Vietnamese-Style Bean-Thread Noodles

By Nava · On Jan 30, 2007

Here’s a deliciously offbeat, light Asian-style noodle dish. Bean-thread noodles, which have a delightful texture, are available in natural foods stores, Asian groceries, and even some well-stocked supermarkets.

Serves: 4

Two 2-ounce bundles bean-thread (cellophane) noodles
2 tablespoons peanut or light olive oil
1 larges onion, quartered and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 heaping cups thinly shredded green or napa cabbage
2 heaping cups diced fresh tomatoes
4 ounces very fresh mung bean sprouts
8 ounces firm tofu, diced
2 to 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, to taste
Dried hot red pepper flakes to taste
Salt to taste
Chopped peanuts for garnish
Thinly sliced fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional

Cook the noodles according to package directions, then drain. When cool enough to handle, place on a cutting board and cut in several directions to create shorter lengths.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a stir-fry pan or wok. Add the onion and stir-fry over medium heat until translucent.

Turn up the heat, add the garlic and cabbage and stir-fry until the cabbage is tender-crisp and lightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Add the tomatoes and sprouts and continue to stir-fry, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes are soft and the sprouts tender-crisp, another 5 to 7 minutes.

Stir in the vinegar, tofu, and red pepper flakes, and noodles. Cook, stirring, until everything is well heated through. Serve at once, garnishing each serving with chopped peanuts and the optional basil.