Japanese Chile Beef Ramenby Lesa L Russo Kudos to Chef Eric Justice, Director of Culinary Operations at Pei Wei Asian Diner for his revolutionary recipes with everyday Ramen noodles. His latest creation, Japanese Chile Beef Ramen all but explodes the notion of dehydrated, pre-packaged dorm room fare. The new dish combines egg noodles glazed in a soy mirin-chile sauce, wok-seared vegetables and flank steak topped with a sprinkling of cilantro and a kiss of lime.
When the noodle dish arrived at the table it was colorful and aromatic, enticing to the nose as well as the eyes. The green of the cilantro, the tan of the noodles and the verigated vegetables were a beautiful sight to behold. First taste awakened every taste bud in my mouth. With a hint of hot from the soy mirin-chili sauce to the tang of the cilantro each bite was better than the first. My second taste of the dish was the following day when it was just as good but a bit hotter than first go round. Not a beef eater? The Japanese Chile Ramen may also be ordered with chicken, shrimp or vegetables and tofu. The entrée is large enough for one hungry person or two meals for a small eater. Chef Eric explained that Pei Wei is truly an Asian diner offering selections from Vietnam, Japan, China, Korea and Thailand. Pei Wei Asian Diner has found a jewel in Chef Eric Justice as a concept chef. He and his team are committed to bringing fresh and affordable recipes to their customers from the far reaches of the East. Want a new taste, a new flavor, something you don’t normally find in a restaurant? Head to your nearest Pei Wei Asian Diner and try the tasty Japanese Chile Beef Ramen. To find a Pei Wei near you and for information about other creative dishes from Chef Eric Justice log on to www.peiwei.com. | 