When you’re craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, a stir-fry is a fantastic choice. This recipe for stir-fried asian noodles is incredibly versatile and takes less time to make than ordering takeout. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner.
The secret to great stir-fried noodles is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in the sauce, combined with the right type of noodles. This recipe uses a simple sauce and a quick cooking technique to ensure every bite is packed with incredible taste.
Ingredients for Easy Asian Noodle Recipes
This recipe is a guide, and you can easily adjust the vegetables and protein based on what you have on hand. The sauce is the star of the show and uses pantry staples you likely already own.
- 8 oz of your favorite Asian noodles (lo mein, udon, or rice noodles work well)
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 lb protein (chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu), thinly sliced
- 2 cups vegetables (broccoli florets, snap peas, shredded carrots, bell peppers)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
For the Noodle Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir-fry sauce)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
How to Make Asian Noodles
Cooking stir-fry noodles is all about speed and high heat. Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare your chosen noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. Toss them with a little oil to prevent them from sticking.
- Make the Sauce: While the noodles are cooking, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry Protein and Vegetables: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat with 1 tbsp of oil. Add your protein and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove the protein from the pan and set it aside. Add the garlic and ginger, then stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
- Combine: Add the cooked protein and noodles back to the wok. Pour the sauce over everything. Toss constantly for 1-2 minutes until all the ingredients are well-coated and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.
This quick and easy stir fry noodles recipe is perfect for a delicious dinner. For another great noodle dish, consider using a different kind of rice noodle, like the ones in this mei fun noodles recipe.
Tips & Variations
The best part about this dish is how easily you can customize it. Use this base recipe as a foundation for your creativity.
- Protein: If you don’t want a meat-based dish, you can make a tasty vegetarian version with firm tofu, mushrooms, or edamame.
- Vegetables: Experiment with different vegetable combinations like bok choy, water chestnuts, corn, or snow peas.
- Noodles: The world of Asian noodles is vast! If you want to learn about the differences between various noodle types, such as soba, ramen, and lo mein, check out this comprehensive guide on The Spruce Eats.
- Flavor: For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a few red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This stir-fried noodle dish is a complete meal on its own. If you want to expand your dinner, a simple side of egg rolls or dumplings would be a perfect complement. You could also serve it with a light, warm soup, like this chicken noodle soup crock pot recipe, for a cozy meal.
Storage & Nutrition
Leftover Asian noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, stir-fry in a hot skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen them up. This dish is rich in carbohydrates, protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
FAQs About Asian Noodles
Here are some of the most common questions about these popular noodles.
How to make Asian noodles?
The easiest way to make Asian noodles is to boil them according to the package instructions, then drain them. You then stir-fry them in a wok or skillet with your choice of protein, vegetables, and a savory sauce until everything is heated through and well combined.
Are Asian noodles gluten-free?
Some Asian noodles, such as those made from rice flour (like mei fun or vermicelli), are naturally gluten-free. Others, like udon or ramen, are made from wheat flour and are not. Always check the ingredients on the package to be sure.
Where to buy Asian noodles?
Asian noodles can be found in the international aisle of most large grocery stores. For a wider selection, visit a local Asian market or specialty food store. You can also purchase them from online retailers.
Final Thoughts
This amazing stir-fried Asian noodles recipe is a true weeknight hero. With its customizable nature and fantastic flavor, it’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your home. Enjoy creating your own version and savoring every delicious bite!