How to Make Authentic Chinese Style Fried Noodles

If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you're probably familiar with the delicious fried noodles. This versatile dish is loved by many across the globe for its ability to be customized with different ingredients. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps to create your own authentic fried noodles Chinese style that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Choosing the right ingredients is essential for making the perfect fried noodles. You'll need to select the right type of noodles, vegetables, and protein to create a balanced and flavourful dish. Preparing your kitchen is also important, as it will help you to cook efficiently and avoid any accidents. Once you have everything ready, it's time to start cooking.

In this article, we'll take you through the cooking process step by step, so you can make perfect fried noodles every time. We'll also provide you with some nutritional information, serving and presentation tips, and answer some frequently asked questions about this popular dish. So, let's get started!

Key Takeaways

• Choosing the right ingredients is crucial for making delicious fried noodles Chinese style.
• Preparing your kitchen before cooking can help you cook efficiently and avoid accidents.
• Seafood can be a great addition to this dish, with options like shrimp, squid, or scallops.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese-style fried noodles, choosing the right ingredients is key to achieving the perfect flavour and texture. Here are some tips on selecting the best ingredients for your dish.

Best Noodles for Frying

The type of noodles you use for your fried noodles can make a big difference in the final result. Fresh hokkien noodles are a great choice, but you can also use other types of noodles, such as egg noodles or wheat noodles. Avoid using vermicelli, as they tend to become gluggy when stir-fried with the sauce. Rice noodles, such as Mei Fun or Ho Fun, can also be used for a different texture.

Selecting Proteins

Proteins are an essential part of Chinese-style fried noodles. You can use a variety of proteins, such as chicken, beef, pork or shrimp. Seafood, such as prawns or squid, can also be used to add a unique flavour to your dish. When selecting your protein, make sure it is fresh and of good quality. Cut the protein into small, bite-sized pieces for easy stir-frying.

Fresh Vegetables and Garnishes

Fresh vegetables are a crucial component of Chinese-style fried noodles. Some popular options include bean sprouts, scallions, cabbage, green onions, carrots, peas, broccoli, baby corn, shallots, and leafy greens like choy sum and baby bok choy. You can also add garnishes like chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or cilantro to enhance the flavour and presentation of your dish.

If you are looking to add seafood to your fried noodles, prawns, scallops, and squid are great options. Make sure to clean and devein the seafood before cooking. You can also add crab meat or lobster for a more luxurious taste.

By selecting the right ingredients, you can create a delicious and authentic Chinese-style fried noodle dish that will impress your family and friends.

Preparing Your Kitchen

Before you start cooking your Chinese-style fried noodles, it's important to prepare your kitchen and make sure you have all the necessary cooking utensils. Here are some essential items you'll need:

Essential Cooking Utensils

• Wok: A wok is a versatile and essential cooking utensil for Chinese cooking. It's best to use a wok with a flat bottom for cooking on a gas or electric stove. A wok allows for even heat distribution and quick cooking times.
• Pot: You'll need a large pot to cook your noodles. Make sure it's big enough to hold all your noodles and has a lid to cover it while cooking.
• Bowl: Have a bowl ready to mix your sauce ingredients together.

Safety and Cleanliness

Before you start cooking, it's important to ensure that your kitchen is clean and safe. Here are some tips to follow:

• Wash your hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly before cooking to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Keep your kitchen clean: Make sure your kitchen surfaces are clean and free from any clutter. This will help prevent accidents and keep your food safe.
• Be careful with hot oil: When cooking with a wok, always be careful when adding oil. Hot oil can cause serious burns, so make sure to use a long-handled utensil when adding oil to the wok.
• Use a splatter screen: When cooking with a wok, it's common for oil to splatter. To prevent burns and keep your stovetop clean, use a splatter screen to cover the wok while cooking.

Seafood can be a great addition to your Chinese-style fried noodles. You can use shrimp, squid, or scallops as a suggestion. Make sure to clean and prepare your seafood properly before cooking.

The Cooking Process

Boiling and Frying Techniques

To start, you will need to boil your noodles until they are cooked. Once cooked, drain the water and rinse the noodles with cold water. This will help remove any excess starch and prevent the noodles from sticking together.

Next, heat up your wok until it is smoking hot. Add your vegetable oil and wait for it to heat up. Once the oil is hot, add your garlic and fry until fragrant. At this point, you can add your seafood of choice, such as shrimp or squid, and fry until cooked through.

After the seafood is cooked, add your noodles to the wok and fry them until they are crispy and golden brown. Be sure to toss the noodles continuously to ensure they cook evenly.

Seasoning and Flavouring

Once your noodles are crispy, it's time to add your seasoning and flavouring. Add your soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and shaoxing wine to the wok and toss the noodles until they are evenly coated.

For some extra heat, you can add chili oil or sriracha to the wok. If you prefer a tangy flavour, add a splash of vinegar.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To achieve the perfect texture for your fried noodles, it's important to use the right type of oil. Vegetable oil is a good choice for frying, but you can also use sesame oil for a nutty flavour.

It's also important to use a hot wok when frying your noodles. This will help prevent the noodles from sticking together and ensure they cook evenly.

By following these techniques and flavouring tips, you can create a delicious and satisfying Chinese-style fried noodle dish. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seafood and seasonings to find your perfect combination.

Nutritional Information

Caloric Content

When it comes to fried noodles, it's important to be aware of the caloric content. One serving of Chinese-style fried noodles typically contains around 400-500 calories. However, the exact calorie count can vary depending on the recipe and the ingredients used. If you're looking to reduce your calorie intake, you may want to consider using whole wheat noodles or reducing the amount of oil used in the recipe.

Dietary Considerations

If you're watching your carb intake, it's worth noting that one serving of Chinese-style fried noodles contains around 50-60 grams of carbohydrates. Additionally, the dish can be high in sodium, with one serving containing around 800-1000 milligrams. If you're looking to reduce your sodium intake, you may want to use low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe.

When it comes to fat, one serving of Chinese-style fried noodles typically contains around 20-25 grams of fat, with the majority of this coming from the oil used in the recipe. If you're looking to reduce your fat intake, you may want to consider using a healthier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil.

If you're concerned about cholesterol, it's worth noting that one serving of Chinese-style fried noodles contains around 50-60 milligrams of cholesterol. However, this can vary depending on the recipe and the ingredients used.

When it comes to other nutrients, Chinese-style fried noodles can be a good source of potassium and iron. However, they are generally low in fibre and calcium. To boost the nutritional content of your dish, you may want to consider adding some vegetables or seafood to the recipe. Seafood such as prawns or scallops can be a delicious addition to Chinese-style fried noodles and can provide a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Serving and Presentation

When it comes to serving and presenting Chinese-style fried noodles, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure the dish looks and tastes great. Here are a few tips to help you out:

Plating Techniques

First and foremost, it's important to choose the right bowl or platter to serve your fried noodles in. A large bowl or platter is best, as it allows you to mix the noodles and vegetables evenly. You can also use a wok to serve the noodles if you want to add a bit of flair to your presentation.

Once you've chosen your serving dish, it's time to plate your noodles. To make sure the dish looks visually appealing, you can try layering the noodles and vegetables. Start with a base layer of noodles, then add a layer of vegetables on top. Repeat this process until you've used up all of your ingredients.

Garnishing for Visual Appeal

To add some extra visual appeal to your fried noodles, you can garnish the dish with a few simple ingredients. Chopped green onions or scallions are a classic garnish for Chinese-style fried noodles, as they add a pop of colour and flavour to the dish.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try adding some seafood to your fried noodles. Shrimp or prawns are a great addition to the dish, as they add a bit of protein and a unique flavour. You can also try adding some squid or scallops to the dish for a more complex seafood flavour.

Overall, serving and presenting Chinese-style fried noodles is all about choosing the right bowl or platter, layering the ingredients, and adding a few simple garnishes. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to create a visually appealing and delicious dish that everyone will love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to a cracking crispy noodle texture?

The secret to achieving a crispy noodle texture is to use fresh noodles. Fresh noodles have a better texture and flavour than dried noodles. Additionally, it is important to preheat the oil before adding the noodles to the wok or pan. This helps to create a crispy texture.

How do I whip up a simple fried noodles dish at home?

To make a simple fried noodles dish, you will need fresh or dried noodles, vegetables of your choice, protein such as chicken or seafood, and a sauce of your choice. Begin by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions and set them aside. Next, stir-fry the vegetables and protein in a wok or pan until cooked. Add the noodles and sauce to the wok and toss everything together until the noodles are coated in the sauce. Serve immediately.

Can you walk me through preparing fried noodles with chicken?

Sure! To make fried noodles with chicken, you will need fresh or dried noodles, sliced chicken breast, vegetables of your choice, and a sauce of your choice. Begin by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions and set them aside. Next, stir-fry the sliced chicken breast in a wok or pan until cooked. Add the vegetables and stir-fry until they are cooked. Add the noodles and sauce to the wok and toss everything together until the noodles are coated in the sauce. Serve immediately.

What's the best soy sauce to use for that authentic noodle flavour?

For an authentic noodle flavour, it is recommended to use dark soy sauce. Dark soy sauce has a richer and sweeter flavour compared to light soy sauce. It also adds a darker colour to the dish. However, you can use light soy sauce if you prefer a lighter flavour.

How do I make my own Chinese egg noodles from scratch?

To make Chinese egg noodles from scratch, you will need all-purpose flour, eggs, and salt. Begin by mixing the flour and salt in a bowl. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and add the eggs. Use a fork to mix the eggs and flour together until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. Roll out the dough and cut it into thin noodles. Let the noodles dry for about 30 minutes before cooking.

What's a good fried noodles sauce mix to get that takeaway taste?

A good fried noodles sauce mix to get that takeaway taste is a combination of oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic, ginger, and chilli flakes to enhance the flavour. Experiment with different ratios of the ingredients to find the perfect sauce mix for your taste.

If you like seafood, you can add prawns, squid or crab meat to your fried noodles dish. Prawns are a popular choice and can be added to the wok or pan at the same time as the vegetables and protein. Squid can be sliced into thin rings and added to the wok or pan towards the end of cooking. Crab meat can be added to the wok or pan at the same time as the vegetables and protein.