Recipe Card
Quick and Delicious Shanghai Fried Noodles
Ingredients
- 1 lbfresh wheat noodles (or udon: The star ingredient, fresh noodles offer an appealing chewy texture, staying perfectly al dente when stir-fried.)
- ½ lbturkey bacon: This ingredient provides a savory (smoky flavor that enhances the entire dish. It’s a leaner alternative to pork bacon.)
- 3 cupschopped Napa cabbage: Napa cabbage contributes a refreshing crunch and mild sweetness (complementing the savory elements.)
- ½ cupsliced shiitake mushrooms: Adding umami depth (shiitake mushrooms are known for their rich flavor and unique texture when cooked.)
- 1 cupsliced green onions: Green onions impart a fresh oniony bite that boosts the overall flavor profile.
- 3 clovesminced garlic: Essential for a flavor burst (garlic enhances the aroma and richness of the dish.)
- 2 tbspvegetable oil: This oil is used for frying and helps in achieving that perfect (slightly crispy texture while maintaining moisture.)
- 2 tspsoy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami.
- 2 tspcornstarch: Helps create a crispy texture on the turkey bacon.
- 1 tbspvegetable oil: Assists in the even cooking of turkey bacon.
- 1 tspShaoxing wine (or Dry Sherry: A key flavoring agent, bringing depth to the marinade.)
- ⅛ tspwhite pepper: Offers a subtle heat and differentiates the flavor.
- 2 tbspdark soy sauce: Provides a deep color and rich flavor.
- 1 tbspregular soy sauce: Adds saltiness (enhancing the other flavors.)
- 1 tbspoyster sauce: Rounded flavor that ties the dish together.
- 1 tbspChinese black vinegar (or rice vinegar: Brings acidity and balances the dish.)
- ½ tbspShaoxing wine (or Dry Sherry: For that extra depth of flavor.)
- 1 tspsugar: A hint of sweetness to balance the savoriness.
- 1 tspsesame oil (optional: Offers a nutty note that elevates the dish.)
- ½ tbspcornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for a silky sauce.
- ½ cupunsalted chicken stock: For moisture and body to the sauce.
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the turkey bacon: Slice the turkey bacon into 1 cm pieces. Marinate in a mixture of 2 tsp soy sauce, 2 tsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp Shaoxing wine, and ⅛ tsp white pepper for 20 minutes. This step enriches the bacon with flavor while ensuring a crispy finish.
- 2
Combine noodle sauce ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp regular soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar, ½ tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, ½ tbsp cornstarch, and ½ cup unsalted chicken stock. This sauce will coat your noodles perfectly.
- 3
Blanch the noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch 1 lb fresh wheat noodles for 2 minutes, then strain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. This will also keep the noodles from sticking together.
- 4
Cook the turkey bacon: In a hot pan or wok, add 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Add the minced 3 cloves garlic and the marinated turkey bacon. Stir-fry until the bacon is cooked and slightly crispy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- 5
Add the vegetables: Toss in the chopped 3 cups Napa cabbage, sliced ½ cup shiitake mushrooms, and 1 cup sliced green onions. Stir-fry until the vegetables are wilted and tender, around 4 minutes.
- 6
Combine noodles and sauce: Now, add the blanched noodles to the pan along with the prepared noodle sauce. Stir-fry until the noodles are evenly coated and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- 7
Serve: Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, remove from heat. Serve the Shanghai Fried Noodles immediately, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.