If you crave a cozy, flavorful meal that comes together quickly on a busy day, look no further than Shanghai Fried Noodles: The Ultimate Stir-Fry Recipe. This dish is a delicious harmony of thick, chewy Shanghai-style noodles, tender slices of pork or chicken, and crisp, vibrant vegetables all wrapped in a savory umami-rich sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest with bold layers of soy and oyster sauce that make every bite sing. Once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for these golden noodles again and again, knowing you’ve got a real crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients that bring a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. Each component plays a crucial role—from the noodles providing chewiness, to the pork or chicken adding protein and heartiness, while the napa cabbage and carrots offer a refreshing crunch and natural sweetness.
- 12 oz Shanghai-style thick noodles or udon noodles: These thick noodles hold the sauce beautifully and deliver a wonderful chewy texture.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering the dish.
- 8 oz pork loin or chicken breast (thinly sliced): Provides tender protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce flavors.
- 2 cups napa cabbage (sliced): Adds subtle sweetness and crispness to balance the noodles.
- 1/2 cup carrots (julienned): Brightens the dish with color and a gentle crunch.
- 1/2 cup green onions (cut into 2-inch pieces): Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the stir-fry with aromatic depth.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: The savory backbone of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce: Adds richness and a beautiful deep brown color.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Brings a luscious, slightly sweet umami boost.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Balances the salty and savory elements perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a subtle nutty fragrance that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To adjust seasoning and enhance flavors as needed.
How to Make Shanghai Fried Noodles: The Ultimate Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Noodles
Start by cooking your Shanghai-style noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent stickiness. Setting these aside ensures your noodles maintain that ideal chew when tossed in the wok later.
Step 2: Whip Up the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. This mixture is the magic behind Shanghai Fried Noodles: The Ultimate Stir-Fry Recipe, as it delivers a balanced, savory, and slightly sweet flavor that clings perfectly to every noodle strand.
Step 3: Cook Your Protein
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced pork or chicken and stir-fry until it’s fully cooked through and beautifully browned, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds the meaty foundation of your dish and creates tasty browned bits that boost flavor.
Step 4: Aromatics and Veggies Join the Party
Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir it around for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Follow with the napa cabbage and carrots, stir-frying for another 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly but still retain their crunch. This is an essential step for keeping that fresh vibrancy in every bite.
Step 5: Bring it All Together
Add the cooked noodles and green onions to the wok, pouring the sauce over everything. Toss everything vigorously to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce. Let it stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until the dish is heated through and all the flavors mingle harmoniously. Be sure to give it a quick taste and adjust with salt and pepper as you see fit.
How to Serve Shanghai Fried Noodles: The Ultimate Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take this dish from great to unforgettable. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or minced fresh cilantro to add brightness. A few thin slices of fresh chili or a drizzle of chili oil also complement the umami flavors perfectly if you’re craving some heat.
Side Dishes
Shanghai Fried Noodles make a satisfying main course, but they pair wonderfully with light sides like steamed dumplings, a crisp cucumber salad, or a hot bowl of egg drop soup. These sides offer complementary textures and temperatures that balance the hearty noodles beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the noodles in individual shallow bowls topped with a fried egg for extra richness or nestled inside vibrant lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld bite. You can also scatter crushed peanuts on top to add an unexpected crunch that delights the senses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Shanghai Fried Noodles cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. This makes for fantastic next-day lunches or quick dinners when time is tight.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze this dish if needed. Portion the noodles into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to squeeze out excess air to avoid freezer burn. Frozen noodles can keep up to 2 months, but note the texture of the vegetables may soften upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a hot skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm everything evenly and revive the noodles’ texture. Alternatively, use a microwave, but add a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Shanghai-style thick noodles are traditional, udon or even thick egg noodles work well because they can hold the sauce without getting soggy. Just be sure to not overcook them.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the pork or chicken for firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Make sure to press and lightly pan-fry the tofu beforehand to keep it from falling apart during stir-frying.
How spicy is Shanghai Fried Noodles: The Ultimate Stir-Fry Recipe?
The original recipe is mild and perfect for most palates, but if you like a kick, you can add chili flakes, chopped fresh chilies, or a drizzle of chili oil during cooking or at the table.
What’s the secret to perfect stir-fried noodles?
High heat, properly cooked and drained noodles, and tossing continuously while adding sauce are key. This prevents soggy noodles and ensures an even coating of that delicious sauce.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?
You can prep and cook the components up to a day ahead and quickly toss everything together in a hot wok just before serving. This keeps the noodles fresh and the vegetables crisp.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like a plate of homemade Shanghai Fried Noodles: The Ultimate Stir-Fry Recipe to fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and your belly with satisfying joy. Whether you’re cooking after a busy day or want to impress friends with an authentic Chinese classic, this recipe delivers every time. Go ahead, give it a try—you might just find your new favorite noodle dish!
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Shanghai Fried Noodles: The Ultimate Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Shanghai Fried Noodles is a savory and satisfying stir-fry dish featuring thick Shanghai-style noodles with tender pork or chicken, crisp napa cabbage, fresh carrots, and green onions, all coated in a flavorful blend of soy sauces and oyster sauce. This recipe is quick to prepare, offering an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine with a perfect balance of textures and umami-rich flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz Shanghai-style thick noodles or udon noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 8 oz pork loin or chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 cups napa cabbage, sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them with cold water to halt the cooking process, then set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil to create the stir-fry sauce.
- Heat Oil and Cook Meat: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced pork or chicken and stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes until fully cooked and browned.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance the flavor base.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced napa cabbage and julienned carrots to the wok and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften but remain crisp.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles and green onions to the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients and toss well to coat the noodles evenly.
- Final Stir-fry: Continue stir-frying everything together for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through and flavors are well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the Shanghai fried noodles hot for an authentic and delicious meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute pork or chicken with firm tofu.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of chili oil for extra heat.
- Use high heat throughout the stir-frying process to achieve the ideal texture and flavor.
