Egg noodles are a versatile staple ingredient used in many cuisines around the world. Here is an overview of the most common uses of egg noodles.
Soups
Egg noodles are a popular addition to soups, adding substance, texture, and nutrients. Some examples of soups that commonly contain egg noodles include:
- Chicken noodle soup
- Beef noodle soup
- Ramen
- Pho
- Wonton soup
- Egg drop soup
The noodles soak up the flavors of the broth and mix with the other ingredients like vegetables, meat, and herbs. The noodles provide carbohydrates to make the soup a more complete meal.
Stir Fries
Egg noodles are commonly used in stir fry dishes, pairing nicely with meat, vegetables, and sauces. Some examples of stir fry dishes containing egg noodles include:
- Beef and broccoli stir fry
- Chicken and vegetable stir fry
- Shrimp lo mein
- Singapore noodles
- Pad thai
Egg noodles hold up well when cooked in the high heat of a wok. Their flavor absorbs the sauces and mixes with the other ingredients.
Casseroles and Bakes
The pasta shape of egg noodles makes them a good choice for casseroles and baked dishes. Egg noodles pair well with cheesy, creamy sauces. Some examples of baked egg noodle dishes are:
- Lasagna
- Macaroni and cheese
- Egg noodle kugel
- Pastitsio
- Cannelloni
The noodles soak up the sauce and cheese, while retaining their shape after baking. The pasta texture provides substance and contrasts with the soft textures of sauce and cheese.
Salads
Chilled egg noodle salads are popular picnic and potluck dishes. The noodles absorb the flavors of the dressing and mix with vegetables, meats or seafood. Some egg noodle salad examples are:
- Macaroni salad
- Chicken noodle salad
- Shrimp pasta salad
- Sesame noodle salad
- Antipasto pasta salad
Egg noodles bring carbohydrates, protein, and nutrients to salads. Their softer texture contrasts with crisper vegetables.
Side Dishes
Simple preparations of egg noodles can make excellent side dishes to pair with entrees. Some examples include:
- Buttered egg noodles
- Garlic egg noodles
- Parsley egg noodles
- Fettuccine alfredo
- Cheese egg noodles
Egg noodles can provide a starch component to a meal without the need for rice or potatoes. Their versatility allows many flavor options.
Main Dishes
Egg noodles can also serve as the main feature of a dish. Their heartiness makes them suitable as an entree. Some examples of egg noodle main dish meals include:
- Beef stroganoff over egg noodles
- Chicken paprikash with egg noodles
- Shrimp scampi linguine
- Vegetable lo mein
- Pasta bolognese
Egg noodles are able to carry the weight of being the focal point of a meal. Their texture stands up well when tossed with sauces or paired with ingredients like meat, seafood or vegetables.
Ingredient Substitution
Egg noodles can often substitute for other types of noodles in recipes. Some examples of ingredient substitutions using egg noodles include:
- Replacing ramen noodles in soups
- Using instead of rice noodles in stir fries
- Subbing for lasagna noodles in baked dishes
- Swapping fettuccine for linguine in pasta recipes
- Replacing macaroni in macaroni and cheese or salads
The oval and flat shapes mimic styles like linguine or lasagna. Egg noodles offer more protein and a richer flavor compared to plain pasta.
Global Cuisines
Egg noodles appear in recipes for dishes from around the world. The variety allows using egg noodles for international cuisine cooking. Some examples include:
- Lo mein and chop suey (Chinese)
- Spaetzle (German)
- Kugel (Jewish)
- Cannelloni (Italian)
- Laksa (Malaysian)
The ability of egg noodles to absorb flavors and sauce makes them adaptable across many cultures and cuisines.
Conclusion
Egg noodles have many uses because of their versatility, texture, and neutral flavor. They can be dressed up or kept simple and make both everyday meals and special occasion dishes. From Asian stir fries to American casseroles to Italian pasta, egg noodles appear all over the culinary map.
Their noodle form allows use in soups, stir fries, bakes, salads, sides, mains, substitutions, and global cuisine. Cooks around the world rely on egg noodles as a kitchen staple that provides substance, soaks up flavor, and mixes well with many ingredients.
Next time you cook, consider the many applications of egg noodles. Keeping them stocked in your pantry provides options for quick meals, potlucks, leftovers, and picky eaters. Egg noodles may become one of your most frequently reached-for ingredients.
| Dish Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Soups | Chicken noodle soup, ramen, pho, wonton soup, egg drop soup |
| Stir Fries | Beef and broccoli, lo mein, pad thai, Singapore noodles |
| Casseroles and Bakes | Lasagna, mac and cheese, noodle kugel, pastitsio, cannelloni |
| Salads | Macaroni salad, chicken noodle salad, shrimp pasta salad, sesame noodle salad |
| Side Dishes | Buttered noodles, garlic noodles, parsley noodles, fettuccine alfredo |
| Main Dishes | Beef stroganoff, chicken paprikash, shrimp scampi, vegetable lo mein, pasta bolognese |
| Ingredient Substitution | Replacing ramen, rice noodles, lasagna noodles, fettuccine, macaroni |
| Global Cuisines | Lo mein, spaetzle, kugel, cannelloni, laksa |
As shown in the table, egg noodles have broad use across many popular dishes from soups to salads to main entrees. Their noodle form makes them adaptable to different cooking methods and cuisines. Egg noodles are an essential pantry item with many applications in everyday cooking.
Nutritional Profile
In addition to versatility, egg noodles provide nutritional value:
- High in carbohydrates – Good source of energy from complex carbs.
- Protein – Eggs provide protein for growth, repair, and energy.
- B Vitamins – Important for metabolism and red blood cell production.
- Iron – Carries oxygen in the blood to cells.
- Calcium – Needed for bone strength.
Egg noodles contain more nutrients than regular pasta because of the addition of eggs. The nutrition helps egg noodles serve as a more complete meal versus plain noodles.
purchasing and Storage
When purchasing and storing egg noodles:
- Check expiration or best by date on package.
- Inspect for damage or signs of moisture.
- Store unopened in a cool, dry pantry.
- Keep noodles in original bag after opening.
- Use within 1 year for best quality.
Proper storage keeps noodles fresh and prevents moisture buildup which causes clumping. An airtight container or original packaging helps extend shelf life after opening.
Preparation Tips
Follow these tips when preparing egg noodles:
- Read package instructions for cooking times as thickness affects doneness.
- Boil in plenty of water like pasta to prevent sticking.
- Avoid overcooking which can make noodles mushy.
- Drain noodles well and rinse with cool water to stop cooking.
- Toss noodles with a little oil after draining to prevent sticking.
Handling egg noodles similar to pasta ensures the right texture is achieved. Noodles should be tender but not soft. Test doneness by tasting a noodle before draining.
Common Pairings
Egg noodles pair well with many ingredients. Some top pairings include:
- Chicken – Classic chicken noodle flavor combination.
- Beef – Hearty match for beef cuts and ground beef.
- Pork – Complements pork chops, bacon, sausage.
- Seafood – Pairs nicely with shrimp, scallops, clams.
- Vegetables – Mixes well with broccoli, peppers, carrots, etc.
- Cheese – Cheese sauce or baked cheese dishes.
- Herbs – Basil, parsley, cilantro add freshness.
The neutral taste of egg noodles allows endless possibilities for innovative pairings across cuisines.
Popular Brands
Some of the top brands for quality and variety include:
- Barilla – Italian brand known for wide noodles and lasagna.
- Ronzoni – Offers traditional thin spaghetti and linguine styles.
- Mueller’s – Makes extra wide and potatoe gnocchi noodles.
- Creamette – Known for more unique shapes like radiatore.
- De Cecco – Italian brand with many traditional pasta shapes.
Each brand provides options for cuts like spaghetti, fettuccine, elbows, and unique shapes. Buying quality name brands can ensure consistent textures and cooking times.
In Conclusion
Egg noodles are valued for being:
- Versatile – Used in many dishes across cuisines.
- Hearty – Substantial texture and nutrition.
- Absorbtive – Soaks up flavors of sauces and broths.
- Kid-friendly – Mild taste appeals to picky eaters.
- Economical – Dried pasta has long shelf life.
Keep your kitchen stocked with egg noodles for quick, budget-friendly meals the whole family will love. Their convenience, nutrition, and universality make egg noodles a home cooking staple.