If you are craving a comforting and truly satisfying noodle dish, you absolutely have to try this Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe. It combines thick, chewy noodles with tender pork or chicken, vibrant napa cabbage, crisp carrots, and scallions, all tossed in a rich, savory sauce that delivers layers of umami with every bite. This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner or a delightful main for sharing with friends, offering a taste of classic Chinese street food in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe lies in its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays an essential role, contributing distinctive textures and flavors that come together in perfect harmony.
- 8 oz thick wheat noodles (or udon noodles): Provides the chewy, hearty base essential for an authentic texture.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for stir-frying, allowing ingredients to cook evenly without sticking.
- 1/2 lb pork loin or chicken breast (thinly sliced): Adds protein and a tender bite, absorbing the delicious sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups napa cabbage (sliced): Brings a mild crunch and freshness that lightens the dish.
- 1/2 cup carrot (julienned): Offers natural sweetness and vibrant color to the noodle stir-fry.
- 1/2 cup green onions (cut into 2-inch pieces): Delivers a sharp, aromatic punch that elevates every mouthful.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides the salty umami backbone of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce: Adds deeper color and a slightly sweeter richness.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Boosts savory complexity with its seafood undertones.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a subtle nuttiness that lingers pleasantly.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper: Gives a mild heat and fragrant warmth without overpowering.
How to Make Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the noodles and sauce
Begin by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions to get them perfectly tender yet chewy. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. While the noodles cool, whisk together the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper in a small bowl to create your savory sauce ready to coat every bite.
Step 2: Cook the protein
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, creating the ideal temperature for a proper stir-fry. Add the thinly sliced pork or chicken and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the meat is evenly browned and cooked through. This step locks in juices and builds a flavorful foundation for the dish.
Step 3: Add the vegetables
Next, toss in the napa cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry these vibrant veggies for 2 to 3 minutes so they soften slightly but still retain a satisfying crunch. The contrast of textures between the cooked meat, crispy vegetables, and chewy noodles is what makes this dish so delightful.
Step 4: Combine noodles, sauce, and aromatics
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooled noodles and green onions to the pan, then pour the sauce over the top. Toss everything well to coat in the savory mix and give it a final 2-minute stir-fry. This ensures the noodles soak up all those luscious flavors and the green onions stay bright and fragrant.
How to Serve Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or toasted sesame seeds on top for a burst of aromatic freshness and a beautiful finish. A wedge of lime on the side can add a zesty brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the savory sauce.
Side Dishes
Serve your Shanghai Fried Noodles alongside simple steamed greens like bok choy or a light cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors. A bowl of hot miso soup or clear broth also complements this noodle dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, pile the noodles high in shallow bowls and top with extra green onions and a drizzle of chili oil for some heat. You can also serve it as a centerpiece for family-style dining, letting everyone dig in and enjoy the communal experience this dish invites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shanghai Fried Noodles should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, making them a great choice for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it may affect the texture of the noodles and vegetables. If you do freeze, portion the noodles into freezer-safe containers and consume within one month for best taste and quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to revive moisture. Avoid microwaving whenever possible to maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a vegetarian protein instead of pork or chicken?
Absolutely! Firm tofu is a fantastic substitute that soaks up flavors well and keeps the dish vegetarian-friendly without compromising taste.
What noodles work best for this recipe?
Thick wheat noodles or udon noodles are ideal for this dish due to their chewy texture. If you find authentic Shanghai-style noodles, those are perfect for the most authentic experience.
Is this dish spicy?
The classic Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe is mild and savory rather than spicy. You can add chili oil or fresh chili peppers to the dish if you prefer some heat.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to serve more people. Just use a larger wok or skillet to ensure everything cooks evenly.
What is the difference between soy sauce and dark soy sauce in the recipe?
Regular soy sauce is saltier and lighter in color, while dark soy sauce is thicker, sweeter, and adds a rich color to the noodles, deepening the overall flavor.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself to this wonderful Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe the next time you want a dish that is both comforting and full of exciting flavors. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. I promise once you make it at home, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals for busy days and special occasions alike.
Print
Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stirfry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Shanghai Fried Noodles recipe features thick wheat or udon noodles stir-fried with tender pork or chicken, crisp napa cabbage, carrots, and green onions, all coated in a savory blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and aromatic sesame oil. A quick and flavorful main course perfect for a satisfying Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz thick wheat noodles (or udon noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 lb pork loin or chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 cups napa cabbage, sliced
- 1/2 cup carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Stir well to create the flavorful sauce.
- Stir-Fry Meat: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced pork or chicken and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in the sliced napa cabbage and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles and green onions to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over all the ingredients, then toss and stir-fry everything together for another 2 minutes to ensure even coating and heating.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the Shanghai Fried Noodles hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the meat with tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Use Shanghai-style noodles if available for the most authentic taste.
