Noodle Dishes - Bites & Bevvies

February 8, 2023February 8, 2023

Make This Simple Ramen Recipe In No Time

Who doesn’t love a steaming bowl of ramen soup? We certainly do. On a wet chilly winter night there is truly nothing more satisfying than a great big bowl of ramen. We’re not alone, today ramen is one of the most beloved and widely consumed dishes around the entire world. It has a super fascinating history, beginning in China and evolving into the dish we know and love today.

The origins of ramen can be traced back to the 15th century, when a Chinese noodle dish called lamian made its way to Japan. Over time, Japanese cooks began to modify the dish, adding their own local ingredients, such as pork, vegetables, and soy sauce, which helped form what we know as ramen today. This new noodle dish was called shina soba, and it is the precursor to modern ramen.

As the story goes, the first dish that closely resembled ramen was created in 1884, but the first actual ramen shop was opened in 1910 in the Asakua part of Tokyo, Japan. Ramen was almost an instant hit, and soon there were ramen shops popping up all over the country. By the 1970s, ramen had become a national obsession, and it soon spread to other countries. Today, ramen is a beloved dish in many cultures around the world and ramen shops can be found in about every city throughout the world.

Now that you know the fascinating history behind ramen, let’s talk about how to make a delicious ramen at home. Here is a great recipe for a classic ramen dish:

Ramen Ingredients:

-1 package of ramen noodles. Dry noodles are the most accessible and easiest, but if you have an international grocery store near you, we highly recommend getting a package of fresh egg noodles.
-2 cups of chicken broth. A shelf stable box works just fine, but we like to make fresh stock when we buy a whole rotisserie chicken from the store.
-1 tablespoon of soy sauce
-1 teaspoon of sesame oil
-1/2 cup of chopped green onions
-1/4 cup of chopped mushrooms (optional)
-1/4 cup of chopped bok choy
-1/4 cup of shredded carrots
-1/4 cup of frozen corn (optional)
-Meat (optional) – which kind of meat is totally up to you, but pork is the most common. However, we’ve also made delicious homemade ramen using leftover chicken or steak.
-Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Directions:

Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the ramen noodles. Cook the noodles for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, mushrooms, bok choy, carrots, and meat (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve the ramen in bowls and enjoy!

If you want to make your ramen extra spicy, you can add some chili sauce or red pepper flakes. You can also add other ingredients, such as shrimp, tofu, or egg which will only add to the depth of the flavor. Be sure to get creative and make it your own!

There you have it, an easy way to make a great homemade ramen. The next time it is cold and wet outside, be sure to give this easy recipe a try. Also, if you’re looking for other heartwarming soups to make this winter be sure to check out our tasty soup recipes.

January 2, 2023January 27, 2023

It’s Hard To Mess Up This Cacio e Pepe Recipe

Cacio e Pepe is an Italian dish with a long and storied history. A classic Roman dish, it dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was a simple meal of pecorino cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Despite its simplicity, the combination of flavors is incredibly complex and satisfying.

Cacio e Pepe is a pasta dish made with long, thin spaghetti, Pecorino cheese, and lots of freshly cracked black pepper. While some recipes call for butter or cream, it is traditionally made with only cheese, pepper, and olive oil. The pasta is cooked in salted water and then drained, reserving some of the cooking liquid. The cheese and pepper are added to the hot pasta, along with some of the cooking liquid, and then it is mixed until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened.

Make Your Own Upscale Cacio e Pepe

Making an upscale twist on Cacio e Pepe at home is easy and can be done in just a few steps. To make this version of the dish, you will need 1/2 pound of spaghetti, 1/2 cup of freshly grated Pecorino cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of butter, plus more for garnish.

To begin, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. When done, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid and drain the spaghetti.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. When the butter has melted, add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat. Reduce the heat to low and add the Pecorino cheese, black pepper, and reserved cooking liquid. Toss until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened.

To finish, top the pasta with an extra tablespoon of butter and more freshly grated cheese. Serve with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. For an optional way to add some spice, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Cacio e Pepe is a classic Italian dish that is simple, yet incredibly flavorful. With this upscale twist, you can upgrade the classic dish and enjoy a delicious meal in just a few minutes.

How about a great app to get the meal started? This Caprese Salad recipe will pair nicely.

December 27, 2022January 27, 2023

Skip The Takeout And Make This Simple Pad Thai At Home

Pad Thai is one of the most popular dishes in Thailand and around the world. It is a dish that consists of stir-fried rice noodles, fish sauce, tamarind, peanut sauce, and vegetables. It is usually garnished with ground peanuts, lime wedges, and cilantro.

The history of Pad Thai can be traced back to the 1930s. During this time, Thailand was trying to promote nationalism and the government wanted to promote Thai cuisine as a national dish. So, it was decided that a new dish would be created, with the help of a famous Thai chef, named Phat Thai. Phat Thai created the delicious dish that we now know and love as Pad Thai.

Making a great Pad Thai at home is an easy task. You will need the following ingredients:

• 8 ounces of dried flat rice noodles

• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons of fish sauce

• 2 tablespoons of tamarind paste

• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter

• 1/4 cup of sugar

• 2 tablespoons of lime juice

• 1/4 cup of crushed peanuts

• 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro

• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

In order to make the Pad Thai, you will need a large skillet or wok, along with a spatula. Start by heating the oil in the skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the noodles and stir-fry for a few minutes.

Next, add the fish sauce, tamarind paste, peanut butter, sugar, and lime juice. Continue to stir-fry until the noodles are cooked through. Finally, remove the noodles from the heat and stir in the crushed peanuts and chopped cilantro.

To serve, divide the Pad Thai among plates and garnish with lime wedges and cilantro. For an optional way to add some spice, you can add a few dashes of hot chili sauce.

If you want to make a twist on the classic Pad Thai, you can add other ingredients such as shrimp, scrambled eggs, or tofu. You can also add different vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or bean sprouts.

Making Pad Thai at home is an easy and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Thailand. With just a few simple ingredients, you can easily make a delicious meal that is sure to please.

How about a great bevvy to accompany your meal? Check out some of our awesome cocktail recipes.

December 27, 2022January 27, 2023

Mie Goreng Is An Easy Indonesian Noodle Dish You’ll Want To Try At Home

Mie Goreng, meaning “fried noodles” in Indonesian, is a popular dish that can be found in many Southeast Asian countries. It has its roots in Chinese-Indonesian cuisine but has since become a popular dish in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. The dish consists of fried noodles cooked with vegetables and a combination of spices and sauces. It is typically served with a fried egg on top and garnished with fried shallots, peanuts, and a lime wedge.

Mie Goreng has a long and storied history. It dates back to the 16th century, when it was first introduced to the Indonesian archipelago by Chinese traders. The dish quickly became popular amongst the locals and was adapted to include local ingredients and flavors. Since then, it has become a staple dish of Indonesian cuisine.

Making a great Mie Goreng at home is not difficult. The key is to find the right balance of ingredients, spices, and sauces. Here is a simple recipe for Mie Goreng that will take about 30 minutes to make.

Key Mie Goreng Ingredients:

2 servings of egg noodles
1/2 cup of sliced green onion
1/2 cup of shredded cabbage
1/2 cup of diced carrots
1/2 cup of diced bell peppers
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 teaspoon of sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1/4 cup of sliced shallots
1/4 cup of roasted peanuts

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

Wok or large skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Large bowl

Cook Time:

Roughly 30 minutes

Cooking Instructions:

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package directions. Drain the noodles and set aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in the wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, green onion, cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the cooked noodles to the wok and stir to combine.
Add the soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the noodles are fully cooked.
Serve the Mie Goreng with a fried egg on top, garnished with the sliced shallots and roasted peanuts.

For a little extra spice, you can add a few drops of chili oil or a teaspoon of chili flakes to the dish.

To make a twist on the classic dish, you can try adding different vegetables such as bean sprouts, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also add different proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu. The possibilities are endless!

No matter how you make it, Mie Goreng is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

Need other ideas for dinner this week? Find flavorful dishes you can easily make in your kitchen.

December 22, 2022January 27, 2023

An Easy Spaghetti And Meatballs The Kids Will Love

The classic dish of spaghetti and meatballs has been around for centuries, and its origin story is just as rich as the flavors of the dish itself. While the exact origin of the dish is unknown, its earliest written mention dates back to a Neapolitan cookbook from the late 1800s. The dish is thought to have been created as a way to bring together ingredients that were readily available and affordable.

Start With Meatballs

Making the perfect meatball is no easy task, but with a few simple tricks you can have delicious, juicy meatballs every time. Start with the right ingredients: ground beef or pork, bread crumbs, egg, minced onion, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and form into balls. Make sure you don’t over-mix the ingredients, or your meatballs will be tough. Bake your meatballs in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Putting It Together

This classic dish is sure to please the whole family. To make spaghetti and meatballs at home, you’ll need the following ingredients: spaghetti, meatballs (see above recipe), tomato sauce, garlic, onions, and parsley.

You’ll need a large pot, a skillet, and a baking sheet. Start by preheating the oven to 375°F and baking the meatballs according to the recipe above.

In a large pot, bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.

In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.

Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat. Serve with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for garnish.

Optional Ways to Add Some Spice:

For a spicy version of this classic dish, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add diced jalapenos or chopped chili peppers to the sauce to give it some extra kick.

Additional Optional Garnishes:

To add extra flavor and texture to the dish, try adding some chopped fresh basil or oregano to the tomato sauce. You can also top the dish with some freshly grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.