5 Easy Chinese Noodle Recipes You Must Try

Chinese cuisine is vast and diverse, offering a world of flavors and textures that can tantalize even the most discerning palate. Among the many treasures of Chinese culinary heritage, noodles hold a special place. They are not only a staple food but also come in a myriad of forms, each with its unique taste and preparation method. In this post, we'll explore five easy Chinese noodle recipes that are not only delicious but also simple enough for anyone to try at home.

Crispy Pan-Fried Noodles

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these noodles are a delightful combination of textures.

• Ingredients:
  • 200g thin egg noodles
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small carrot, julienned
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Steps:
  1. Cook noodles according to package instructions, drain, and cool slightly.
  2. Heat a generous amount of oil in a large non-stick pan. When hot, spread noodles evenly to form a pancake. Cook until the bottom is crispy and golden brown.
  3. Flip and cook the other side until crispy.
  4. In another pan or wok, stir-fry garlic, then add vegetables. Add sauces and season to taste.
  5. Pour the vegetable mixture over the crispy noodles and serve.

🧑‍🍳 Note: To ensure crispiness, make sure the noodles are dry before frying.

Dan Dan Noodles

Originating from Sichuan, these Dan Dan Noodles are known for their spicy and numbing flavors.

• Ingredients:
  • 200g fresh or dried thin noodles
  • 150g ground pork
  • 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili oil
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Steps:
  1. Prepare the noodles as per instructions.
  2. Stir-fry the ground pork until it's no longer pink. Add in peppercorns for aroma.
  3. Mix peanut butter with soy sauce, chili oil, vinegar, and sugar to make a sauce.
  4. Combine noodles with sauce, then top with cooked pork and green onions. Drizzle with sesame oil.

Beef and Broccoli Noodle Stir-Fry

This dish combines the rich taste of beef with the freshness of broccoli and the chewiness of noodles.

• Ingredients:
  • 200g beef (flank steak or similar), thinly sliced
  • 200g fresh or dried udon noodles
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Vegetable oil for cooking
• Steps:
  1. Marinate beef with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for about 30 minutes.
  2. Cook noodles, drain, and set aside.
  3. Stir-fry beef until nearly cooked, remove from pan.
  4. Add more oil if needed, then stir-fry broccoli until tender but still crisp.
  5. Return beef to the pan, add hoisin and oyster sauce, mix well. Toss in noodles and serve hot.

Vegetarian Lo Mein

Lo Mein is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed vegetarian style with a medley of fresh vegetables.

• Ingredients:
  • 200g lo mein or spaghetti noodles
  • 1 cup snow peas
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 cup shiitake mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Vegetable oil for stir-frying
• Steps:
  1. Cook noodles, drain, and cool.
  2. Stir-fry garlic and onion in oil until fragrant, then add vegetables, cooking in stages to keep them crisp.
  3. Combine noodles with vegetables, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sesame oil. Toss well to coat.

Scallion Oil Noodles

These Scallion Oil Noodles are simple yet flavorful, perfect for when you want something light and satisfying.

• Ingredients:
  • 200g fresh hand-pulled noodles or similar
  • 1 bunch scallions, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon black vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
• Steps:
  1. Cook noodles until just done, drain.
  2. In a pan, heat the vegetable oil with half the scallions until fragrant.
  3. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, and sugar to the oil. Mix well.
  4. Toss the noodles in this scallion oil, top with remaining scallions.

🔥 Note: The heat from the oil brings out the scallions' flavors, enhancing the noodles' taste.

Wrapping up, these five Chinese noodle recipes showcase the versatility and deliciousness of noodles in Chinese cuisine. Whether you crave something crispy, spicy, comforting, or light, there's a noodle dish here to satisfy your taste buds. Each recipe highlights different aspects of noodle preparation, from stir-frying to frying, and offers a chance to experiment with authentic Chinese flavors at home. Not only are these dishes quick and easy to prepare, but they also introduce you to a world of textures and flavors that are integral to understanding the rich tapestry of Chinese culinary culture.

What is the difference between lo mein and chow mein?

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Lo mein noodles are tossed and mixed with the stir-fry ingredients in sauce, making them soft and well-integrated. Chow mein noodles, on the other hand, are fried or crispy, typically served as a topping or mixed but not as integrated with the other ingredients.

Can I use dried noodles instead of fresh for these recipes?

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Absolutely! Dried noodles can be used as a substitute. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking, and remember to rinse them to stop the cooking process, especially for dishes where you want noodles to remain separate.

How can I make these dishes less spicy?

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To reduce spiciness, you can either decrease or omit chili oil, reduce the amount of Sichuan peppercorns, or choose milder substitutes like paprika or chili flakes. You can also balance heat with sweetness or acidity, like adding a bit more sugar or vinegar to counteract the spice.

Can I store leftover noodle dishes?

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Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat by stir-frying or microwaving with a splash of water or oil to refresh the noodles and avoid sticking.

What are the health benefits of consuming noodles?

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Noodles, especially when made from wheat or other grains, provide energy through carbohydrates. They can be low in fat and cholesterol. Whole grain noodles offer dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, the overall health benefit depends largely on the ingredients and the method of preparation, like stir-frying with vegetables or lean proteins for a balanced meal.