Chinese Noodle & Bok Choy Soup

The hiatus from my former career life started with a mix of anger, grief, confusion and self pity. Then there was the Benadryl-haze I caused myself from taking it for insomnia. Slowly the fog lifted and I stopped analyzing myself to death. I let go and let God. I hugged my husband and my dog. I counted my blessings. 

Asian Noodle Soups & Bowls

It's no surprise that I love Asian noodles. I devoted a separate category for them in the Recipe Index. From Korean to Thai, I've explored different cuisines. One thing remains constant, noodles are the star. Click on the links below to view each recipe.

Soba Noodle Soup with Mushrooms & Snow Peas

Spicy Sesame-Broccoli Soba Bowl

Green Curry Rice Noodle Soup 

Thai Pasta Toss with Chili, Lime & Basil

Easy Asian Noodle & Bok Choy Soup 

Easy Sesame Noodles

Double Mushroom Soba Noodle Soup 

Korean Style Soba Noodles

Sesame Asparagus Noodle Bowl

Spicy Eggplant-Basil Noodles

Quick Chicken or Vegetable Pho

Red Curry Noodles With Eggplant & Basil 
Easy Chinese Noodle & Bok Choy Soup 

Bon Appetit!

Thai Red Curry Noodles

I've hit a roadblock with embroidery designing. My last larger pattern was Madame Butterfly. Since then, I've done some small freebies, which people enjoy. But the bigger ideas aren't coming to me. When that happens, I put my needle and thread away and head to the kitchen. Recipe ideas flow without any effort. They continuously pop into my head, before I go to sleep, on long walks with my beagle, while brushing my teeth. I write them down because I can't keep up. I cook up a storm. That's my process. It's a bit insane with lots of messes in the kitchen. But I am not one without the other. My cooking and sewing fuel each other.

Quick Chicken Pho

If you've visited me before, you may have noticed my deep devotion to Asian noodles, especially big brothy bowls of them. Oh how I love pho! The aroma of it alone can brighten my day. I've been making this quick and easy version for a while now. It mimics the slow-simmered flavor profile of the real deal. It's just delicious! 

Korean Style Quinoa Salad

I'm stitching away this rainy day. My next pattern will be a little redwork monogram that I think you'll like. The gray sky made me crave a perky lunch. I was in the mood for something spicy, fresh and filling. I settled on this Korean inspired salad. The flavors of garlic, sesame and scallion work well with quinoa. Chili wakes up the taste buds, without setting them on fire. Bright green broccoli is also plentiful here. Thai basil is more than welcome in this recipe. Some diced chicken or avocado would be great too. It's a light but satisfying meal that'll keep you going for hours. If you're on the fence about quinoa, give this salad a try. I think you'll be happy you did.

Spicy Sesame-Broccoli Soba Bowl

After finally finishing my new Madame Butterfly pattern, I treated myself to soba. I love all Asian noodles. I especially adore brothy soups and tangly noodles with lots of vegetables like my Soba Noodle Soup with Mushrooms & Snow Peas  or my Korean Style Soba.  My pantry and fridge are well stocked with things like naturally brewed soy sauce and rice vinegar so I can whip up a recipe in no time.

This flavorful soba bowl is brimming with bright green veggies, spicy chili, warm sesame and perky ginger. The sauce is kept on the lighter side, with just the right amount of oil necessary to coat the noodles.

Chili Garlic Glazed Salmon

Asian flavors are made for salmon. This easy and healthy recipe comes in handy when you're wondering what to serve for dinner. It's a foolproof dish that's ready in 30 minutes from start to finish. Steam some Jasmine or sushi rice, toss some sliced cucumbers with sesame oil, a drizzle of honey and rice vinegar and you've got a tasty dinner that's special enough to serve to company.

Sesame Asparagus Noodle Bowl

There's lots of fresh flavor and texture in this lightly-sauced and healthy noodle bowl. A combination of scallions, ginger and tender-crisp asparagus make it a great choice for springtime. Sesame oil seasons the chewy Chinese noodles with toasty notes. I like to serve sriracha sauce on the side for a bit of chili heat. It's great with a fried egg on top too.

Double Mushroom Soba Noodle Soup

Today, I needed a major break after a pattern I was about to publish had a mistake in it. Oh well, stuff happens, right? Cooking always soothes my soul. A big bowl of Asian noodles offered me the best kind of kitchen-comfort. After being nourished by this slurp-worthy soup, I took a long stroll with my eager beagle and switched-stitching-gears. I decided to finish working on a cheerful monogram. It's springtime colors are inspired by Cath Kidston fabrics (see below for photo).

Korean Style Soba Noodles

I took a break from working on my next pattern to make this Korean-inspired lunch. Cross stitching and designing can make a girl hungry. Since I stopped working every evening in a psychiatric ER, I've been into mindful eating. Having proper meals is the new goal. Lunch is a must.

I adore Asian noodle bowls, don't you?  Soba noodles are low in fat, high in fiber, amino acids, B vitamins and minerals. They're also delicious! Here, tangles of soba noodles are tossed with a spicy sauce similar to the kind served with bibimbap.  The dish has delicious sesame, spinach and umami flavors. Ginger and diced scallions brighten things up with freshness. Chili and garlic bring in bold flavors.

This recipe is a great base for crispy, pan-fried tofu or thinly sliced chicken. A side of kimchi is also welcome with this meal. The recipe comes together quickly for those (like me) in need of a midday-Korean-noodle-fix.

Spicy Sweet Potato Soup with Coconut Cream & Sriracha

Nothing says comfort to me more than soup. I come close to slurping it 365 days a year. This luscious sweet potato soup is a gift to yourself or people you love. It's rich and velvety like a bisque. It's satisfying, but not heavy. Cinnamon and coconut lend their warm notes. Perky lime and sriracha sauce counter the sweetness of the potatoes and wake up the taste buds. It hits all the right flavors and textures: creamy, spicy, tangy, sweet.

Vietnamese Vegetable Soup with Coconut Rice

By now, you know how much I adore soup. My Vietnamese vegetable soup is a quick take on traditional slow simmering pho ga. Chicken is added for protein. Tofu or shrimp work well too. Here, a light and flavorful broth is loaded with lots of tender-crisp Asian vegetables, spicy ginger and a finish of fresh lime. Soft hints of warm spices lend an authentic taste to the soup. Earthy mushrooms and soy sauce give it an umami flavor. 

This glorious soup leaves me feeling restored and content, especially during cold and flu season. It's a deliciously nutritious meal. It's ready in under 30 minutes and you control the sodium level. As the rice cooks and the soup simmers, the kitchen fills with sunny aromas. If you're in need of a reboot, put on your PJ's, line up your favorite movies, make a big pot of Vietnamese soup and slurp your stress away.