Hot and Spicy Noodle Salad

Photo: flickr user Lummmy

Ingredients

5 cups bean sprouts (12 oz)

1 carrot, julienned

12 ounces long flat pasta noodles such as 1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 eggs

vegetable oil

3 green onions, thinly sliced

1/2 sweet red pepper, julienned

1/2 sweet yellow pepper, julienned

1/4 cup finely shredded fresh coriander

Spicy Peanut Dressing

1/2 cup chunky peanut butter

1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock

3 tablespoons light soy sauce

3 tablespoons sesame oil

2 tablespoons hot chili paste or oil (or hot 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 tablespoon minced gingerroot

1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar or Worces

2 lrg clv garlic, minced

2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar

Preparation

SPICY PEANUT DRESSING: In bowl, whisk together peanut butter, stock, soy sauce, sesame oil, hot chili paste, sugar, ginger, black vinegar, garlic and rice vinegar. (Make-ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week.)

Pull off and discard roots from bean sprouts, if desired. Immerse carrots in large pot of boiling salted water for 30 seconds. With wide skimmer or tongs, transfer to colander; chill under cold water. Drain, shake off excess water and set aside on towel-lined tray. Repeat with sprouts, blanching for 5 seconds.

In same pot of boiling water, cook noodles until tender but firm, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water; shake off as much moisture as possible. Tip out onto large platter; drizzle with sesame oil. Pour half of the peanut dressing over noodles; toss lightly. Top with bean sprouts. Cover and set aside.

Beat eggs lightly. Place 8- or 9-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat; brush lightly with vegetable oil. Pour scant 1/4 cup of the eggs into skillet; cook until firm but not coloured on bottom, about 1 minute; turn and cook until set, about 20 seconds. Lift out onto cutting board. Repeat with remaining eggs to make 3 more omelettes. Let cool enough to handle; roll up and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices. Sprinkle over sprouts along with green onions, carrots and sweet peppers. Cover and set aside. Make-ahead:

Drizzle remaining dressing over salad; garnish with coriander. Toss just before serving.