Crispy Noodle Pancake

2 min read

Serve this crispy noodle pancake on its own as a snack or appetizer, or as a bed for countless stir-fried vegetable and tofu dishes. If at all possible, try to use fresh eggless lo mein noodles, available in the refrigerated or frozen section of Asian markets, often labeled ―plain noodles.‖ Dried lo mein noodles, known as lao mian or ban mian in Mandarin, or lou mihn in Cantonese, are typically egg-free.

MAKES 4 TO 6 SERVINGS

1⁄3 pound lo mein or other thin, egg-free Chinese wheat noodles, cooked according to package directions until al dente, drained and rinsed under cold running water, drained well

1 1⁄2 teaspoons toasted (dark) sesame oil

1⁄4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1 tablespoon finely chopped scallion greens

1 to 11⁄2 teaspoons Chinese chili paste

1 tablespoon peanut oil

Basic Dipping Sauce or other dipping sauce

In a large bowl, combine the noodles, 1 teaspoon of the sesame oil, and salt, tossing until noodles are thoroughly coated. Add the scallion greens and chili paste, tossing well to combine.

Preheat the oven to broil. Set the oven rack 6 to 8 inches from the heating element.

In a 10-inch nonstick ovenproof skillet (preferably cast iron), heat the peanut oil over medium-low heat, swirling to evenly coat the bottom. Add the noodle mixture, pressing down firmly with a spatula or the back of a large wooden spoon to form a pancake. Raise the heat to medium and cook until crisp and golden on the bottom, 7 to 9 minutes, brushing the top with the remaining 1⁄2 teaspoon of sesame oil the last few minutes. Place the skillet under the broiler; broil until top is crisp and golden, 5 to 7 minutes, turning the skillet occasionally to promote even browning.

Loosen the underside of the pancake, working a spatula carefully under and around the entire circumference; carefully slide onto a large serving plate. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut into desired number of slices. Serve at once, with the dipping sauce passed separately.

{PER SERVING} (per 1⁄4 of recipe, without sauce) Calories 186 • Protein 5g • Total Fat 6g • Sat Fat 1g • Cholesterol 0mg • Carbohydrate 29g • Dietary Fiber 1g • Sodium 137mg