Chinese cuisine is renowned for its diversity, and one of the most beloved staples in the Chinese food culture is noodles. Whether stir-fried, boiled, or in soup form, noodles are a versatile and integral part of Chinese meals. They come in various types and flavors, offering something for every palate. This article will explore 10 popular Chinese noodle recipes that showcase the different ways noodles can be prepared in this rich culinary tradition.
10 Chinese Food Recipes for Noodles
1. Chow Mein
Chow Mein, meaning “stir-fried noodles,” is one of the most well-known Chinese noodle dishes around the world. It is made with wheat noodles stir-fried with a variety of vegetables, meat, and sauce. The key to making a perfect Chow Mein is to achieve a balance of flavors and textures, with crispy edges on the noodles, tender vegetables, and savory sauce.
Ingredients:
- 200g egg noodles
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced onions
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 100g cooked chicken (or pork, beef, or shrimp)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
Boil the noodles according to package instructions and drain.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Stir-fry the bell peppers, onions, and carrots until tender.
Add the cooked chicken (or other protein) and stir-fry for a few minutes.
Add the noodles to the pan and toss them with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the noodles are slightly crispy and coated with the sauce.
Serve hot and enjoy!
2. Dan Dan Noodles
Dan Dan noodles are a Sichuan specialty known for their spicy, savory, and nutty flavors. This dish is typically made with a base of sesame paste and chili oil, giving it a distinct taste. Ground pork is often used as a topping, and the dish can be served cold or hot, depending on preference.
Ingredients:
- 200g Chinese wheat noodles
- 100g ground pork
- 2 tbsp sesame paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1 tbsp black vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
- 2 tbsp chopped scallions
Instructions:
Cook the noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
In a pan, heat a small amount of oil and cook the ground pork until browned.
In a separate bowl, mix the sesame paste, soy sauce, chili oil, black vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns.
Toss the cooked noodles with the sauce mixture.
Top the noodles with the cooked ground pork and chopped scallions.
Serve immediately, and enjoy the bold flavors!
3. Beef Noodle Soup
Beef noodle soup is a classic Chinese dish, especially popular in Taiwan. The dish consists of tender beef brisket and flavorful broth served with chewy wheat noodles. The soup is rich, comforting, and perfect for a cold day.
Ingredients:
- 200g Chinese wheat noodles
- 300g beef brisket, cut into chunks
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 star anise
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp five-spice powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 scallions, chopped
Instructions:
Boil the noodles and set aside.
In a large pot, brown the beef brisket with garlic and onion.
Add the beef broth, star anise, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, five-spice powder, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat. Simmer for 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
Serve the beef and broth over the cooked noodles and garnish with chopped scallions.
4. Zha Jiang Mian (Chinese Fried Sauce Noodles)
Zha Jiang Mian is a savory noodle dish that originated in Beijing. The dish features noodles served with a rich, thick soy-based sauce made with ground pork or beef and fermented bean paste. The sauce is both savory and slightly sweet, making it a favorite among noodle lovers.
Ingredients:
- 200g Chinese wheat noodles
- 100g ground pork
- 2 tbsp soybean paste (or hoisin sauce)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned
- 2 tbsp chopped scallions
Instructions:
Cook the noodles and set them aside.
In a pan, cook the ground pork until browned, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add the soybean paste, soy sauce, sugar, and a little water to create a thick sauce.
Serve the noodles with the sauce, top with julienned cucumber, and garnish with scallions.
5. Hot and Sour Noodles
Hot and Sour Noodles is a dish that balances spicy and tangy flavors. It is a perfect representation of the Sichuan cuisine, which often uses both heat and sourness in its dishes. The broth for the noodles is made with a combination of chili paste and vinegar, giving it a kick.
Ingredients:
- 200g Chinese rice noodles
- 1 tbsp chili paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp black vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken or pork
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Chopped scallions, for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions.
In a pan, sauté garlic and mushrooms until tender.
Add the chili paste, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and a bit of water to make the sauce.
Toss the noodles with the sauce and top with cooked chicken or pork.
Drizzle sesame oil on top and garnish with chopped scallions.
6. Egg Drop Noodles
Egg drop noodles are a comforting dish that combines the delicate flavors of eggs and noodles in a light broth. The egg is whisked into the hot broth, creating silky ribbons that coat the noodles perfectly. This dish is simple yet flavorful, making it a popular choice for quick meals.
Ingredients:
- 200g Chinese egg noodles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped scallions
Instructions:
Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil and add the soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and salt.
Slowly pour in the beaten eggs while stirring to create egg ribbons in the broth.
Serve the egg drop soup over the noodles and garnish with scallions.
7. Shrimp Chow Fun
Shrimp Chow Fun is a Cantonese stir-fry dish featuring wide rice noodles, shrimp, and vegetables. The dish is known for its bold flavors, thanks to the combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sweetness. The wide rice noodles are perfect for soaking up the savory sauce.
Ingredients:
- 200g wide rice noodles
- 150g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped scallions
Instructions:
Cook the rice noodles and set aside.
Heat some oil in a pan and stir-fry the shrimp until pink.
Add the bell peppers, onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper.
Toss the noodles in with the shrimp and vegetables, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
Garnish with scallions and serve.
8. Lanzhou Beef Noodles
Lanzhou beef noodles are a famous dish from Lanzhou in northwest China. The dish features hand-pulled noodles in a rich beef broth, typically topped with thinly sliced beef, fresh herbs, and chili oil. It is known for its chewy noodles and flavorful broth.
Ingredients:
- 200g hand-pulled wheat noodles
- 300g beef brisket, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, halved
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 star anise
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- Fresh cilantro and scallions for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the noodles and set aside.
In a pot, add the beef broth, onion, garlic, star anise, and soy sauce.
Simmer for 2 hours until the beef is tender and flavorful.
Serve the beef and broth over the noodles and garnish with cilantro, scallions, and chili oil.
9. Scallion Oil Noodles
Scallion oil noodles are a simple yet flavorful dish, often enjoyed as a quick meal or snack. The dish is known for its fragrant scallion oil, which is drizzled over the cooked noodles. The combination of soy sauce and sesame oil adds depth to the flavor.
Ingredients:
- 200g Chinese egg noodles
- 4 scallions, chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions:
Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
In a pan, heat the vegetable oil and sauté the scallions until fragrant.
Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar, and stir well.
Toss the cooked noodles with the scallion oil mixture.
Serve immediately.
10. Sesame Noodles
Sesame noodles are a popular dish that features a rich sesame sauce mixed with noodles. The dish is creamy, nutty, and packed with flavor. It can be served cold or at room temperature, making it a perfect summer dish.
Ingredients:
- 200g Chinese wheat noodles
- 3 tbsp sesame paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped scallions
Instructions:
Cook the noodles and set aside.
In a bowl, mix the sesame paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic to create the sauce.
Toss the noodles with the sauce and garnish with chopped scallions.
Serve cold or at room temperature.
Conclusion
Chinese noodle dishes are as varied as they are delicious. From spicy and savory to rich and comforting, there’s a noodle recipe for every occasion. Whether you’re craving the heat of Dan Dan noodles or the simplicity of Scallion Oil Noodles, these recipes offer a glimpse into the diverse world of Chinese noodle cuisine.
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