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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

cold asian noodle salad

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I married into a GIANT Indonesian family and through time it has greatly influenced the food that I eat and cook. I LOVE and often crave simple Asian flavors that include the use of yummy herbs and spices.

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One of my favorite fresh and simple dishes is a cold shrimp and noodle salad loaded with TONS of flavor.


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I start by preparing cellophane bean thread noodles.
Cellophane noodles are a transparent noodle typically made from mung bean starch and while they have no taste, they are perfect for absorbing flavor.


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The noodles need to be soaked in warm water until they are soft.

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I boil them for about 30 seconds- YEP- that quick!

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Drain and then I like to cut the noodles so they are shorter and easier to eat!


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Next I prepare the shrimp. I used cooked shrimp that I peppered and salted

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and grilled quickly in my trusty grill pan.

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Next I gathered and prepped all of my favorite herbs and vegis- starting with bean sprouts,

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mint

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cilantro

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thai basil

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carrots


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and green onions.
just about any favorite vegetables will work.

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Last, I prepare a simple dressing with sesame seed oil, lime juice,

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honey,

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soy sauce,

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and sambal (chili paste).

(there are a number of different ways to make dressing with different flavors- ginger, fish sauce, peanuts, etc.)

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Last, I mix the noodles, shrimp, herbs, vegis and the dressing and I toss everything together.
I like to serve the salad cold so I move it to the fridge to chill.


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I transfer the salad to a serving bowl

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and dish myself up a pretty little bowl and eat and eat and eat!

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18 comments:

  1. Anonymous8:21 PM

    YUM!

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  2. It was fantastic to see you at CREATE! And fun see (the Chinese version of those glass noodles) are my number one favorite comfort food!

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  3. This recipe looks so delicious! I will definitely try it soon!

    www.alisasgarden.blogspot.com

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  4. That just looks do delicious, i think I will make it for supper. we are having a heat wave right now.

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  5. Glad you showed all the pictures, it looks so tasty I wanted some. For sure I am going to try that one out.

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  6. Can I just move in with you? ;)

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  7. That looks sooooo GREAT! I will try this over the weekend.

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  8. Randi Nervig10:46 AM

    Yours is the first blog I read every day. I love your tutorials and I really like the recipes too. I'm so going to try this one!

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  9. OMG that looks amazingly yummy! Want to make some right now!

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  10. This salad looks amazing. I have fallen in love with your blog and your work, I look forward to reading it everyday.

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  11. Seanora1:24 PM

    I enjoy your posts and this recipe looks yummy.

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  12. Oh that looks wonderful!! I can't wait to try it.

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  13. so delicious! i cannot wait to try this recipe!

    xoxo, juliette

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  14. yeah yeah yeah! I am going to make this very soon! I love that you took such beautiful photos while you prepared this dish! yum!

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  15. Hi Alisa, I'm from Jakarta Indonesia. Glad that you like indonesian food.

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  16. ooo this looks gorgeous

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  17. wow, look forward to see your Indonesian family photos. i'm from Surabaya, Indonesia, btw. i looooovveee all your recipes and tutorials. and i love u too. :D

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