Chinese Fried Noodles
Noodles, a staple of Chinese cuisine, were not only nourishing sustenance but also compact and durable for long journeys. It's believed that Chinese noodles were introduced to Central Asia, where they intertwined with local culinary traditions, leading to the creation of various noodle dishes, including the precursor to fried noodles.
Ingredients
- 200g Chinese egg noodles or any noodles of your choice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu for proteinOptional toppings: Chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare Noodles:Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss them with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Stir-Fry:Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it heat up.Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.Add the sliced onion, julienned carrot, and sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add Cabbage:Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the wok. Continue to stir-fry for a couple more minutes until all the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Sauces and Noodles:Push the vegetables to the side of the wok and add the cooked noodles to the other side.Pour the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the noodles. Gently toss the noodles to coat them with the sauces. Gradually incorporate the vegetables into the noodles.
- Seasoning and Protein:Season the noodles and vegetables with salt and pepper to taste. If you're adding cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, beef, tofu), now is the time to toss it in and combine everything.
- Final Touches:Continue to stir-fry everything together for a couple more minutes until everything is heated through and well mixed.
- Serve:Transfer the fried noodles to serving plates. Garnish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro, if desired.
- Enjoy:Serve the Chinese fried noodles hot as a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
The versatility of fried noodles allowed for creative adaptations, accommodating various regional ingredients and preferences.