Spicy Udon Pasta Salad Recipes

STIR-FRIED SPICY GARLIC UDON NOODLES

Steps:

• If you're using instant fresh udon noodles or 'cakes' in packets, you can simply soak them in hot water for a few minutes or run them through hot water to carefully separate them. These noodles can also easily break apart so don't force it when they're clumped together.
• Prepare the sauce by mixing everything together. You can see the notes below and adjust the spice level according to your reference. Set the sauce aside.
• Heat a large wok or non-stick pan over medium high heat. Add in the oil.
• One hot, add in the tofu. You can continue to crumble this as needed, especially if there are big chunks.
• Leave the tofu untouched over medium heat for 3-4 minutes for it to lightly crisp and brown at the bottom. It'll also start to dry up and resemble minced 'meat' as it cooks and the water evaporates.
• Season the tofu with the dark soy sauce. Mix well.
• Leave the tofu to cook for another 3-4 minutes until it completely dries up and resembles minced meat. Afterwards, move the tofu to the side of the pan.
• Add 1 tbsp oil into the pan. Over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic.
• Afterwards, add in half of of the chopped scallions or green onions. Cook for 1 minute.
• Add in the shiitake mushrooms and then stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender.
• Once the mushrooms are cooked to your liking, add in the noodles.
• Pour the sauce over the noodles and mix well.
• Leave the noodles to cook over medium high heat for 2-3 minutes.
• Add in some water to cook down the noodles, if needed. You can start with 1-2 tbsp and mix well. You can see the notes below.
• Taste the noodles and feel free to season with some salt and upper, if desired. Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, turn off the heat.
• Top the noodles with more chopped scallions or green onions. Serve and enjoy while hot!

EASY SPICY UDON COLD SALAD

Steps:

• Remove udon noodles from outer bag. Pierce inner pouch several times and place on a microwave-safe plate. Cook in the microwave until tender, about 90 seconds.
• Transfer noodles to a large bowl. Mix in bean sprouts, onion, carrot, mushrooms, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
• Mix rice vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, sugar, ginger, garlic, lime juice, white wine, sriracha sauce, and red pepper flakes together in a small bowl until sugar dissolves. Pour dressing over the noodle mixture in the bowl; toss to combine. Refrigerate until flavors combine, at least 4 hours.

COLD NOODLE SALAD WITH SPICY PEANUT SAUCE

Steps:

• Bring a pot of salted water to the boil. Add the soba, stir to prevent sticking, and cook according to package instructions until just tender. Rinse under cold water until the noodles are completely cold.
• Meanwhile, make the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, sesame oil, chile oil or hot sauce, and garlic. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and whisk until the sauce is a pourable consistency. Taste and add more chile oil or hot sauce as desired; set aside.
• Cut the zucchini or cucumber and radishes into 1/8-inch thick slices, then cut into thin matchsticks. Slice the peppers into 1/8-inch pieces. Place them all in a large bowl.
• Loosen the soba noodles by running them under some water, then allow to drain again. Add them to the vegetables, add the remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil and toss to combine.
• When you are ready to serve, drizzle with spicy peanut sauce and top with peanuts, scallions and cilantro. Serve immediately, with lime wedges alongside.