having peanut butter for dinner and you’ll be riding the applause all the way to the dinner table.
serves 4
12 ounces Chinese egg noodles
1 cup frozen shelled edamame
Sauce ingredients:
½ cup smooth peanut butter
1 tablespoon sugar or honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Optional:Â
Cooked chicken or tofu
Red pepper flakes
Cook noodles in boiling water according to package instructions, usually around 10 minutes, adding edamame for the last three minutes. Drain and set aside. Blend or whisk sauce ingredients together, then add ½ cup warm water and blend again until smooth. Transfer noodles and edamame to a large bowl and add the peanut sauce, mixing well. If using chicken or tofu, sear quickly in a hot skillet with a little oil until browned, then add to noodles. Top with chopped scallions and/or red pepper flakes.
Note: Originally published in Seattle’s Child, November 2015.
