Thai Ginger and Garlic Noodle Bowls is a flavor packed vegetarian rice noodle recipe loaded with veggies swimming in a umami filled sauce. This Asian noodle bowl is easy to make and is also vegan and gluten free.
Place noodles in a large bowl and cover with cold water. These can soak while you prepare the veggies and sauce. (The packages I've seen say to soak in hot water. For me, the noodles turn to mush, so I use a cold soak to soften them, then gently cook them).
For the Veggies
Fill a stock pot ½ full of water and bring to a boil. While the water is heating, prepare the snow peas by trimming each end. To blanch the snow peas, carefully place them in the boiling water, turn the heat to low and blanch for for exactly two minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Place the snow peas back into the empty stock pot they were blanched in (with heat off). Set aside.
For the Sauce
In a small jar pour in the broth, sesame oil, tamari, sugar, pepper flakes and salt. Lid, shake, then set aside.
To Cook
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil on medium high heat. Once shimmering, toss in the grated ginger and garlic. Sizzle for about 30 seconds, then toss in the mushrooms, cabbage and carrots. Using two wooden spoons, stir fry until tender crisp, about 5-6 minutes. When ready, transfer the stir-fried veggies into the pot with the snow peas (heat off). Set aside.
Check on the rice noodles. They should be tender, but not soft. Drain thoroughly. Set the noodles near the stove. In the same skillet or wok the veggies were stir fried in, pour in the sauce. Bring to a simmer. Once simmering, gently toss in the noodles. Use a pair of tongs to twist and turn the noodles around in the sauce so that each noodle is covered. Turn the heat down continue turning the noodles, cooking for about 2 minutes. Test the noodles for taste and tenderness. If they seem tough, give them another minute to cook while turning the noodles. Remove from heat and stir in the veggies using the residual heat of the noodles to rewarm the veggies.Squeeze in a bit of lime juice, about 1/2 a lime and toss. Taste for seasoning adjustment.
Garnish with sesame seeds, Thai basil, scallions and a drizzle of sesame oil and/or Tamari. Serve with a wedge of lime and Sriracha on the side.
To Store:
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh off the stove. The noodles tend to get a bit soggy when reheated. However, it will keep for up to three days in the refrigerator. I do not recommend freezing this recipe.
Notes
*Noodles: I do not soak the noodles according to package directions. I've found they turn to mush if soaked in hot water, then cooked. Be sure to soak in cool, tap water. I’ve used both bean thread and rice noodles in this recipe (rice noodles pictured). I like both but there are differences. The bean thread noodles are a bit chewier but seem to pick up the flavors of the sauce more readily than the rice noodles. Rice noodles have a nice, tender texture, but don’t pick up as much flavor. Both varieties can be soaked in cold water.Adapted from Real Vegetarian Thai.