Easy Chinese Style Egg Noodle Recipe to Try at Home
If you enjoy Chinese cuisine, you have likely encountered the popular dish of egg noodles. These thin and chewy noodles are a common ingredient in many Chinese recipes. Surprisingly, you can easily make these noodles at home. Whether you want to replicate your favourite Chinese takeout dish or are simply looking to try something new, starting with Chinese-style egg noodles is a great idea.
The Basics of Chinese-Style Egg Noodles To make Chinese-style egg noodles, you'll need just a few simple ingredients: flour, eggs, and water. The dough is mixed and kneaded until it becomes smooth and elastic, then rolled out and cut into thin strips. The noodles can be cooked immediately or dried for later use.
Cooking Techniques There are a few different ways to cook Chinese-style egg noodles, depending on the dish you're making. They can be boiled, stir-fried, or pan-fried, and each method gives the noodles a slightly different texture and flavour. Boiled noodles are soft and tender, while stir-fried or pan-fried noodles are crispy and chewy. Authentic Chinese Flavours can be added to the noodles to enhance the taste.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese-style egg noodles are easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
- There are different methods of cooking Chinese-style egg noodles, including boiling, stir-frying, and pan-frying.
- Seafood such as prawns or squid can be added to the recipe to give the dish a unique flavour.
The Basics of Chinese-Style Egg Noodles
If you want to make Chinese-style egg noodles, it's important to start with the right ingredients and prepare the dough properly.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
To make Chinese-style egg noodles, you'll need eggs, flour, salt, and water. All-purpose flour or wheat flour can be used, but all-purpose flour is more commonly used in Chinese-style egg noodles.
When choosing eggs, use fresh eggs for the best results. If you want to add seafood to your dish, you can use shrimp, squid, or crab meat as a delicious addition.
Preparing the Dough
To prepare the dough for Chinese-style egg noodles, start by combining the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Then, add the eggs and water to form a shaggy dough. Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes, allowing it to slowly come together.
After kneading, let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out the dough.
Once the dough has rested, roll it out into thin sheets and cut them into your desired noodle shape. If you don't have a pasta maker, you can still make these noodles by hand.
Overall, making Chinese-style egg noodles is a simple process that requires a few basic ingredients and some patience. With a little practice, you'll be able to create delicious homemade noodles that are perfect for a variety of dishes.
Cooking Techniques
Boiling the Noodles
To cook Chinese egg noodles, you need to start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water, then gently drop the noodles into the boiling water. Stir the noodles with a fork or chopsticks to prevent them from sticking together. Cook the noodles for 3-5 minutes, or until they are al dente. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
Stir-Frying in a Wok
Stir-frying is a popular cooking technique used in many Chinese dishes, including those made with egg noodles. To stir-fry the noodles, heat a wok or a large pan over high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the wok and swirl it around to coat the bottom and sides of the wok. Once the oil is hot, add the noodles and stir-fry them for 1-2 minutes. Add your choice of vegetables, meat, or seafood to the wok and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes or until the ingredients are cooked through.
If you want to include seafood in your egg noodles recipe, you can use prawns, squid, or scallops. Make sure to clean and devein the prawns before cooking them. Cut the squid into rings and score the surface to prevent it from curling up when cooked. For the scallops, remove the tough muscle on the side of the scallop before cooking.
By boiling or stir-frying the noodles, you can create a variety of delicious and healthy dishes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer a simple noodle soup or a more complex stir-fried dish, Chinese egg noodles are versatile and easy to cook.
Authentic Chinese Flavours
When it comes to making Chinese-style egg noodles, the flavour profile is key to achieving that authentic taste. Here are some key ingredients and techniques to consider:
Seasoning and Sauces
Soy sauce and sesame oil are two of the most important ingredients for adding flavour to your egg noodles. Garlic and ginger are also commonly used to add depth and complexity to the dish. Oyster sauce is another popular ingredient that adds a rich umami flavour.
Vegetables and Proteins
To add texture and nutrition to your egg noodles, consider adding a variety of vegetables and proteins. Green onions, peppers, and leafy greens like bok choy are all great options. For protein, chicken is a popular choice, but you can also use beef, pork, or seafood. If you choose to use seafood, consider using shrimp or scallops for a delicious and delicate flavour.
When cooking your egg noodles, it's important to pay attention to the seasoning and sauce ratios to achieve the perfect balance of flavours. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find the perfect flavour profile for your taste.
Serving and Presentation
Plating Up
When it comes to serving your Chinese-style egg noodles, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it's important to use the right utensils. Chopsticks are the traditional choice for serving and eating noodles, but if you're not confident with chopsticks, you can use a fork and spoon instead.
To plate up your noodles, start by creating a bed of vegetables, such as carrot, cabbage, scallions, or bok choy, on the bottom of your serving dish. Then, place your cooked noodles on top of the vegetables. If you're using seafood in your recipe, you can also add it to the dish at this point.
Garnishing Tips
To finish off your dish, you can add some garnishes to give it an extra pop of flavour and colour. Some traditional garnishes for Chinese-style egg noodles include sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or fresh herbs like coriander or basil.
You can also drizzle some sauce over the top of your noodles to add some extra flavour. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, or hoisin sauce are all good choices. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try making your own sauce by combining different ingredients to create a unique flavour profile.
Overall, serving and presenting your Chinese-style egg noodles is all about creating a visually appealing dish that's packed with flavour. By using the right utensils, creating a bed of vegetables, and adding some garnishes and sauce, you can take your noodles to the next level and impress your guests with your culinary skills.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to Chinese egg noodles, the nutritional information can vary depending on how they are prepared and what ingredients are added. However, in general, egg noodles are a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and some essential vitamins and minerals.
A 100g serving of uncooked egg noodles contains approximately 350 calories, 12g of protein, 2g of fat, and 70g of carbohydrates. It is important to note that these values may vary depending on the brand and type of egg noodles used.
Egg noodles are also a good source of iron, with a 100g serving providing approximately 3mg of iron. This is important for maintaining healthy blood and preventing anaemia. Additionally, egg noodles can provide some calcium, with a 100g serving containing approximately 10mg of calcium.
If you are looking to reduce your sodium intake, it is important to be mindful of the sauces and seasonings used in your egg noodle dish. Soy sauce, for example, is a popular seasoning used in Chinese cuisine and is high in sodium. To reduce your sodium intake, you can opt for lower-sodium soy sauce or use other seasonings such as ginger, garlic, or chilli.
For those who enjoy seafood, adding shrimp or crab to your egg noodle dish can provide additional protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are important for maintaining healthy muscles, skin, and brain function. However, it is important to ensure that the seafood is cooked properly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Overall, Chinese egg noodles can be a nutritious and tasty addition to your diet when prepared in a healthy way. By being mindful of the ingredients used and the portion sizes, you can enjoy this dish while still maintaining a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a simple way to make Chinese-style egg noodles at home?
Making Chinese-style egg noodles at home is easier than you might think. All you need is all-purpose flour, eggs, salt, and water. Combine the flour and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the eggs and water, and combine to form a shaggy dough. Turn on the mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, and knead for 10 minutes. Be patient and allow the dough to slowly come together. Then, let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out and cutting it into noodles.
Where can I find authentic Chinese egg noodles to buy?
If you prefer to buy authentic Chinese egg noodles, you can find them at Asian grocery stores or online stores that specialize in Asian ingredients. Look for fresh or dried egg noodles made from wheat flour and eggs. You can also find pre-packaged instant noodles that are flavoured with egg.
How do I stir fry Chinese egg noodles for the best flavour?
To stir-fry Chinese egg noodles, heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Add your choice of protein (such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu) and stir-fry until cooked through. Then, add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are slightly tender. Add the cooked egg noodles and toss everything together with some soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Serve hot.
Can you share a recipe for Chinese egg noodles with chicken?
Sure! Here's a simple recipe for Chinese egg noodles with chicken:
Ingredients:
- 250g Chinese egg noodles
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped spring onions, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Chinese egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a wok or large frying pan, heat some oil over high heat. Add the chicken strips and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add some more oil and sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant. Add the bell peppers and stir-fry for a few minutes until slightly tender.
- Add the cooked egg noodles, chicken strips, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped spring onions.
What's the secret to cooking perfect Chinese dried egg noodles?
The secret to cooking perfect Chinese dried egg noodles is to cook them in a large pot of boiling water with some salt and oil. Follow the package instructions for the cooking time, but make sure to taste the noodles for doneness before draining them. Rinse the noodles under cold running water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming too soft. You can then use the noodles in your favourite stir-fry or soup recipe.
Is it true that Chinese takeaways use a special type of egg noodles?
Yes, it is true that Chinese takeaways use a special type of egg noodles called alkaline noodles or kansui noodles. These noodles are made with a special alkaline solution that gives them their unique texture and yellow colour. However, you can still make delicious Chinese-style egg noodles at home using regular all-purpose flour and eggs.