Oriental
Harmony Noodles
Noodles have long been a staple in Chinese cuisine,
beloved for their versatility and simplicity. Over the years, they’ve become a
global favorite, evolving into countless regional variations. This recipe for
Chinese-style noodles brings authentic flavors right to your kitchen with
ingredients that are easy to find and instructions that are simple to follow.
Let’s dive into this delicious culinary journey.
Ingredients
For the Noodles:
- 200 grams of egg noodles or your choice of noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Vegetables and Protein:
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup julienned carrots
- ½ cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- ½ cup bean sprouts (optional)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ cup diced chicken, tofu, shrimp, or eggs (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (light or dark, as per preference)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce for a
meat-free version)
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (rice vinegar or white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon chili sauce or paste (adjust to spice tolerance)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
- Chopped spring onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the
Noodles
1.
Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the
noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water
to stop the cooking process.
2.
Toss with Oil: Drizzle a teaspoon of sesame oil over the cooked noodles to prevent
them from sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prep the
Sauce
1.
Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, chili sauce,
sugar, and the cornstarch-water mixture. Stir well to ensure the cornstarch is
fully dissolved.
2.
Taste and Adjust: Adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more soy sauce for
saltiness or chili sauce for heat.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the
Ingredients
1.
Heat the Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or pan over
medium-high heat.
2.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds
until fragrant.
3.
Cook the Protein: If using chicken, shrimp, tofu, or eggs, add them to the pan and cook
until done. For scrambled eggs, lightly whisk them before adding and stir until
set.
4.
Add Vegetables: Toss in the sliced onions, cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry
for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Combine and
Cook
1.
Add the Noodles: Gently add the cooked noodles to the pan. Toss everything together to
combine.
2.
Pour the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles. Stir well to coat everything
evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the
noodles.
3.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the flavors if necessary, adding a splash of soy sauce
or a sprinkle of sugar as needed.
Step 5: Garnish and
Serve
1.
Garnish: Sprinkle chopped spring onions and sesame seeds over the noodles.
2.
Serve: Serve the noodles hot, straight from the wok, for the best flavor and
texture.
Tips for
Customization
1.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat or substitute it with tofu, mushrooms, or extra
vegetables.
2.
Spicier Version: Add extra chili paste or sprinkle red chili flakes on top.
3.
Gluten-Free
Alternative: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy
sauce.
4.
Add Crunch: Top with roasted peanuts or fried onions for an extra layer of texture.
Nutritional Benefits
Chinese-style noodles are not only delicious but
can also be a balanced meal. The inclusion of fresh vegetables provides
essential vitamins, while protein options like chicken, tofu, or shrimp make it
hearty. Adjusting the oil and sauce quantities can make it lighter if desired.