Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Aubergine Noodles Recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining tender aubergine pieces with a sweet and spicy chili sauce, all tossed with hearty udon noodles and topped with crunchy peanuts. This quick and easy dish, prepared using an air fryer, is perfect for those seeking a satisfying vegetarian meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.
Key Takeaways
- Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Aubergine Noodles highlight a delicious blend of flavors, featuring tender aubergine with a sweet and spicy chili sauce.
- This quick recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes using an air fryer, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
- The dish is vegetarian-friendly and offers a satisfying meal, complemented by crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs for garnish.
Sticky Aubergine Noodles Recipe by Jamie Oliver
Ingredients
- 1 aubergine (250g)
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 pak choi
- 1 tbsp unsalted roasted peanuts
- 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
- 150g straight-to-wok thick udon noodles
- 4 spring onions
- ½ a fresh red chilli
- ½ a little gem lettuce
- 2 sprigs of mint or coriander
- 1 tbsp crunchy peanut & sesame chilli oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
Prepare the Aubergine
- Slice the aubergine lengthwise into 1 cm thick slices, then cut each slice into 1 cm wide strips. Remove the air fryer shelf and arrange the aubergine strips in the air fryer basket. Cook at 200ºC for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Prep the Vegetables
- Peel and finely slice the garlic. Cut the pak choi into quarters lengthwise. Once the aubergine is done cooking, remove the air fryer basket and scatter the garlic and peanuts over the aubergine. Drizzle the sweet chili sauce over the ingredients, then give the basket a shake to evenly coat everything. Add the pak choi to the basket and cook for an additional 5 minutes at 200ºC, or until the aubergine becomes soft and sticky.
Prepare the Noodles
- While the aubergine and pak choi cook, place the noodles in a bowl and cover them with boiling water to soften. Let them sit while you finish the rest of the preparation.
Trim and Slice
- Trim the spring onions and slice them finely. Also, finely slice the fresh chili for added heat. Separate the lettuce leaves and pick the leaves from the herbs of your choice for garnish.
Finish the Dish
- Once the noodles are softened, drain them and add them to the air fryer basket with the cooked aubergine and pak choi. Toss the noodles with the majority of the spring onions, fresh chili, chili oil, and balsamic vinegar. Stir everything together, season to taste, and cook for another minute or two in the air fryer if necessary.
Serve
- Transfer the noodle mixture to a serving bowl. Place the lettuce leaves alongside for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with the remaining spring onions, chili slices, and fresh herbs before serving.
Nutritional Information per Serving
-
Calories: ~450 kcal
-
Protein: 14g
-
Carbohydrates: 45g
-
Sugars: 10g
-
-
Fat: 20g
-
Saturated Fat: 5g
-
-
Fiber: 8g
-
Salt: 2g
👨🍳 [DID YOU KNOW?] Interesting Facts about Sticky Aubergine Noodles
-
Air-Fryer Magic: Using the air fryer for cooking aubergine makes it crispy on the outside while keeping it soft on the inside, all without excess oil.
-
Aubergine’s Versatility: Aubergines (or eggplants) are a great source of fiber, vitamins B1, B6, and potassium, making them a healthy addition to any dish.
-
Peanuts for Crunch: Roasted peanuts not only add crunch but also provide protein and healthy fats, contributing to the dish’s well-rounded nutrition.
-
Sweet & Spicy Flavor: The combination of sweet chili sauce, peanut oil, and fresh chili creates a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
Preparation Tips
It’s imperative to prepare effectively for Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Aubergine Noodles to ensure the best flavors and textures. Here are some tips:
- Choose firm, fresh aubergines for ideal taste.
- Slice the <strong=spring onions thinly to enhance flavor distribution.
- Use a sharp knife when prepping your <strong=vegetables to ensure clean cuts.
- Gather all ingredients before you start to streamline the cooking process.
Knowing these tips will elevate your cooking experience.
Preparing the Aubergine
Aubergine should be cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and to absorb the delicious sweet and spicy sauce. When choosing aubergines, look for ones that are shiny and smooth, as this indicates freshness. It’s also beneficial to salt the pieces beforehand to draw out excess moisture, enhancing their texture and flavor.
Prepping the Vegetables
Clearly, prepping your vegetables correctly is key to the dish’s success. Start by trimming and finely slicing the spring onions and fresh chili. It’s important to separate the lettuce leaves and pick fresh herbs, ensuring you have everything ready to add freshness and garnish. The colors and flavors of these ingredients balance well with the rich noodles and sticky aubergine, providing an inviting presentation and a burst of flavor in every bite.
Cooking Instructions
Despite its quick prep time, the cooking process of Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Aubergine Noodles is straightforward and rewarding. Begin by preparing your ingredients and gathering everything you need. This will streamline your cooking experience, allowing you to create a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.
Noodle Preparation
Preparation is simple: you’ll want to cook the udon noodles according to package instructions until they’re tender yet firm, ensuring they retain a delightful texture in the final dish. Be sure to drain them well, as excess water can dilute the flavors of your sauce.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
One of the highlights of this recipe is using the air fryer, which crisps up the aubergine and pak choi beautifully while maintaining tenderness. After prepping your ingredients, combine the cooked noodles, aubergine, and pak choi in the air fryer basket, tossing them with the seasoning mixture.
The air fryer not only cuts down on cooking time but also reduces the need for excess oil, making your meal healthier. Ensure that the noodles and vegetables are evenly distributed in the basket to allow for even cooking. Watch for doneness after tossing the ingredients with the spicy chili sauce, and feel free to cook for an extra minute or so if necessary. This method delivers a flavorful dish while keeping your cooking experience efficient and enjoyable.
Finishing Touches
All the preparation and cooking you’ve done leads to the moment of finishing touches. As you finalize your Sticky Aubergine Noodles, the right mix of ingredients will elevate the dish’s flavor profile. Consider adjusting your spice levels and ensuring ingredients like chili oil and balsamic vinegar are well incorporated for a perfectly balanced dish.
Final Mixing and Seasoning
If you want to enhance the taste of your Sticky Aubergine Noodles, now is the time to do it. After combining the noodles and aubergines, be sure to season generously, taste-testing along the way. Incorporate the remaining spring onions and fresh chili, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the air fryer for a minute or two.
Serving Suggestions
Touches of freshness will elevate your dish even further. As you serve, consider pairing your Sticky Aubergine Noodles with crispy lettuce leaves that provide a delightful contrast to the savory noodles. You can also sprinkle additional crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs on top for added texture and flavor. This enhances both the visual appeal and the overall gastronomic experience, ensuring that you and your guests will enjoy a feast that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Don’t shy away from experimenting with flavor combinations to make the dish truly yours!
Wine Pairing
-
White Wine:
-
Riesling: A slightly sweet and aromatic wine that complements the sweetness of the chili sauce while balancing the spice.
-
Sauvignon Blanc: Its crispness and citrusy notes make it a perfect match for the fresh and spicy flavors of the dish.
-
-
Red Wine:
-
Pinot Noir: A light red wine with mild tannins and fresh berry flavors that won’t overpower the dish but will enhance the umami of the aubergine.
-
-
Beer:
-
Pale Ale: The slight bitterness of a pale ale contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the dish, offering a refreshing palate cleanse.
-