Laping Noodle Salad

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) mung bean noodles 200g (7 oz) mung bean noodles
• 1 cucumber, julienned 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili oil 1 tablespoon chili oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the mung bean noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool them down.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, cucumber, carrot, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
3. 3.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, minced garlic, sugar, and salt.
4. 4.
   Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss until well combined.
5. 5.
   Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve the Laping Noodle Salad chilled and garnish with additional cilantro, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mung bean noodles — Be careful not to overcook the noodles as they can become mushy. Follow the package instructions for the best results.
• Chili oil — Adjust the amount of chili oil according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For added crunch, you can sprinkle some crushed peanuts or sesame seeds on top of the salad before serving.
• Customize the vegetable selection based on your preference. You can add or substitute with ingredients like bean sprouts, snow peas, or shredded cabbage.
• If you prefer a spicier salad, you can add a small amount of Sichuan peppercorns to the dressing for a numbing sensation.

Serving advice

Serve the Laping Noodle Salad as a refreshing appetizer or a light lunch. It pairs well with a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the salad on a large platter and garnish with additional cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The vibrant colors of the vegetables will make the dish visually appealing.