Description
Tadka Noodles are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying Indian-inspired stir-fried noodle dish infused with the bold aromas of traditional tadka spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, this customizable recipe combines chewy noodles with a spicy tempering of mustard seeds, garlic, ginger, chilies, and fresh vegetables, finished with a tangy twist. Perfect for busy days, this dish appeals to all ages and can be easily adapted for vegan, vegetarian, or protein-rich variations.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Ingredients
- 200g instant or egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced ginger
- 1–2 green chilies, sliced, or 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder (optional)
Fresh Herbs and Flavor Enhancers
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or curry leaves
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste or juice of ½ lemon
Optional Variations and Add-ons
- 100g tofu, paneer, or cooked chicken (optional protein boost)
- Roasted peanuts or cashews for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Noodles: Boil the noodles according to package instructions until just tender, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to keep them from sticking.
- Make the Tadka: Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and wait until they start to pop. Then add minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until the raw aromas disappear and the mixture turns golden.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add finely chopped onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Cook until they are tender but retain some crunch to maintain a pleasant texture contrast.
- Combine Noodles and Spices: Add the boiled noodles to the pan with the tadka-spiced vegetables. Sprinkle in red chili powder, salt, and turmeric powder if using. Stir thoroughly to coat every noodle strand evenly with the spices.
- Finish with Freshness: Turn off the heat and stir in fresh cilantro or curry leaves along with a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of tamarind paste for a tangy zing. Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- Don’t overcook noodles; keep them al dente to maintain structure when frying with spices.
- Ensure the oil is hot before adding mustard seeds to achieve the perfect pop.
- Use fresh garlic, ginger, and herbs to significantly enhance the flavor.
- Add nuts or fresh vegetables at the end to keep a variety of textures.
- Adjust chili quantity gradually to suit your preferred spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Tadka Noodles, Indian noodles, quick noodle recipe, spicy noodles, vegetarian noodles, vegan noodles option, stir-fried noodles
