When you live in Taiwan noodles play a big part in life. You can get noodles for a range of prices. The cheapest ones probably being instant noodles and the most expensive being noodles at restaurants with Michelin stars.
Noodles are made for every part of the day. You can have noodles as a proper meal or a (late night) snack.
There are many kinds of noodles, the one being more common than the other. Of course in Taiwan we have beef noodle soup (which is more lunch or dinner, but not really for snacking). And we have sesame noodles, hot or cold.
Cold sesame noodles are a popular breakfast dish. You can buy them at any convenience store or on the market for only 30-50 NT$, which is roughly 1-2 euro's. Or you can make them yourself! Find out how down below :)
The Recipe
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15-20 minutes
Total servings: 3
Ingredients:
- any type of noodles for 3 people (roughly 75 grams per person)
For the sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 2 1/2 tablespoons sesame paste or tahini
- some grated ginger to taste
- cucumber
Instructions:
Cook the noodles according to the instructions.
In the meanwhile mix the ingredients for the sauce. Make sure you stir well so the honey or sugar dissolves well. If you like ginger you can add it to the sauce but if you're not a big fan of ginger you can leave it out.
Cut a cucumber in small thin pieces for serving them with the noodles.
Drain the noodles when they are done cooking and rinse them with cold water for a minute or three.
Add the noodles to a bowl for serving and add the sauce mixture. Mix the noodles and the sauce well and they are ready to serve!
I took the liberty to go a little bit less traditional by adding spring onions and sesame seeds, but if you want to add it or not is completely up to you. If you want to go the traditional way you can add the cucumber to your bowls.
ENJOY!