THE YUM PANDEMIC

Central Asia

Funchoza Salad

Glass Noodle Salad, Mung Bean Noodle Salad

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Difficulty
Medium
Servings
20
Prep Time
1 hr 15 mins
Make Time
35 mins
Calories
220 / serving
Diet
Non-Veg

The essentials, at a glance

Central Asia Side Dish Dairy-FreeGluten-Free

Funchoza is a cold glass noodle salad popular across Central Asia and Russia. It features chewy mung bean vermicelli tossed with caramelized vegetables, savoury beef strips and delicate egg ribbons, dressed with a sharp vinegar tang. This dish balances rich, fried elements with refreshing acidity for a satisfying meal or side.

ProteinProtein 9.0g
FatFat 12.0g
CarbsCarbs 14.0g

Above values do not change with any serving size changes you make below

Ingredients

Servings: 20
450 g / 1 lb , thinly sliced
500 g / 1 lb 2 oz , sliced into thin strips
300 g / 10.5 oz , julienned
300 g / 10.5 oz , julienned
100 g / 3.5 oz
250 g / 9 oz noodles (glass noodles made from mung beans)
200 g / 7 oz
150 ml / 5 fl oz , for frying
60 ml / 4 tbsp
5 g / 1 tsp

Ingredients at a glance

Adjust quantities to your preferred serving size.
We only show images for ingredients already in our database.
All drinks depicted are for visual purposes only and should be assumed non-alcoholic unless explicitly labelled otherwise.

Instructions

Caramelize Onions
Step 1 instruction thumbnail 1

Heat 3 tablespoons of oil on high heat and cook thinly sliced onions until translucent and browned, approximately 7 minutes

Step 2 instruction thumbnail 2

Set aside to cool

Brown Beef
Step 3 instruction thumbnail 3

In the same pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and fry beef strips until browned and cooked through, 8-10 minutes

Step 4 instruction thumbnail 4

Season with salt and set aside to cool

Fry Carrots
Step 5 instruction thumbnail 5

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil and fry julienned carrots on medium-high heat for 10 minutes until caramelized

Step 6 instruction thumbnail 6

Set aside to cool

Fry Peppers
Step 7 instruction thumbnail 7

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil and flash fry julienned red peppers for 1 minute

Step 8 instruction thumbnail 8

Set aside to cool

Step 9 instruction thumbnail 9

Alternatively, add raw to salad for crunch

Flash Fry
Step 10 instruction thumbnail 10

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil and flash fry green onions for 20 seconds until wilted

Step 11 instruction thumbnail 11

Remove and set aside to cool

Make Egg Strips
Step 12 instruction thumbnail 12

Beat eggs and fry thinly in the pan like pancakes

Step 13 instruction thumbnail 13

Cool, cut into quarters, roll into cigars and slice into thin strips

Prepare Noodles
Step 14 instruction thumbnail 14

Prepare bean vermicelli according to package instructions, or boil for 4 minutes until translucent

Step 15 instruction thumbnail 15

Drain, cool and cut into 15 cm / 6 inch pieces

Make Funchoza
Step 16 instruction thumbnail 16

Combine all prepared ingredients in a large bowl

Step 17 instruction thumbnail 17

Add white vinegar and mix thoroughly

Step 18 instruction thumbnail 18

Taste and adjust vinegar or salt as needed

Serve
Step 19 instruction thumbnail 19

Refrigerate before serving

Step 20 instruction thumbnail 20

Serve with Chinese black vinegar on the side if desired

Other considerations for this recipe

Halve the Recipe
This is a large recipe, perfect for a dinner party or gathering. As a side dish, this recipe will serve up to 20 people.
Caramelizing Adds Flavor
While many Funchoza salads are made fresh, take the time to caramelize for a rich flavor, you won't regret it.
Oil Generous
Oil adds amazing flavor, and will balance out when you add vinegar. Remember, it's a salad (oil and vinegar).
Julienne Peeler
The carrots in this salad were chopped by hand. Alternatively, a mandolin slicer or julienne peeler will save chopping time and keep the carrots uniform.
Black Chinese Vinegar
While Funchoza is mostly made with white vinegar, serving with Great Wall Black Vinegar adds amazing tang and flavor. Just add a bit over your own Funchoza on your plate when eating.
Cut the Noodles
Vermicelli is very long and can be hard to eat. Cut cooked noodles to your preferred size. Recommend roughly 6 inches or 15cm long.
Fry Vegetables Separately
While this method takes longer, it provides maximum flavor. Frying vegetables together dilutes the caramelization and taste.

Nutritional Benefits

Lean beef provides protein and iron.

Carrots offer beta-carotene and fibre.

Mung bean vermicelli is gluten-free and easily digestible.

Eggs contribute protein and essential nutrients.

Nutritional information is provided as a general guide only. Values may vary and should not replace professional medical or dietary advice.

Caramelised Comfort in Every Thread

Andrew T.
Andrew T.
Funchoza Salad
Funchoza Salad · Andrew T.

Caramelising onions until they turn translucent and golden forms the flavour foundation of an authentic Funchoza salad. This technique, applied to carrots as well, creates a depth that raw preparations simply cannot match. Each ingredient meets the hot oil separately, ensuring distinct textures and tastes remain intact.

The bean vermicelli noodles provide a delicate, chewy canvas that eagerly absorbs the rich essence of browned beef and sweet vegetables. Thin strips of omelette add protein and visual elegance, while flash-fried peppers and green onions contribute bright notes and subtle crunch.

Crafted for Celebration

Traditionally served at large gatherings across Central Asia, this substantial salad comfortably feeds twenty as a side dish. The generous use of oil finds perfect balance against sharp white vinegar, creating that classic dressed-salad tang that invites continuous nibbling.

Serve it well-chilled with an optional drizzle of Chinese black vinegar for added complexity. Whether presented at a dinner party or enjoyed as leftovers the next day, this is comfort food crafted with patience, precision, and purpose.

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