Sweet Heat Orange Noodles

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orange noodle recipe

Hey there, Hungry People!

Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that combines the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Trust me when I say that these noodles will satisfy your cravings like no other. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this delicious adventure!

Picture this: I found myself with plenty of orange and lemon insides after making rainbow rind Jell-O shots earlier in the week. Instead of letting them go to waste, I decided to transform them into a mouthwatering stir-fry base. And boy, was that a fantastic idea!

Here’s What You Need

ingredients for orange noodles
  • Rice noodles: The main base of the dish, providing a satisfying and hearty texture.
  • Egg: Adds richness and protein to the stir-fried noodles.
  • Fresh squeezed orange juice: Provides a sweet and tangy citrus flavor to the sauce.
  • Lemon juice: Adds a bright and zesty note to enhance the overall taste.
  • Soy sauce: Brings a savory umami taste and adds depth to the sauce.
  • Brown sugar: Balances the flavors by adding a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
  • Cabbage (sliced/shredded): Offers a fresh and crunchy texture to the stir-fry.
  • Minced garlic: Enhances the overall aroma and flavor of the dish.
  • Chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce, creating a savory base.
  • Sesame oil: Used for frying the egg and stir-frying the ingredients, imparting a nutty aroma and flavor.
  • Salt and pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste and balance the flavors.

Let’s Get Started

To start this flavor-packed dish, I reached for my trusty large wok. I heated a few tablespoons of sesame oil over medium-high heat and cracked in some eggs for a quick scramble. Once cooked, I removed the eggs from the wok and set them aside to add later.

fried scrambled eggs

Now, here’s a little trick that adds a touch of magic to the dish. Without cleaning the wok, I added some diced onion and ginger and stirred them until they became soft and started to develop a gentle golden brown color. This step infuses the stir-fry with irresistible aromas and depth of flavor.

sauting onions and garlic

Next up, it’s time to work on the cabbage. I’ve discovered a handy technique for slicing it uniformly. Simply roll the cabbage leaves into tubes and cut them into strips. This way, all the strips are the same length and thickness, ensuring a consistent texture in each bite.

sliced cabbage

As you add the cabbage strips to the wok, feel free to unleash your inner Avatar fan and yell “MY CABBAGES!” if you’re into that kind of thing (and catch that reference!). It’s all about having fun in the kitchen, right?

sauting cabbage in wok

To bring the dish together, we need a delightful sauce. In a bowl, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, and the orange/lemon juice. Pour this aromatic concoction into the wok and let it come to a simmer. Allow the sauce to reduce by about half, infusing the cabbage and other ingredients with its rich flavors.

noodles with sauce in wok

Now, it’s time for the star of the show—the noodles! Lower the heat and carefully toss them into the wok. Make sure each strand gets coated in that mouthwatering sauce. Let them simmer and soak up all those irresistible flavors for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even distribution.

stir fry in wok

To elevate this dish further, I served my spicy and sweet noodles alongside some simple peanut chicken. The combination of flavors was like a tango on my taste buds—fiery heat meeting delightful sweetness in perfect harmony.

Helpful Tips to Making Homemade Orange Noodles

  • Cooking Rice Noodles: Follow the package instructions for cooking rice noodles, but be mindful not to overcook them as they can become mushy. Taste-test for doneness and ensure they are al dente.
  • Prepping Ingredients: Prep and organize all the ingredients before starting the cooking process. This will help you work more efficiently and prevent any last-minute scrambling.
  • Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the spiciness of the dish according to your preference. You can add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce if you desire a hotter kick.
  • Sauce Consistency: If you find that the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) while simmering the sauce.
  • Texture of Cabbage: If you prefer a crisper texture for the cabbage, you can add it later in the cooking process and stir-fry it briefly to retain some of its crunch.
  • Seasoning Balance: Throughout the cooking process, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, more brown sugar for sweetness, or more citrus juice for tanginess.
  • Garnish and Toppings: Consider adding some garnishes or toppings to elevate the dish. Chopped green onions, cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds can provide additional flavor and visual appeal.
  • Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to add color, texture, and nutritional variety to your stir-fry.

And there you have it, Hungry People!

A scrumptious recipe that turns everyday ingredients into a flavor explosion. I encourage you to unleash your creativity and make it your own. Add some colorful vegetables, toss in your favorite protein, or even experiment with different types of noodles. The possibilities are endless!

Remember, cooking is an adventure meant to be savored. So grab your wok, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to delight your taste buds with this sweet and seriously spicy noodle creation. Until next time, happy cooking!

P.S. Stay tuned for more exciting recipes and tips on my blog. And as always, if you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out on Instagram.

singapore orange rice noodles

Sweet Heat Orange Noodles

The Starving Chef
Sweet and spicy stir-fried noodles with a tangy citrus twist, loaded with cabbage and scrambled eggs, perfect for a flavorful and quick meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, International, Main Course
Cuisine Asian, International, Quick & Easy
Servings 4

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Strain and set aside.
  • In a large wok, heat 1-2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the egg and scramble it. Remove the cooked egg from the wok and set it aside to avoid overcooking.
  • In the same wok, without cleaning it, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss in the sliced onions, minced ginger, and garlic. Sauté until the onions are softened and the garlic is just beginning to brown. Add the cabbage strips.
  • When the cabbage starts to wilt, pour in the chicken broth, fresh squeezed orange juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a rapid simmer, stirring constantly.
  • Add the cooked rice noodles to the wok and reduce the heat. Continue stirring until the sauce is reduced by about half.
  • Finally, add the scrambled eggs back into the wok and stir until they are incorporated and warmed through. Serve the noodles immediately. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
Keyword Asian, noodles, orange
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!