How to prepare instant noodles.

A recipe for any traveler.

When you are travelling, a quick meal and affordable meal is the best thing you could gift your self especially if you have a low budget or you are travelling with kids.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for preparing your instant noodles on your travel.

Ingredients and Tools:

1. Instant noodles packet
2. Water
3. Optional add-ins: Vegetables, egg, meat, or other toppings
4. Pot or kettle (for boiling water)
5. Bowl (if using a kettle)
6. Stove or microwave (depending on your method)

Instructions:

Method 1: Using a Stove

1. Boil Water: Fill a pot with 2-3 cups of water (follow the amount recommended on the noodle packet). Bring the water to a boil on the stove.
2. Add Noodles: Once the water is boiling, add the noodles to the pot. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes or until they reach your desired texture. Stir occasionally.
3. Add Seasoning: While the noodles are cooking, add the seasoning packet that comes with the noodles. Stir well to mix.
4. Optional Add-ins: If you want to add extra ingredients (vegetables, egg, meat), do so in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Make sure they are fully cooked.
5. Serve: Once everything is cooked, turn off the heat. Pour the noodles and broth into a bowl, add a slice of avocado and enjoy.

Method 2: Using a Microwave

1. Prepare Water: Measure 2-3 cups of water and pour it into a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Add Noodles: Break the noodles into smaller pieces if needed and add them to the bowl of water.
3. Microwave: Microwave the bowl on high for 3-5 minutes, stopping to stir halfway through. Cooking times may vary based on your microwave’s power.
4. Add Seasoning: After microwaving, add the seasoning packet to the noodles and stir well.
5. Optional Add-ins: If you want to add extra ingredients, you can cook them separately and add them to the noodles after microwaving.
6. Serve: Let the noodles sit for a minute to cool slightly, then enjoy.

Tips:

• Customize your noodles: You can add various ingredients like chopped vegetables (carrots, peas, corn), cooked meat (chicken, beef), or a boiled egg for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Reduce salt: If you are concerned about sodium, you can use only part of the seasoning packet.
• Broth vs. Dry: If you prefer less broth, use less water or drain some water before adding the seasoning.

How to Prepare other Noodles

Noodles, a beloved dish across the globe, come in various forms and flavors, offering a versatile base for numerous culinary creations. Whether you prefer them stir-fried, boiled, or served in a savory broth, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to prepare perfect noodles every time.

Types of Noodles

Before diving into the preparation, it’s important to recognize the different types of noodles:

1. Wheat Noodles: Common in Italian and Chinese cuisine (e.g., spaghetti, fettuccine, ramen).
2. Rice Noodles: Popular in Southeast Asian dishes (e.g., pad Thai, pho).
3. Egg Noodles: Found in various Asian and European dishes.
4. Soba Noodles: Made from buckwheat, popular in Japanese cuisine.
5. Udon Noodles: Thick, chewy wheat noodles from Japan.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Noodles

1. Choose Your Noodles

Select the type of noodles based on your recipe. Different noodles have different textures and cooking times, so it’s crucial to choose the right one.

2. Boil the Water

• Quantity: Use a large pot with plenty of water. A general rule is one liter of water per 100 grams of noodles.
• Salt: Add a generous pinch of salt to the water (especially for Italian-style pasta).

3. Cook the Noodles

• Timing: Check the package for the recommended cooking time. Fresh noodles cook faster than dried ones.
• Stirring: Stir the noodles occasionally to prevent them from sticking.
• Testing: Taste a noodle a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to ensure it’s cooked to your liking (al dente for pasta).

4. Drain and Rinse

• Drain: Use a colander to drain the noodles.
• Rinse: For most Asian noodles, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Do not rinse Italian pasta unless specified in the recipe.

5. Flavor and Serve

• Sauce: Toss the noodles with your favorite sauce. For Italian pasta, a simple olive oil, garlic, and parmesan mix works wonders. For Asian noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh vegetables are popular choices.
• Garnish: Add fresh herbs, cheese, nuts, or seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Tips for Perfect Noodles

1. Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of noodles and accompanying ingredients significantly impacts the final dish.
2. Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked noodles become mushy. Aim for a firm, chewy texture.
3. Seasoning: Season your cooking water well, and adjust the seasoning of your sauces to complement the noodles.
4. Timing: Coordinate the cooking of noodles with your sauce to ensure everything is ready at the same time.

Recipe: Simple Stir-Fried Noodles

Ingredients:

• 200 grams of rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 100 grams of bean sprouts
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add the carrot and bell pepper, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until tender.
5. Add the cooked noodles and bean sprouts, tossing to combine.
6. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, cooking for another 2 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Enjoy experimenting with different types and flavors to find your favorite noodle recipes on your travel.