One of the easiest, quickest, and most beloved meals is noodles. From kids to adults, everyone loves noodles for their simplicity, adaptability, and speed. Their versatility makes noodles special; you can cook them in countless ways, depending on your mood, available ingredients, or even leftover meals. In my case, this particular stir-fried BBQ fish noodles recipe came from a very spontaneous yet delightful moment.
The Story Behind This BBQ Fish Noodles Recipe
It all began when I went to visit my close friend in another city. We hadn’t seen each other in a while, so naturally, we were excited to catch up. That evening, she brought home some delicious, spicy barbecue fish from one of the best places in Abuja. I wish I could remember the name to give them a shout out! We all know that barbecue fish hits differently at night, especially when it’s fresh off the grill. However, the fish was so big that we couldn’t finish it in one sitting, so we decided to store the leftovers in the fridge.
The next day, I woke up with a strong craving for noodles. Then it hit me—why not use the leftover barbecue fish in the noodles? It seemed like the perfect way to enjoy the fish while making a quick meal. That’s how this BBQ fish noodles recipe came about—a happy fusion of leftover barbecue fish and a simple stir-fry noodle dish. It was such a hit that I knew I had to share it!
Why Noodles are Perfect for Quick Meals
Noodles are a lifesaver when you need a quick yet satisfying meal. They take minutes to cook and can be transformed into a gourmet dish with just a few additional ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or preparing a quick meal for family or friends, noodles are always a go-to option.
The best part? Noodles are highly customizable. Whether you are in the mood for a spicy, savoury, or sweet dish, they can accommodate any flavour profile. In this recipe, the combination of spicy barbecue fish and stir-fried noodles creates a savoury and smoky dish that is hard to resist. Plus, it is a fantastic way to use up leftovers! Mind you, the fish will be scattered throughout the noodles in bite-sized pieces, adding bursts of flavour in every bite. However, be mindful of any bones that may be present in the fish to ensure a safe and enjoyable meal.
Ingredient Breakdown for the BBQ Fish Noodles
Before we dive into this BBQ fish noodles recipe, let us look at the ingredients that make this dish stand out:
- Scotch Bonnet Pepper: For that unmistakable spicy kick. It pairs well with the barbecue fish, adding heat and depth to the dish.
- Tomatoes: Adds a tangy sweetness to balance the spice from the pepper. The tomato also gives the sauce a rich, deep colour.
- Carrot: For a bit of crunch and colour. Carrots are not just for texture; they also add a slight sweetness that complements the spice.
- Barbecue Fish: The star of this dish! The leftover barbecue fish is already spiced, so it cuts the need for added seasoning, making the recipe even simpler.
- Onion: Onion adds an aromatic flavour and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Vegetable Oil: A small amount to sauté the veggies and sauce. You can use any neutral oil, but I like to stick with vegetable oil for its mild flavour.
- Indomie Noodles: I used three sachets of Indomie for this recipe. Indomie is a favourite brand for many Nigerians because of its unique taste and seasoning.
Preparation Steps for the BBQ Fish Noodles
Let’s now walk through the steps to prepare this delicious stir-fry BBQ fish noodles dish:
Step 1: Roughly blend the tomato, onion, and Scotch bonnet pepper together, then set the mixture aside. This creates a quick pepper-tomato sauce that will be the base of the dish.
Step 2: In a pan, heat a small amount of vegetable oil. Add sliced onions and let them simmer until they turn translucent. This gives the dish a rich, caramelized onion flavour. Then, add your roughly blended pepper mix and diced carrots, stirring everything together. Let the mixture cook until the sauce thickens, and the carrots are slightly tender.
Step 3: Add the leftover barbecue fish to the sauce. There is no need to add extra seasoning here because the fish is already well-spiced, and it still has some of that delicious barbecue sauce on it. In fact, this is what gives the noodles a rich colour and smoky flavour.
Step 4: In a separate pot, boil water and cook your Indomie noodles. Add the seasoning that comes with the noodles, but do not overdo it, since the barbecue fish will infuse the noodles with enough flavour.
Step 5: Once the noodles are cooked, drain any excess water and add the noodles to the sauce in the pan. Stir-fry everything together for about three minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb all the flavours. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Stir-Fried Noodles
- Use Leftover Protein: This recipe works well with leftover chicken, turkey, or even shrimp if you don’t have barbecue fish. It’s an excellent way to avoid food waste and create a new meal from leftovers.
- Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of super spicy food, reduce the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper. You can replace it with a milder pepper or simply use fewer peppers.
- Add More Veggies: You can bulk up this dish with more vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or even cabbage. The more vegetables, the more texture and color you’ll add to the dish.
- Noodle Brand: While I used Indomie noodles, you can experiment with other brands or types of noodles such as rice noodles, egg noodles, or soba noodles. Each type gives the dish a unique flavour and texture.
- Avoid Overcooking the Noodles: To keep the stir-fried noodles from becoming soggy, cook them al dente (slightly firm) before adding them to the sauce.
Variations of the Recipe
- Seafood Stir-Fried Noodles: You can replace the barbecue fish with shrimp, calamari, or crab for a seafood twist.
- Chicken Stir-Fried Noodles: Leftover grilled or roasted chicken would work just as well in this recipe.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the fish and add tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Egg Noodles: For a heartier meal, consider using egg noodles. These noodles are thicker and add a richer taste to the dish.
Nutritional Value
This dish is packed with protein from the fish and nutrients from the vegetables. Adding carrots and other veggies ensures you get a good dose of vitamins. Additionally, Scotch bonnet peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, which are excellent for boosting immunity. Learn more about the health benefits of noodles here.
Why This Recipe is a Family Favourite
Not only is this recipe quick to make, but it’s also a great way to get creative with leftovers. The barbecue fish infuses the noodles with so much flavour that even picky eaters will love it. Kids especially enjoy the spicy yet slightly sweet taste, and you can adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s preferences.
Final Thoughts
Be it that you are preparing a quick weeknight dinner or looking for a way to use up leftovers, this stir-fried noodle recipe is the perfect solution. It’s flavourful, customizable, and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce more vegetables into your meal while keeping things simple and delicious.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! What other proteins or vegetables would you add to your stir-fried noodles?
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