How to Make Netflix-Featured Vegetarian Crybaby Noodles

Imagine you’re watching a Netflix film that features a mouthwatering dish called crybaby noodles that makes you drool. You want to try it for yourself, but you don’t know how to make it or where to get the ingredients plus you are one of those vegetarians out there. You search online, but you only find vague or incomplete recipes that don’t do justice to the original. You feel frustrated and hungry, and you wish there was a better way to recreate the dish at home.

That’s how I felt when I watched Hunger, a film that follows the rise of a street food chef who becomes seduced by the world of fine dining. The film showcases a variety of dishes that are both delicious and disturbing, but one of them caught my eye: Crybaby Noodles, or Pad Ngor Ngae. It’s a simple but flavorful stir-fried rice noodle dish with Chinese sausage, dried shrimp, fish cake tofu, eggs, and a special sauce made with XO sauce and miso paste. Being a vegetarian, I gave this recipe my own shot and it turned out to be super delicious. It’s a dish that represents home and comfort in contrast to the extravagant and grotesque dishes that Chef Paul, the notorious protagonist of the film, serves to his elite customers.

I wanted to make Crybaby Noodles at home, but I couldn’t find a reliable recipe online. So I decided to do some research and experimentation, and I came up with my own version of the dish that is easy to make and tastes amazing. In this post, I will show you how to make Crybaby Noodles (vegetarian) at home using ingredients that are easy to find and prepare. You will learn:

What are the main ingredients and where to get them
How to prepare the sauce that gives the dish its unique flavor
How to stir-fry the noodles and the other components
How to garnish and serve the dish for maximum enjoyment

By following this recipe, you will be able to make your own vegetarian Crybaby Noodles that are as good as or even better than the ones in the film. You will also impress your friends and family with your culinary skills and knowledge. You may also want to check out this super healthy and delicious fall beloved recipe: 3 Ingredient Butternut Squash Soup. So let’s get started now! 😊

Ingredients

1/2 cup vegan sausage
1/2 cup dried mushrooms
1/4 cup fish mint
1 block of firm tofu
1/4 tsp turmeric
2 tbsp of vegan XO sauce and miso paste mixed together
2 cloves of garlic minced
Minced ginger
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp vegan oyster sauce
2 tbsp vegan fish sauce or coconut aminos
1 tsp msg
1 tsp salt
Rice noodles
Chopped green onion

Instructions to Make Your Own Vegetarian Crybaby Noodles

Step 1: Dice vegan sausage into smaller pieces

Vegan sausage is a plant-based meat substitute that has a similar texture and flavor to real sausage. You can find it in most grocery stores or online. To dice the vegan sausage, use a sharp knife and a cutting board. Cut the sausage lengthwise into thin slices, then stack the slices and cut them crosswise into small cubes. You should have about 1/2 cup of diced vegan sausage. Set it aside in a small bowl.

Step 2: Heat oil in wok and fry dried mushrooms for 60 seconds

Dried mushrooms are a vegan substitute for dried shrimp that have a chewy texture and a savory flavor. You can find them in Asian grocery stores or online. To fry the dried mushrooms, heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or a large skillet over high heat. When the oil is hot, add 1/2 cup of dried mushrooms and stir-fry them for about 60 seconds until they are crispy and golden. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the wok and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 3: Fry vegan sausage for 2 minutes

Add more oil to the same wok if needed and keep the heat on high. Add the diced vegan sausage and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they are slightly browned and release some of their flavor. You don’t need to cook them all the way through as they are already cooked.

Step 4: Add garlic and ginger, fry for 30 seconds

Add 2 cloves of garlic minced and about 1 teaspoon of minced ginger to the same wok and fry for about 30 seconds until they are fragrant. Be careful not to burn them as they will turn bitter. Stir them with the vegan sausage to combine.

Step 5: Crumble tofu and add turmeric, fry for 5 minutes

Drain and press one block of firm tofu to remove excess water. You can use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place something heavy on top of it for about 15 minutes. Crumble the tofu with your hands or a fork into small pieces. Add it to the same wok along with 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric and fry for about 5 minutes until it resembles scrambled eggs. Turmeric will give it a nice yellow color and some health benefits. Stir it with the vegan sausage, garlic, and ginger to mix well.

Step 6: Add cooked rice noodles and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until charred

Cook about 8 ounces of rice noodles according to the package directions until they are soft but not mushy. Usually, you need to soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes, then drain them well. Add them to the same wok and stir fry them with the tofu mixture for about 2-3 minutes until they are slightly charred on some edges. You can use more oil if needed to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Add vegan XO sauce and miso paste, as well as other sauces

Vegan XO sauce is a condiment made with vegan ingredients such as dried mushrooms, soy curls, chili, garlic, oil, and sugar. It has a rich and spicy flavor that adds depth to the dish. Miso paste is a fermented soybean paste that has a salty and savory flavor that balances the sweetness of the vegan XO sauce. You can find both of these ingredients in Asian grocery stores or online. Mix 2 tablespoons of vegan XO sauce and 2 tablespoons of miso paste together in a small bowl and add them to the same wok along with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of vegan oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons of vegan fish sauce or coconut aminos, 1 teaspoon of msg, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to coat the noodles evenly.

Step 8: Garnish with chopped green onion and serve

Sprinkle some chopped green onion over the noodles for some freshness and color. Serve hot or at room temperature with some extra vegan XO sauce on the side if desired. Enjoy your homemade vegetarian Crybaby Noodles! 😊

Tips and Tricks

Use a high-quality vegan sausage that has a good texture and flavor. You can also make your own vegan sausage at home using ingredients such as vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, liquid smoke, and spices. This way, you can control the ingredients and customize the taste to your liking.
Rehydrate the dried mushrooms in hot water for about 15 minutes before frying them. This will make them plump and juicy, and also give you a flavorful broth that you can use to cook the noodles or add to the sauce.
Use fresh or frozen fish mint instead of dried fish mint if possible. Fresh or frozen fish mint will have a more intense and aromatic flavor than dried fish mint, which may lose some of its potency over time. You can find fresh or frozen fish mint in some Asian grocery stores or online.
Press the tofu well to remove excess water and make it more firm and crispy. You can use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place something heavy on top of it for about 15 minutes. This will help the tofu absorb more flavor and prevent it from falling apart when stir-frying.
Cook the noodles al dente, or slightly undercooked, by following the directions on the package. This will prevent the noodles from becoming mushy or sticky when stir-frying them with the sauce. You can also rinse the noodles under cold water after draining them to stop the cooking process and remove some of the starch.
Stir-fry the vegetables on high heat for a short time to preserve their crunch and color. You can also blanch or steam some of the harder vegetables like broccoli or carrots before stir-frying them to make them more tender. You can also add more vegetables of your choice, such as cabbage, bean sprouts, bok choy, or zucchini, to make the dish more nutritious and colorful.
Adjust the amount of vegan XO sauce and sriracha sauce according to your spice tolerance. You can also add some lime juice, vinegar, or sugar to balance the spiciness with some acidity or sweetness. You can also make your own vegan XO sauce at home using ingredients such as dried mushrooms, soy curls, chili, garlic, oil, and sugar.
Garnish the dish with some roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, or fried shallots for some extra crunch and flavor. You can also add some fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint for some freshness and aroma. Enjoy your vegan Crybaby Noodles with some extra vegan XO sauce on the side if desired. 😊

Conclusion

Crybaby Noodles is a dish that has gained popularity after appearing in the Netflix film Hunger, which follows the rise of a street food chef who becomes seduced by the world of fine dining. It is a simple but flavorful stir-fried rice noodle dish with vegan sausage, dried mushrooms, fish mint, tofu scramble, and a special sauce made with vegan XO sauce and miso paste. It is a dish that represents home and comfort in contrast to the extravagant and grotesque dishes that Chef Paul, the notorious protagonist of the film, serves to his elite customers.

In this post, we have shown you how to make Crybaby Noodles at home using ingredients that are easy to find and prepare. You have learned:

What are the main ingredients and where to get them
How to prepare the sauce that gives the dish its unique flavor
How to stir-fry the noodles and the other components
How to garnish and serve the dish for maximum enjoyment

We have also given you some tips and tricks to enhance your vegetarian crybaby noodles and make it more delicious and enjoyable. We hope you have enjoyed this post and learned something new. Now it’s your turn to try this recipe and share your results with us. Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Did you like it? Did you make any changes? Did you watch the film? We would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading! 😊

FAQs

What is the origin of Crybaby Noodles?

Crybaby Noodles, or Pad Ngor Ngae, is a dish that originated from the northeastern region of Thailand, also known as Isan. It is a popular street food that is often eaten as a snack or a light meal. The name of the dish comes from the fact that it is very spicy and can make people cry. The dish was featured in the Netflix film Hunger, which follows the rise of a street food chef who becomes seduced by the world of fine dining.

What are the benefits of making Crybaby Noodles at home?

You can save money and time by using ingredients that are easy to find and prepare.
You can customize the dish according to your taste and dietary preferences. You can adjust the spiciness, add more vegetables, or use vegan alternatives.
You can enjoy a delicious and satisfying dish that is rich in flavor, texture, and nutrients.
You can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills and knowledge.

How can I store and reheat leftover Crybaby Noodles?

You can store leftover Crybaby Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, you can either microwave them for a few minutes or stir-fry them in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. You may need to add some water or oil to prevent them from drying out or sticking.

How can I watch the film Hunger?

You can watch the film Hunger on Netflix. You will need a Netflix subscription and an internet connection to stream the film online. You can also download the film to watch offline on your device. The film is available in several languages and subtitles. You can find more information about the film on its official website or IMDb page. Maybe eating these vegetarian crybaby noodles while watching the show would be truly mesmerizing.

What is the difference between vegan XO sauce and regular XO sauce?

Vegan XO sauce is a condiment that mimics the flavor and texture of regular XO sauce, but is made with plant-based ingredients instead of animal-based ones. Regular XO sauce is made with dried scallops, dried shrimp, ham, chili, garlic, oil, and sugar. Vegan XO sauce is made with dried mushrooms, soy curls, chili, garlic, oil, and sugar. Both sauces have a rich and spicy flavor that adds depth to the dish.

What is fish mint and where can I find it?

Fish mint is a type of herb that has a fishy smell and taste. It is also known as fishwort, bishop’s weed, or heartleaf. It is used in some Asian cuisines, especially in Vietnamese dishes. It can be eaten raw or cooked, and it has some medicinal properties. You can find fish mint in some Asian grocery stores or online.

How can I make Crybaby Noodles gluten-free?

You can make Crybaby Noodles gluten-free by using gluten-free ingredients such as gluten-free vegan sausage, gluten-free soy sauce, gluten-free oyster sauce, gluten-free fish sauce or coconut aminos, and gluten-free rice noodles. You can also check the labels of the other ingredients to make sure they are gluten-free.

How can I make Crybaby Noodles more spicy or less spicy?

You can make Crybaby Noodles more spicy or less spicy by adjusting the amount of vegan XO sauce and sriracha sauce according to your preference. You can also add some lime juice, vinegar, or sugar to balance the spiciness with some acidity or sweetness. You can also use fresh or dried chili peppers to add more heat or remove the seeds and membranes to reduce the heat.

What can I serve with Crybaby Noodles?

You can serve Crybaby Noodles with some side dishes such as salad, soup, spring rolls, dumplings, or pickles. You can also serve them with some drinks such as water, tea, juice, or beer. You can also enjoy them on their own as a main course or a snack.

How to make vegan oyster sauce at home?

Vegan oyster sauce is a condiment that mimics the flavor and texture of oyster sauce, but is made with plant-based ingredients instead of animal-based ones. It also contributes a lot to these crybaby noodles. To make vegan oyster sauce at home, you will need the following ingredients:

1/4 cup dried shiitake mushrooms
1 cup boiling water
1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch or tapioca starch
A pinch of salt

The steps are as follows:

Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in the boiling water for about 15 minutes, or until they are soft and plump.
Drain the mushrooms, reserving the soaking liquid. Chop the mushrooms finely or blend them in a food processor until smooth.
In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add the mushroom liquid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce is thickened, about 10 minutes.
Stir in the mushroom paste and cook for another 5 minutes, or until well combined.
Transfer the sauce to a jar or a bottle and let it cool completely before using or storing.

You can use this vegan oyster sauce in any recipe that calls for regular oyster sauce, such as stir-fries, noodles, or rice dishes. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months. Enjoy! 😊