Chinese noodles are a classic comfort dish enjoyed across China in countless regional variations. This recipe is a balanced, flavorful, and easy version that combines tender noodles, crisp vegetables, savory soy-based sauce, and your choice of protein. It’s perfect for quick lunches, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.
What Are Chinese Noodles?
Chinese noodles can refer to egg noodles, wheat noodles, or stir-fry noodles commonly used in Chinese cooking. They are lightly chewy, quick to cook, and designed to soak up flavor from sauces like soy, oyster, hoisin, or chili.
Ingredients
For the Noodles
- 8 oz (225g) Chinese egg noodles or wheat noodles
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 3 green onions, sliced
Optional Protein
- 1 cup cooked chicken strips or
- 1 cup shrimp or
- 1 cup tofu cubes
Stir-Fry Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp white pepper
How to Make Chinese Noodles
1. Cook the noodles
Boil noodles according to package directions (usually 3–4 minutes). Drain and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the sauce
Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and white pepper in a small bowl.
3. Stir-fry the vegetables
Heat oil in a wok. Add garlic and ginger; sauté 10–15 seconds. Add carrots, bell pepper, and cabbage. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
4. Add protein (optional)
Add chicken, shrimp, or tofu and toss for 1 minute to warm through.
5. Combine noodles + sauce
Add noodles to the wok. Pour sauce over them. Stir-fry on high heat for 2 minutes until everything is coated and glossy.
6. Garnish & serve
Top with green onions and sesame seeds (optional). Serve hot.
Flavor Variations
Szechuan Style (spicy)
- Add 1 tbsp chili oil
- Add 1 tsp crushed chili flakes
Garlic Soy
- Double the garlic
- Add 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
Veggie-Loaded
- Add mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas
Street-Style
- Add a drizzle of sweet soy or ketchup for a sweeter profile
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with dumplings, spring rolls, or Asian soups
- Add fried egg on top for a protein boost
- Pair with hot chili crisp for extra heat
Storage
- Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days
- Reheat in a wok with a splash of water or soy sauce
- Not recommended to freeze (noodles become mushy)
Nutrition Table (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Protein | 13g |
| Carbs | 55g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 860mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 7g |
