Spicy & Savory Chinese-Style Pepper Stir-fry Pasta
Packed with Vitamins! Bell Pepper Recipe 2 – Chinese-Style Pepper Stir-fry Pasta
Tired of plain pasta? Try this delightful Chinese-style pepper stir-fry pasta! It’s a unique fusion dish that combines the vibrant flavors of stir-fried bell peppers and vegetables with the satisfying chewiness of pasta. Perfect for a light yet flavorful meal.
Fresh Vegetable Medley- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color, or a mix for visual appeal), thinly sliced
- 3 green chili peppers, stems removed, washed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
- 3 shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and thinly sliced
Pasta Essentials- 1 serving of pasta
- Pinch of salt (for boiling water)
Flavorful Seasonings- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- A dash of sesame oil (optional, for added aroma)
- 1 serving of pasta
- Pinch of salt (for boiling water)
Flavorful Seasonings- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- A dash of sesame oil (optional, for added aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables that will give this pasta its vibrant flavor and texture. Slice half an onion thinly into strips. This ensures it cooks evenly with the other vegetables.
Step 2
Next, thinly slice one bell pepper into strips, just like the onion. Using a mix of colors like red, yellow, and orange will make your pasta visually stunning!
Step 3
We’ll add a fresh, slightly spicy kick with three green chili peppers. Start by removing the stems, then wash them thoroughly. To control the heat, carefully remove all the seeds using a knife or a small spoon. Once deseeded, slice them thinly lengthwise.
Step 4
For a delightful chewy texture, slice three shiitake mushrooms thinly after removing their tough stems. With all your vegetables prepped and ready, we’re set to start cooking!
Step 5
Now, let’s cook the pasta. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to prevent the pasta from sticking together and to season it from within. Carefully add one serving of your chosen pasta.
Step 6
Cook the pasta for about 8 minutes, or according to package directions, until it’s al dente – tender but still with a slight bite. Overcooking will make it mushy when stir-fried, so aim for slightly firm.
Step 7
While the pasta is cooking, let’s get started on the stir-fry. Heat a wok or a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add a generous amount of cooking oil – enough to coat the bottom well. Ample oil helps prevent sticking and ensures everything stir-fries beautifully.
Step 8
Once the pan is hot, add 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic. Stir-fry the garlic gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This infuses the oil with a wonderful aroma.
Step 9
Add the sliced onions to the pan and stir-fry them with the garlic. Cook until the onions become translucent and start to sweeten, which will build a delicious base for our pasta.
Step 10
When the onions are softened, toss in the sliced bell peppers and green chilies. Stir-fry over medium-high heat for a minute or two. You want the vegetables to be tender-crisp, retaining some of their fresh crunch.
Step 11
Shiitake mushrooms cook quickly, so add them last. Stir-fry for another minute until they are just tender and have absorbed some of the flavors.
Step 12
Now it’s time to season. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and stir everything together. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
Step 13
Once the vegetables have softened and released their aromas, drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the pan with the stir-fried ingredients. Keep the heat at medium or medium-high.
Step 14
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce over the pasta and vegetables. Oyster sauce will add a savory depth and a hint of sweetness, bringing that signature Chinese-style flavor.
Step 15
Toss everything together vigorously using tongs or chopsticks to ensure the sauce coats the pasta and vegetables evenly. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds to a minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 16
For an optional finishing touch, add a tiny drizzle of sesame oil. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma. Use sparingly, as too much can be overpowering. I like just a hint!
Step 17
Continue to stir-fry until the sauce is well absorbed by the pasta and everything is heated through. Your delicious Chinese-style pepper stir-fry pasta is now ready to serve! Garnish with fresh parsley or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!
