Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe

Irresistibly Saucy Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe

Twirling chopsticks through a savory Shanghai fried noodles plate reveals culinary magic from china’s vibrant street food scene.

Authentic flavors dance across your palate with each delectable bite.

Wok-seared ingredients create a symphony of textures that whisper classic chinese cooking traditions.

Tender noodles capture robust seasonings in ways that surprise and delight.

Quick preparation makes this dish perfect for busy weeknight meals.

Regional techniques merge with simple ingredients to craft something extraordinary.

Grab your skillet and let deliciousness guide you toward an unforgettable dining experience.

FAQs

  • Are Shanghai Fried Noodles spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. It’s a savory dish with a balanced flavor from soy sauce and other seasonings.

  • Can I use different vegetables?

Yes, you can substitute vegetables based on what you have. Try zucchini, snow peas, or cabbage as alternatives to the suggested bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots.

  • Do I need special noodles?

Shanghai noodles are best, but you can use wheat noodles, egg noodles, or lo mein noodles if Shanghai noodles are unavailable.

  • Is this dish vegetarian?

Currently, the recipe contains oyster sauce, which is not vegetarian. To make it vegetarian, replace oyster sauce with mushroom sauce or soy-based vegetarian oyster sauce.

Why Shanghai Fried Noodles Are Flavorful Comfort Food

  • Quick-to-Master Cooking: Perfect for beginners and home cooks with minimal cooking skills who want to create a delicious Asian-style dish without complicated techniques.
  • Versatile Veggie Delight: Easily adaptable recipe that allows swapping or adding different vegetables based on personal preference or what's available in your kitchen.
  • Speedy Weeknight Meal: A super fast dinner solution that comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy families and professionals seeking a quick, satisfying meal.
  • Flavor-Packed One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single skillet or wok approach while delivering rich, authentic Chinese street food flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients For Tasty Shanghai Fried Noodles At Home

Noodles:
  • Shanghai Noodles: A traditional Chinese wheat-based noodle that provides the perfect base for this classic stir-fry dish.
Proteins and Seasoning:
  • Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce: Adds rich, salty depth and dark color to the noodle dish.
  • Oyster Sauce: Brings a savory umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the noodles.
  • Sugar: Balances the saltiness and adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic base for the stir-fry.
  • Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Carrots: Add color, texture, and nutritional value to the noodle dish.
  • Bean Sprouts, Green Onions: Bring freshness, crunch, and a light, crisp element to the final preparation.
Cooking Oils and Extras:
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking in the skillet.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty flavor and authentic Asian aroma to the dish.

Instructions For Making Shanghai Fried Noodles Easily

Step 1: Boil Noodles

Place Shanghai noodles in boiling water and cook following package directions.

Drain completely and set noodles aside in a clean bowl.

Step 2: Prepare Sauce Mixture

Combine these ingredients in a small bowl:
  • Soy sauce
  • Dark soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Sugar

Whisk until sugar dissolves and set aside.

Step 3: Warm Cooking Surface

Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat until oil shimmers and moves quickly across the surface.

Step 4: Infuse Aromatic Base

Drop minced garlic into hot oil and sauté for approximately 30 seconds, releasing its fragrant essence without burning.

Step 5: Sizzle Vegetable Medley

Add these vegetables to the wok:
  • Bell peppers
  • Mushrooms
  • Carrots

Stir-fry vigorously for 3-4 minutes until vegetables reach tender-crisp consistency.

Step 6: Introduce Noodles

Transfer reserved noodles into the wok with sautéed vegetables.

Toss gently to distribute evenly.

Step 7: Pour Sauce

Stream prepared sauce mixture over noodles and vegetables.

Mix thoroughly to ensure complete coating.

Step 8: Final Heating

Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and noodles to absorb sauce.

Step 9: Garnish And Finish

Sprinkle these final touches:
  • Bean sprouts
  • Green onions

Stir-fry for one additional minute until sprouts slightly wilt.

Step 10: Plate And Serve

Transfer Shanghai fried noodles to serving plates.

Enjoy immediately while hot and flavorful.

Handy Tips For Stir-Frying Shanghai Fried Noodles

  • Choose fresh Shanghai-style wheat noodles for authentic texture and flavor.
  • Maintain medium-high heat to prevent burning while ensuring vegetables stay crisp and noodles get a slight char.
  • Adjust sauce ingredients to taste, using more dark soy sauce for deeper color and richer umami flavor.
  • Chop vegetables and measure sauce ingredients before cooking to ensure smooth, quick stir-frying process.
  • Select a wide, deep wok or skillet to give ingredients enough space for proper stir-frying and even coating.

Fun Variations For Classic Shanghai Fried Noodles

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace Shanghai noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti. Swap soy sauce for tamari sauce to maintain authentic flavor while keeping the dish celiac-friendly.
  • Vegetarian Protein Boost: Substitute meat with tofu or tempeh cubes. Add extra mushrooms or edamame for additional protein and texture. Season tofu with soy sauce before stir-frying for enhanced flavor.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash instead of traditional noodles. Reduce sugar quantity and increase vegetable content for a lighter, nutrient-dense meal.
  • Spicy Shanghai Style: Include fresh chili peppers or sriracha sauce during stir-frying. Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat. Adjust spice levels according to personal preference.

How To Serve Shanghai Fried Noodles Like A Pro

  • Garden Party Plating: Arrange noodles on a large white platter, garnish with extra green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a vibrant, restaurant-style presentation.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu to transform this dish into a complete meal with added protein and texture.
  • Spice Lover's Twist: Drizzle with chili oil or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat and complex flavor.
  • Family-Style Feast: Serve directly from the wok in the center of the table, letting everyone help themselves with chopsticks and serving spoons for a communal dining experience.

Best Storage For Leftover Shanghai Fried Noodles

  • Transfer leftover noodles to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
  • Place noodles in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Warm a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add noodles and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, tossing gently to restore texture and prevent sticking. Add a splash of soy sauce for extra moisture.
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Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe

Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savor authentic Shanghai fried noodles, a culinary masterpiece blending silky wheat noodles with tender pork and crisp vegetables. Sizzling wok heat and rich soy sauce create a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Shanghai.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) Shanghai-style noodles (or any fresh egg noodles)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 cup (150 grams) sliced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 cup (100 grams) sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup (110 grams) shredded carrots
  • 1 cup (100 grams) bean sprouts
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare Shanghai noodles according to package directions, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
  2. Warm vegetable oil in a spacious wok or large skillet at medium-high temperature until shimmering.
  3. Quickly sauté minced garlic for approximately 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
  4. Incorporate bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots into the pan, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables reach a vibrant, crisp-tender consistency.
  5. Transfer the cooked noodles into the vegetable-filled skillet, gently combining the ingredients.
  6. Create a harmonious sauce by whisking together soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in a separate bowl.
  7. Pour the prepared sauce over noodles and vegetables, thoroughly tossing to ensure even coating and heating for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Introduce bean sprouts and green onions to the skillet, briefly stir-frying for an additional minute until sprouts become slightly wilted.
  9. Plate the noodles immediately while piping hot, presenting a delectable Shanghai-style culinary creation.

Notes

  • Prevent Noodle Sticking Rinse cooked noodles with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping, ensuring each strand remains separate and glossy.
  • Boost Flavor Depth Toast sesame seeds or add a dash of white pepper for an extra layer of authentic Chinese restaurant-style taste complexity.
  • Customize Protein Options Easily swap vegetables or add protein like sliced chicken, beef, or tofu to make the dish more substantial and personalized.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation Replace wheat noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free alternatives, and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce for celiac-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 570 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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