Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Sesame Noodles for a Crowd






From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...Hail, hail the gang's all here - what the heck do we eat now? Something fast and simple with a final caveat that it must be delicious and worthy of a family feast. It took me years to learn to cook for two once the children had left home. Now that we are vacationing together, the coin is flipped and I have to pull recipes from mothballs or scramble to find new ones that can be scaled to feed the hungry horde. I had some help from Ree Drummond this year. I'd been eyeing her recipe for sesame noodles and decided to serve them as a side on the night I was responsible for dinner. I doubled her already large recipe and served the noodles with an Asian salad and Korean barbecued chicken. It was a great meal, thanks in part to her very simple recipe for those noodles. When I make this dish I use Chinese egg noodles rather than spaghetti. I packed the noodles in my luggage on the off chance that they would not be available on Cape Cod. It was a wise call. If you are unfamiliar with these noodles and decide to try them, be aware that they are not cooked in the same way as Italian pasta and it is imperative that you follow the manufacturer's directions for cooking them. While the noodles need a bit of time to cool, they can be made in 15 effortless minutes and I think you will love them. They are perfect for buffets, barbecues and picnics and should there be any leftovers, they will keep well for several days. The only caution I want to share with you, is the importance of saucing the noodles while they are hot and able to absorb all the lovely flavors swimming in the sauce. If you have never used Chinese hot chili oil, proceed with caution and add it in increments rather than in one fell swoop. It is hot, hot, hot and while you can always add more, you can't back out heat once it has been added.I hope you will try the noodles this summer. Here is how they are made.

Sesame Noodles for a Crowd...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite inspired by Ree Drummond

Ingredients:
2 (16-oz. each) packages thin Chinese egg noodles or Italian capellini, cooked and drained per manufacturer's directions
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sugar
2-1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/3 cup dark sesame oil
1 teaspoon red hot chili oil or red pepper flakes
1/2 cup canola oil
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced

Directions:
1) Combine soy sauce, sugar, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, canola oil and chili oil in a large bowl and whisk until smooth. Adjust ingredients to taste.
2) Cook noodles per package directions, drain and add to sauce while still warm. Toss noodles with sauce to coat thoroughly. Sprinkle with scallions and toss again. Serve warm or at room temperature. Yield: 16 servings.

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18 comments :

Merisi said...

This sounds wonderful, for a crowd or even in smaller quantities!

I know what you are talking about, having grown up in a family of ten, it took me a long time to not use three packages of spaghetti to create a meal. It really is a physical act, isn't it, to pull pack and think small(er).

It looks as if you had a lot of fun, up there in Cape Cod!
Cheers,
Merisi

Mary Moh said...

Oh wow.......I love this. I need to keep this simple recipe. I love big crowd recipes cos I often entertain guests. You have so much fun there. Thanks very much for sharing! Hope you have a lovely week. Mary

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

I am always stumped when it comes to feeding a crowd since there are only two of us. Great idea with the sesame noodles Mary. Looks like you guys are having fun.
Sam

Keeley said...

I make this often with lo mein noodles. I add chicken and stir fry it for dinner.

From the Kitchen said...

Nice to see the photo of your clan! I kept looking for you on the Cape but had no sighting. I've only recently discovered Ree after hearing about her for quite awhile. The noodles sound like a good companion to a number of entrees.

Best,
Bonnie

Kim said...

Totally my knid of noodles... With a little bit of tofu and couple of veggies:) Love it!

Unknown said...

I love the pictures of your family, thanks for posting those!!
As for the noodles.. YUM! I could eat just that and be very content :)

Manu said...

Love noodles!!!
I've just found out what I'll have for dinner tonight...
Thanks for suggestion ;-)

Susan Lindquist said...

Oh, how I love the noodle dishes! Lo mein is one of my fave Asian snack dishes ... with shrimp or chicken added, this dish would soooo satisfy a lo main craving! Without the meat, it's perfect picnic fare! No worries about storage, just scoop up those noodles! Great dish, Mary!

Lori E said...

This is one of my favorite dishes. I like it spicy. Great idea to add leftover chicken too.

David said...

Mary, Sesame noodles isn't something I've ever had. I like the added spice! Thanks for the recipe... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

KimH said...

Those look great! Im gluten sensitive but I assume they can be made with any non-wheat Chinese noodle. Thanks!

Tricia @ Saving room for dessert said...

Oh I just love vacation photos - very nice! Nice noodles too, if you don't mind me saying so. I bet this was a tasty dinner.

Unknown said...

You forgot to mention that you packed your homemade Korean bbq sauce with you on the plane! That was one great meal :)

Ginny Hartzler said...

Welcome back!! This looks wonderful! And I LOVE your photos!!! Especially the one of everyone having a picnic.

JG said...

The noodles look yummy! I remember relearning how to prep only enough noodles for 2, Mary. :) The Cape is a yearly fave with my family. Gorgeous beaches + filled with history! Cape Cod Baseball League, too.
~Judy

Tanna said...

Oh, this sounds so good! Made me hungry right now! I am catching up today, Mary, and have so enjoyed your family photos! Looks like you have enjoyed such a wonderful family time. We will be meeting up with parts of the family at the beach next month and I am stashing recipes for the fun! Thank you, as always! blessings ~ tanna

Daniela Grimburg said...

Mmh,this lovely pasta looks like a real crowd pleaser.
Now I know what I'll prepare for the next family gathering.
The picture of your clan is so nice :)

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