Save Pin A vibrant, whimsical noodle dish featuring colorful noodles nestled in a soft, cloud-like creamy sauce. Perfect for parties or to delight kids and adults alike.
When I first created Neon Noodle Cloud for a birthday celebration, the guests were stunned by its playful colors and creamy sauce. It's now a favorite for potluck gatherings where everyone wants a photo of their bowl.
Ingredients
- Noodles: 300 g dried wheat noodles or ramen noodles, food coloring gels (pink, blue, yellow, green—gel coloring preferred for vibrancy)
- Cloud Sauce: 200 ml whole milk or plant-based milk, 120 g cream cheese (or vegan alternative), 1 tbsp unsalted butter (or vegan butter), 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan), 1 tsp cornstarch, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp white pepper
- Garnish: 2 scallions, finely sliced, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, edible flowers or microgreens (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Colored Water:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Divide the water into separate bowls according to the number of colors you wish to use.
- Dye and Cook Noodles:
- Add a small amount of food coloring to each bowl, stirring well to achieve your desired shade. Divide the noodles into equal portions and cook each portion separately in the colored boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes less than package instructions. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and set aside.
- Make Cloud Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
- Finish Sauce:
- Whisk milk, parmesan, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper into the saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thick and creamy, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce:
- Add the noodles to the sauce, gently folding to coat. Try to keep colors distinct for a cloud effect or swirl for a marbled look.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Serve immediately, topping with scallions, sesame seeds, and edible flowers or microgreens if desired.
Save Pin The first time my family tasted this dish, it became an instant classic. We now make Neon Noodle Cloud during special rainy afternoons, and the vibrant bowl always brings smiles around the table.
Required Tools
Large pot, multiple heatproof bowls, saucepan, colander, whisk
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and wheat. For vegan and gluten-free options, use suitable substitutes and double-check food coloring labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 390, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 50 g, Protein 12 g
Save Pin Neon Noodle Cloud is sure to spark conversation and joy at your table. Try different color combinations to uniquely brighten every meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you achieve vibrant noodle colors?
Use gel food coloring to tint boiling water before cooking the noodles. Each color is cooked separately for best results.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes, use plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast to transform the sauce.
- → What garnish works best?
Finely sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, edible flowers, or microgreens enhance both appearance and flavor.
- → How is the cloud-like sauce made?
Butter and cream cheese are melted together, then whisked with milk, cheese, and seasonings until thick and creamy.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
You can substitute gluten-free noodles if preferred. Confirm all ingredient labels to ensure suitability.