Sunday, July 7, 2013

Oriental Broccoli Ramen Noodle Salad

I first had this at the Barn Door with grilled chicken, The Barn Door was by far Wilmington's best dive bar.  The businessman's cheap liquid lunch with a cheap greasy burger.  Actually the proprietor Art, loved to eat and was a very creative cook.  There was live music at night.  Punk Rock, Grunge, Metal... total 90's youth scene.  You had to walk through the band to get to the bathroom.  I am pretty sure I am one of the few patrons who knew both sides of the Barn Door.

Gripes about the usual internet recipes:  Too much sugar, no sesame oil, pre-pack Broccoli slaw is awful.

2 Packets of Ramen Noodles (chicken or beef) smashed in the bag.  (Reserve flavor packets!!!)
2 heads of Broccolli, chopped small
1/2 C pre grated carrot or 1 grated carrot
1/2 C grated or chopped cabbage
1/3 C Rice Wine Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1/3 C Canola Oil
1/4 C Sunflower Seeds (or chopped Almonds or Cashew pieces)
1/4 C Raisins (a little sweetness or mandarin oranges. or both)
1-2 TBS brown sugar to taste (you can use white, but I find the brown sugar has a nicer tase
1-2 TBS sesame oil to taste
1-2 TBS Soy Sauce to taste
1 TBS Siricha to taste, (a Thai garlic hot pepper sauce, now available in Asian section of most groceries.)

Combine Vinegar, Oils, sugar and soy, Siricha and 1 (only one) Ramen flavor packet in a measuring cup and whisk together.
Combine smashed ramen, chopped broccoli, carrots, seeds/nuts, fruit in a bowl, and mix well with dressing.
Chill 1 - 4 hours

Works very well when served with leftover (chilled) London Broil, Grilled Chicken, Grilled Tuna or Salmon.