Glass Noodles Salad

In the hot summer days, a refreshing and delicious dish always brings a sense of comfort and satisfaction. One of the most popular classic cold dishes is what we're sharing today — glass noodles salad. This dish originates from the traditional cold dish culture in China, with a long history, making it a must-have delicacy on summer dining tables.

When using glass noodles for a cold salad, some friends find that the noodles are either too chewy or clump together when soaked. I'll teach you a method to soak the noodles so they're springy, non-sticky, and don't clump together, resulting in a delicious and refreshing glass noodles salad. Let's go through my tips for soaking glass noodles and making glass noodles salad together.

1.What is Glass noodles salad?

Glass noodles salad is a common snack in rural and urban areas of Xuwen, Guangdong Province. As the main ingredient in this cold dish, glass noodles have a rich historical background and diverse preparation methods. It is said that glass noodles originated in the Ming Dynasty of China. Eating "passing water noodles" (a type of noodle) had become a common custom for ordinary people during the Dragon Boat Festival, and the habit of eating cold noodles during the summer solstice also spread widely.

Over thousands of years of evolution, glass noodles have become an indispensable part of traditional Chinese cuisine. Its unique production process involves starch being processed in a distinctive way to form thin, soft strands that are elastic and delicately textured. Glass noodles have excellent moisture absorption properties, allowing them to soak up the flavors of seasonings and ensuring each bite is full of deliciousness.

2.What are the ingredients?

Noodles: You can choose mung bean noodles, which are the key ingredient in this recipe. They have a good texture, hold up well when cooked, and are perfect for cold salads.

Carrots and cucumbers: These two are common vegetables used as accompaniments in cold salads. They add bright colors and refreshing flavors, ideal for shredding and serving as side dishes.

Seasonings: Typically, these are common Chinese condiments required for various dishes, readily available at Asian supermarkets.

This recipe is quite innovative, allowing you to customize it by choosing other ingredients according to your preferences.

3.How to soak glass noodles?

Soaking glass noodles directly in cold water takes longer, typically 1-2 hours. Using hot water can cause the noodles to clump together or become mushy, resulting in an undesirable texture. A good method is to first boil the noodles until they are softened, then soak them in warm water. This reduces soaking time and ensures a smooth and pleasant texture, avoiding hardness. This is a helpful tip for soaking glass noodles.

4.How to season?

Start by adding soy sauce for a savory flavor, which is commonly used in cold salads. Next, add rice vinegar to enhance acidity and stimulate appetite. Finally, incorporate salt and sesame oil for seasoning to enhance the aroma and enrich the flavor of the dish.

5.How to store glass noodles?

If you have cooked a batch of glass noodles in advance, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. After cooling them with cold water, lightly coat them with sesame oil to prevent sticking, and store them in a sealed container.

Let's explore together the wonderful process of making glass noodles salad and savor the refreshing and delicious flavors of summer. Let this glass noodles salad be your best companion this summer, accompanying you through enjoyable and delightful days. Let's enjoy the pleasure of cooking together and experience the satisfaction and happiness that food brings!