Zingy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad a Right Proper Crunch
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Fancy a Salad That Actually Slaps?
Ever get bored of boring salads? Honestly, me too. This asian ramen noodle salad is a total game changer. Crunchy noodles, vibrant veggies, and a zingy asian sesame dressing it's an asian inspired salad that'll knock your socks off!
Brief Overview: East Meets West in a Bowl
This cold ramen noodle salad is a delicious twist on classic Asian flavors. It’s dead easy to make, taking about 25 minutes.
This recipe makes about 6 servings, ideal for a side dish or sharing at your next garden party.
Main Benefits: Veggies with a Vibe
This salad packs a punch of vitamins from all those lovely veggies. Plus, it's perfect for picnics or potluck salad recipes .
What makes it special? The crunchy ramen salad adds a texture you won't find anywhere else!
Craving the Crunch?
Right, let's talk ingredients. We're going for maximum crunch here, so quality is key. Trust me, that crunch makes all the difference.
Get Ready to Crunch: Ingredients & Equipment for Your Asian Ramen Noodle Salad
Right, so you wanna make this awesome asian ramen noodle salad ? Sorted. Let's talk bits and bobs you'll need. Seriously, the right gear and good ingredients make all the difference.
Main Ingredients
Okay, let's break it down. We want fresh and vibrant . Remember, this cold ramen noodle salad is all about the crunch and flavour!
- Ramen Noodles: 2 packages (3 oz/ 85g each). Toss the seasoning packets. Honestly, they're rank.
- Almonds: 1/4 cup ( 30g ). Slivered's best, makes it look fancy.
- Sesame Seeds: 1/4 cup ( 20g ). Toasted are banging, but raw will do in a pinch.
- Green Cabbage: 1 medium head (about 400g ), shredded. Fresh is key. You want that satisfying crunch.
- Carrots: 2 (about 150g ), peeled and shredded.
- Green Onions (Scallions): 3 , thinly sliced.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 (about 150g ), seeded and thinly sliced.
For quality, focus on fresh veg. Cabbage should be firm. Peppers should be bright. Makes all the difference.
Seasoning Notes: Dress to Impress
This ramen noodle salad dressing is the magic. Don't skimp.
- Oil: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ) vegetable oil.
- Rice Vinegar: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ). This adds the tang. Apple cider vinegar also works.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Low-sodium's better. Keeps the saltiness in check.
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons ( 30g ) granulated. Don't skip this, it balances the soy sauce.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ). This gives that nutty asian sesame dressing flavour. If you don't have sesame oil, you can use another neutral oil like canola or avocado oil.
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon ( 5g ) grated fresh. Jarred will do , but fresh is better, innit?
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced (about 3g ).
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1g ) black.
Flavour enhancers: Fresh ginger and sesame oil are non-negotiable. They make the salad sing. Spice it up with red pepper flakes.
Chicken ramen noodle salad needs protein. Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
Don't need a fancy kitchen, promise.
- Large skillet: For toasting the noodles. An ordinary frying pan is a-okay.
- Large bowl: Mixing everything up.
- Small bowl: For the dressing.
- Whisk: Or a fork, if you're like me and can't find your whisk.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Don't be a wazzock; get the measurements right.
- Cutting board & sharp knife: Obvious, but worth mentioning.
- Vegetable peeler or grater: For the carrots.
Household alternatives : Don't have a grater? Finely chop the carrots. No whisk? Use a fork. Get creative!
Crafting the Perfect Crunchy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad
Right, let’s dive into making this stonking asian ramen noodle salad ! This salad is dead easy. It's the perfect mix of crunchy and zingy.
Honestly, it's my go-to for BBQs. Everyone always asks for the recipe!
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First, get your mise en place sorted. Chop all your veggies before you start cooking. Saves a load of time later.
Remember to wash everything properly. We don’t want any nasty surprises. This crunchy ramen salad is all about the freshness.
step-by-step: Getting it Done
- Toast the Noodles: Bash up 2 packets of ramen noodles. Ditch the seasoning we won't need it. Toast them with 1/4 cup of almonds and 1/4 cup of sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat . This takes about 3- 5 minutes . Keep moving them around. They burn faster than you'd think.
- Chop the Veg: Shred 1 head of cabbage and 2 carrots. Slice 3 green onions and 1 red bell pepper. Get everything nice and thin. Presentation matters, you know?
- Whisk the Dressing: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup of veg oil, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Whisk like you mean it.
- Combine Ingredients: Throw the cabbage, carrots, spring onions, and red pepper into a big bowl. Add the toasted noodles.
- Dress and Serve: Pour the asian sesame dressing over and toss lightly. Serve right away for maximum crunch.
Pro Tips for a Cracking Salad
Want to take your ramen salad recipe up a notch? First, don't overdress the salad . Add the dressing just before serving.
Soggy noodles are no good. Second, toast the noodles carefully. Keep an eye on them.
make-ahead? You can prep the veggies the day before. Store them separately in a container. Looking for an easy asian salad ? Job done, mate! If you wish you can make a big batch of ramen noodle salad dressing .
Recipe Notes for Your Killer Asian Ramen Noodle Salad
Right then, let's get down to the nitty gritty. This asian ramen noodle salad is pretty foolproof, but a few pointers never hurt, eh? Honestly, even if you're a complete disaster in the kitchen, you can nail this.
Ace Serving Suggestions
Think about presentation! Plating can make all the difference. A colourful bowl shows off the veggies nicely.
- Presentation Ideas: Pile it high in a pretty bowl and garnish with extra sesame seeds. Or, you can portion into individual glass jars for a picnic.
- Sides & Drinks: This cold ramen noodle salad goes great with grilled chicken or fish. A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio or a refreshing iced green tea are lovely drink pairings.
Ace Storage Like a Pro
Nobody likes soggy noodles, am I right? If you’re not serving straight away, here's how to store your easy asian salad like a boss.
- Fridge Savvy: Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Toss just before serving to keep it crunchy.
- Freezing? Nah!: This salad is best fresh. Freezing isn't recommended you'll end up with a soggy mess. Nobody wants that.
- Reheating? Negative: Don't even think about reheating this asian inspired salad ! It's designed to be enjoyed cold.
Variations: Get Your Chef On!
Fancy a twist? Here are a couple of ideas to make this ramen salad recipe your own.
- Veggie Power: For a vegetarian ramen noodle salad , add edamame, sugar snap peas, or even some grilled halloumi.
- Protein Boost: Toss in some shredded chicken ramen noodle salad or tofu for a fuller meal.
- Season Swap: In autumn, try adding roasted butternut squash or shredded Brussel sprouts. A touch of maple syrup in the ramen noodle salad dressing would be magic.
Nutrition: The Good Stuff
So, this salad isn't just delicious; it's got some decent stuff going on too. Just remember it's an estimate.
- The Skinny: Roughly 350 calories per serving. It's packed with fibre from all the veggies and some protein from the nuts.
- Health Perks: Cabbage is a superstar for your gut health. Ginger is a fantastic anti inflammatory. Bonus!
Alright, you've got this! Go forth, create, and enjoy your zingy crunchy ramen salad . Remember to check asian slaw recipe to get a better idea.
Don’t be scared to play about with it. It is just a recipe to get sesame ginger dressing recipe ! Honestly, if you can boil an egg, you can make this asian salad dressing recipe .
This amazing potluck salad recipe is just waiting for you. Let me know how it goes! Ta-ra!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this asian ramen noodle salad ahead of time? Will it get soggy?
You absolutely can prep some components ahead! Toast the ramen and chop the veggies, storing them separately in airtight containers. However, to avoid a soggy situation (nobody wants a soggy bottom!), it's best to dress the salad right before serving.
Think of it like waiting to add the milk to your Weetabix keep the crunch separate!
What can I substitute if I don't have rice vinegar for the asian ramen noodle salad dressing?
No rice vinegar? No worries! You can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in a pinch. The flavour will be slightly different, but it will still provide the necessary tang. Just like finding a decent brew when the tea bags run out - not quite the same, but it'll do the job!
How do I prevent the ramen noodles from burning when toasting them?
Burnt ramen noodles are a no-go! Toast them over medium low heat, stirring frequently and keeping a close eye on them. It's a bit like making toast a moment's inattention and it's charcoal! They should be golden brown and fragrant, not black and bitter. Remember, low and slow is the way to go!
Can I add protein to this asian ramen noodle salad to make it a main course?
Definitely! This salad is incredibly versatile. Adding cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even edamame will transform it into a satisfying main course. Think of it as pimping your salad adding some protein muscle! Adjust the dressing accordingly if you're adding a significant amount of protein.
Is there a vegan version of this asian ramen noodle salad?
Yes, easily! Simply substitute the granulated sugar in the dressing with maple syrup or another vegan sweetener. Double check that the soy sauce you're using is also vegan friendly (some contain honey). You could also try adding some roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
How long will the asian ramen noodle salad last in the fridge?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. The noodles will lose some of their crunch as time goes on, so it's best to store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving. It's like keeping your chips fresh air is the enemy!
Zingy Asian Ramen Noodle Salad A Right Proper Cr
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
