On my recent trip to Singapore, I ate Cantonese style veg noodles at a food joint, and the taste still lingers in my mouth. I loved the texture and the different flavors of these noodles where crunchy vegetables meet sweet-tangy sauces and create a lip-smacking dish. Since then, I wanted to experiment and produce the same taste in my kitchen. These noodles are different from the regular Lo mein noodles. Lo mein noodles are comparatively thicker in size and are simply tossed with sauces, and cooked veggies wherein Cantonese noodles are thinner and are pan-cooked before tossing them with crunchy vegetables and sauces.
This recipe is my version of making Cantonese style veg noodles, and I am making no claims of authenticity with this recipe. The original recipe that I ate at the food joint used oyster sauce as the base but to create a veggie version I have substituted oyster sauce with hoisin sauce. Now on to the recipe! Begin by boiling noodles as per package instructions. Cook until noodles is tender and al dente ( firm enough to bite). Drain and set it aside. Heat oil in a pan and add boiled noodles. Keep flipping noodles upside down until crisp and slightly golden brown. They may clump up, but no worries, later when tossed with veggies and sauces they’ll loosen.
Remember – before you begin cooking, have everything sliced and ready by your side. This dish comes together quickly, and you may not find enough time in between to cut or chop a vegetable. Store bought pre-chopped coleslaw can be used as a substitute for veggies. Feel free to add some pan cooked tofu pieces to these noodles. Meat lovers can certainly add some cooked meat to add more flavor. Pick vegetables of your choice like bell peppers, carrots, onions, broccoli, red cabbage or green cabbage. Thinly slice them up, cook them in sesame oil and olive oil for few seconds – do not overcook them, vegetables should still have a bite or crunch left to them. Add cooked noodles, spices, sauces and toss until well blended. Taste and adjust seasonings to taste. Top with some bean sprouts, green onions and enjoy a comforting and delicious bowl of wholesome goodness!! If you happen to make this recipe, please leave me your valuable comments below!
