STIR-FRIED COCONUT NOODLES

Stir-Fried Coconut Noodles image

Provided by Mark Bittman

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

3/4 pound linguine-style rice noodles
3 tablespoons canola, corn or other neutral oil
1 pound minced or ground boneless pork or chicken
1 yellow or red bell pepper, seeded and minced
1 eggplant, about 1/2 pound, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 can unsweetened coconut milk (1 1/2 to 2 cups)
Nam pla (fish sauce), soy sauce or salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Minced cilantro, for garnish

Steps:

If using rice noodles, soak them in very hot water to cover until ready to add to stir-fry in Step 4. If using linguine, bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, and cook pasta until it is nearly but not quite done. Drain, and rinse in cold water.
Meanwhile, place 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet or wok; turn heat to high. A minute later, add meat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon; set aside.
Add another tablespoon of the oil to skillet, followed by bell pepper and eggplant. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until both are browned and tender, about 10 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon; combine with meat.
Add remaining tablespoon of oil, followed immediately by the garlic and about 30 seconds later, the coconut milk. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring and scraping with a wooden spoon, for about a minute. Add drained noodles along with meat and vegetables, and cook until noodles absorb most of the coconut milk, about 3 minutes.
Season with nam pla to taste, then add plenty of black pepper. Garnish with cilantro, and serve.