Terrific Stir-Fry Dinner

This vegetarian entree is based on rice noodles -- light but filling, and great if you're trying to minimize wheat and gluten in your diet.

If you want more protein or your family isn't happy with meatless dinners, you can easily add peeled shrimp, bite-size pieces of chicken breast or bits of lean pork toward the end of cooking.

Recipe: Rice Noodles with Bok Choy and Cherry Tomatoes

Makes 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

7 ounces thin rice stick noodles (1/2 of a 14-ounce package)
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium if desired)
1 tablespoon Shao Hsing rice wine or dry sherry
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 to 2 teaspoons minced jalapeño
2 tablespoons peanut oil or canola oil
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 pound (2 medium) baby bok choy, trimmed, washed and dried, cut in 1-inch lengths
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 cup coarsely chopped cilantro (can include stems), plus additional sprigs for garnish
2 teaspoons sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Place the noodles in a large bowl and cover with warm water. Soak for at least 20 minutes, until soft. Drain in a colander and, using kitchen scissors, cut into 6-inch lengths. Set aside. Combine the broth, soy sauce, and rice wine or sherry in a small bowl. Combine the garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes or minced jalapeño in another bowl.
2. Heat a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok or a 12-inch skillet over high heat until a drop of water evaporates within a second or two when added to the pan. Swirl in 2 teaspoons of the oil, making sure that the bottom of the wok or pan is coated with oil. Add the eggs, swirling the pan so that the eggs form a thin pancake. Cook 30 seconds to a minute, until set. Using a spatula, turn the pancake over and cook for 5 to 10 more seconds, until thoroughly set, then transfer to a plate or cutting board. Season to taste. Allow to cool, then roll up and cut into strips 1/4 inch wide. Place near the wok.
3. Swirl the remaining oil into the wok or pan and add the garlic, ginger and chili. Stir-fry no more than 10 seconds, until fragrant, and add the bok choy. Stir-fry for 1 minute, until it is bright green and the leaves are wilted, and add the broth mixture, the drained noodles, and the tomatoes. Reduce the heat to medium and stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes, until the noodles are just tender and the tomatoes are beginning to soften. Add the cilantro and egg shreds, and the salt and sugar, and stir-fry another 30 seconds to a minute, until well combined. Add the sesame oil, stir together, and serve, garnished with cilantro sprigs if desired.

From "Recipes for Health" feature in the New York Times, 9/6/10.