Neon Noodle Cloud (Printable)
Colorful noodles in a velvety sauce, topped with vibrant garnishes. A playful, flavorful main perfect for all ages.
# What You'll Need:
→ Noodles
01 - 10.5 oz dried wheat noodles or ramen noodles
02 - Food coloring gels (pink, blue, yellow, green—for vibrant hue)
→ Cloud Sauce
03 - 3/4 cup whole milk or plant-based milk
04 - 4.25 oz cream cheese or vegan alternative
05 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or vegan butter
06 - 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
07 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
→ Garnish
10 - 2 scallions, finely sliced
11 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
12 - Edible flowers or microgreens (optional)
# Cooking Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Transfer boiling water to several heatproof bowls based on the number of desired noodle colors.
02 - Mix a small quantity of gel food coloring into each bowl, stirring thoroughly for vivid coloring.
03 - Split noodles evenly and cook each batch separately in the colored water for 2 to 3 minutes less than package directions, creating vibrant noodles. Rinse noodles under cold running water to stop cooking and set aside.
04 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Incorporate cream cheese and stir briskly until mixture is fully smooth.
05 - Add milk, parmesan, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper to the saucepan. Whisk constantly until the sauce thickens and turns creamy, approximately 5 minutes.
06 - Gently add the colored noodles into the sauce, folding carefully to preserve distinct colors for a cloud effect or swirl gently for a marbled appearance.
07 - Serve immediately, topping with scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Visually stunning and fun for both kids and adults
- Customizable for vegetarian or vegan diets
02 -
- Ensure food coloring is gel-based and suitable for cooking
- For vegan and gluten-free options, use appropriate substitutes for dairy and wheat ingredients
03 -
- For extra fun, use a piping bag to swirl colored sauce over the noodles before serving
- Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling lemonade for a refreshing meal