If you’re craving a dish that is bursting with flavor and has that perfect balance of tender noodles and crisp vegetables, then you’re going to love this Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe. It’s a beloved classic that brings together the soft chewiness of Shanghai noodles with vibrant veggies and savory sauces, creating a comfort food experience that feels both familiar and exciting. Whether you make it with tender chicken, beef, or keep it veggie-friendly, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe stands out because of its simplicity and the freshness of its ingredients. Each choice plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish shine on any plate.
- 8 ounces of Shanghai noodles: These thick, chewy noodles are the heart of the dish, offering the perfect texture to absorb sauces.
- 1 cup of sliced bell peppers: Adds a pop of color and a slightly sweet crunch.
- 1 cup of bean sprouts: Brings a fresh, crisp bite that contrasts beautifully with the noodles.
- 1 cup of shredded carrots: Enhances sweetness and adds vibrant orange hues.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Infuse the dish with mild oniony aroma and freshness.
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce: Delivers that essential salty, umami flavor that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce: Adds depth and richness with its subtly sweet, savory taste.
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil: Ideal for stir-frying and ensuring the ingredients don’t stick.
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil: Used as a finishing touch for an irresistible nutty fragrance.
- Optional: 1 cup of sliced chicken or beef: Perfect for extra protein and heartiness if you want a more substantial meal.
How to Make Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking your Shanghai noodles according to the package instructions. Usually, this means boiling them briefly until just tender. Once cooked, drain and set aside—making sure they don’t overcook ensures they’ll hold up well during the stir-fry.
Step 2: Cook the Meat (Optional)
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. If you’ve chosen to include chicken or beef, add the sliced meat now. Stir-fry it quickly until it’s cooked through but still juicy. Cooking the meat separately first allows it to develop a nice sear and flavorful base for the rest of the dish.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions. Stir-fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften slightly but retain their vibrant colors and a bit of crunch. This brings brightness and texture to the noodles later on.
Step 4: Combine Noodles and Beansprouts
Add the cooked noodles along with the bean sprouts to the pan. This is where the magic starts—you’ll toss everything together to ensure the veggies and noodles mingle.
Step 5: Add the Sauces
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, then stir everything together. The sauces add the savory, umami flavors that are signature to this Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe. Keep tossing for 2 to 3 minutes so the noodles soak up all that delicious sauce evenly.
Step 6: Finish with Sesame Oil
Finally, drizzle the sesame oil over the whole dish. Give it one last toss to distribute the nutty aroma and deepen the flavor profile before serving it piping hot.
How to Serve Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or a few toasted sesame seeds makes a lovely garnish that adds freshness and visual appeal. You can even add a few thin slices of fresh chili or a drizzle of chili oil if you love a little heat.
Side Dishes
Shanghai Fried Noodles pair wonderfully with lighter sides like steamed bok choy or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar. If you want to go all out, some hot and sour soup or potstickers would round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the noodles in large individual bowls topped with a sprig of cilantro or serve alongside a small dipping bowl of extra soy sauce. You can also try wrapping the noodles in lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Shanghai Fried Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes best when eaten soon after cooking, but keeping it well-covered helps maintain its texture and flavor.
Freezing
While you can freeze Shanghai Fried Noodles, it’s not the preferred method because the texture of the noodles may change after thawing. If you do freeze them, place portions in freezer-safe bags and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat with a little splash of water or oil to bring back moisture and prevent sticking. Microwave reheating can work in a pinch but won’t preserve the texture as well as stove reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles in this Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While Shanghai noodles are ideal for their chewy texture, you can substitute with udon or thick egg noodles if needed. Just keep in mind the texture and cooking time may vary slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! Simply skip the chicken or beef and consider adding tofu or extra veggies to keep it hearty and satisfying. The sauces alone provide plenty of umami flavor.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy noodles?
Make sure not to overcook the noodles when boiling, and stir-fry everything on medium-high heat quickly. This keeps the noodles firm and prevents them from soaking up too much liquid.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Definitely! Chop the vegetables and slice the meat ahead of time to save a bunch of prep work on the day you want to cook this Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
The basic recipe isn’t spicy at all, but you can easily add spice with chili oil, fresh chilies, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for more heat tailored to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe is such a joy to make and eat because it delivers on all fronts—flavor, texture, and ease. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite in so many kitchens around the world. Grab your wok or large skillet, and dive into making this comforting dish that’s sure to bring smiles and warmth to your table. Trust me, you’ll want to share this recipe with everyone you know!
Print
Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Shanghai Fried Noodles is a delicious and savory stir-fried noodle dish featuring tender Shanghai noodles mixed with crisp vegetables and optional sliced meat, all tossed in a flavorful combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a perfect weeknight meal for four.
Ingredients
Noodles and Vegetables
- 8 ounces of Shanghai noodles
- 1 cup of sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup of bean sprouts
- 1 cup of shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, chopped
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
Optional Protein
- 1 cup of sliced chicken or beef (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Cook the Shanghai noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside to avoid sticking.
- Heat the oil: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat to prepare for stir-frying.
- Cook the meat (if using): Add the sliced chicken or beef to the pan and stir-fry until the meat is thoroughly cooked and lightly browned.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions to the pan and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
- Add noodles and sauces: Add the cooked noodles and bean sprouts to the pan along with the soy sauce and oyster sauce for flavor.
- Toss ingredients together: Stir-fry and toss everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated through and well coated with sauce.
- Finish with sesame oil: Drizzle the sesame oil over the noodles, toss once more, and serve the dish hot for best flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and consider adding tofu or extra vegetables.
- You can substitute Shanghai noodles with fresh or dried lo mein or udon noodles if unavailable.
- Adjust soy sauce and oyster sauce quantities based on your preferred saltiness and taste.
- Ensure the pan is hot before adding ingredients to achieve a good stir-fry texture.
- Use a wok if available to enhance the cooking experience and flavor.
