Rice Noodles with Basil

• 3/4 pound rice noodles (rice stick)
• 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh hot chiles or hot red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons nam pla (fish sauce) or soy sauce, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, or to taste
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh Thai or other basil or mint

1. Soak the rice noodles in hot water to cover for 15 to 30 minutes, changing the water once or twice if possible to speed the softening.
2. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil.
3. When the noodles are soft, drain them, then immerse them in the boiling water for about 30 seconds.
4. Drain and rinse in cold water.
5. Heat the oil in a deep skillet, preferably nonstick, over medium-high heat.
6. Add the garlic and chiles and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring.
7. Raise the heat to high, then add the noodles and sugar and toss to blend.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. When the noodles are hot, add the nam pla and lime juice.
10. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary, then stir in the basil or mint and serve.
11. Before adding the garlic, quickly stir-fry about 1 cup ground or chopped pork, beef, chicken, or turkey until the color is gone.
12. Proceed as directed.
13. Before adding the garlic, stir-fry 1 to 2 cups tender shredded vegetables, like leeks, cabbage, Chinese cabbage (like bok choy), celery, bean sprouts, sliced mushrooms, or a combination.
14. Proceed as directed.
15. Add about 1 tablespoon curry powder to the oil along with the garlic.
16. Add more to taste if necessary.
17. Proceed as directed.

rice noodles, peanut, garlic, chiles, sugar, salt, fish sauce, lime juice, fresh thai

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/rice-noodles-with-basil-386783 (may not work)