Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I slid a fragrant plate of homemade Shanghai Fried Noodles onto the table, I could feel the anticipation in the air—wonderful aromas merging like a warm hug. This quick and easy weeknight meal features thick, chewy noodles embraced by tender pork and an array of colorful veggies, all enveloped in a savory umami sauce. What makes this dish truly irresistible is how effortlessly it comes together in just 30 minutes, allowing me to enjoy quality time with loved ones instead of slaving away in the kitchen. Plus, the versatility means you can swap in your favorite proteins or toss in seasonal vegetables, making it a deliciously adaptable option for anyone craving comfort food without the hassle. So, what delightful twist will you add to your version of these scrumptious noodles? Why Are Shanghai Fried Noodles a Must-Try? Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without the long cooking time. Umami Explosion: Each bite bursts with rich, savory flavors, thanks to the perfect umami-rich sauce that envelopes all the ingredients, creating a taste sensation you’ll crave again. Versatile: The recipe easily adapts to your personal preferences—swap pork for chicken, beef, or even tofu, and throw in seasonal veggies like bell peppers for a unique twist. Family-Friendly: With its appealing flavors and textures, these Shanghai Fried Noodles are sure to please everyone at the table. Serve them alongside Fried Rice Savor for a delightful meal combination! Health-Conscious Options: You can make it gluten-free with rice noodles, ensuring that everyone gets to enjoy this fabulous dish, no matter their dietary needs. Shanghai Fried Noodles Ingredients • Get ready to create your own delicious batch of Shanghai Fried Noodles! For the Protein Pork – Choose tenderloin or loin for optimal flavor and tenderness. Chicken – A lighter option that works wonderfully in this dish. Beef – Use thinly sliced flank steak for a robust flavor. Tofu – For a vegetarian twist, firm tofu absorbs the sauce beautifully. For the Vegetables Cabbage – Offers a crunchy texture; bok choy or spinach can substitute well. Mushrooms – Shiitake mushrooms add an earthy note, while button mushrooms are easily accessible. Green Onions – Adds freshness and vibrancy; spring onions work as a good replacement. Bell Peppers – Enhance nutrition and color; feel free to mix in any seasonal veggies you love. For the Noodles Thick, Chewy Noodles – Essential for an authentic experience; ensure they’re cooked al dente. Gluten-Free Rice Noodles – A great substitute to keep this dish accessible for gluten sensitivities. For the Sauce Umami-rich Sauce – This secret blend ties flavors together; consider hoisin or chili garlic sauce for a twist. Sesame Oil – A splash adds nuttiness and richness to the dish, enhancing its depth. Dive into this delightful preparation and savor the freshness of your homemade Shanghai Fried Noodles! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Shanghai Fried Noodles Step 1: Marinate the Pork Begin by slicing the pork into thin strips and placing them in a mixing bowl. Add your favorite marinade ingredients, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let the pork sit for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse for a tender result that will elevate your Shanghai Fried Noodles. Step 2: Cook the Noodles While the pork marinates, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the thick, chewy noodles according to the package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes, until they are just tender but still firm (al dente). Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside. Step 3: Stir-Fry the Pork In a large pan or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the marinated pork, spreading it out in a single layer to achieve a good sear. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the pork is golden brown and fully cooked, releasing savory aromas that signal it’s time for the veggies. Step 4: Add Vegetables Next, introduce the chopped cabbage, sliced mushrooms, and minced green onions to the pan. Stir-fry these vegetables for 3-5 minutes, until the cabbage wilts and the mushrooms soften while maintaining vibrant colors. This step adds both texture and flavor to your Shanghai Fried Noodles, making them truly delicious. Step 5: Combine and Sauce Once the vegetables are tender, add the cooked noodles to the pan, tossing them gently to combine with the pork and vegetables. Drizzle your umami-rich sauce over the top and stir-fry everything together for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the noodles to soak up all the flavorful goodness, creating a cohesive dish bursting with taste. Step 6: Serve Finally, remove the pan from heat and plate your delightful Shanghai Fried Noodles while they are still hot. Garnish with additional green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Enjoy the fragrant combination of noodles, pork, and vegetables that you’ve just created in under 30 minutes! Expert Tips for Shanghai Fried Noodles Marinate Wisely: Ensure your pork is marinated for at least 15 minutes; this enhances its tenderness and boosts flavor for your Shanghai Fried Noodles. Perfect Noodle Texture: Avoid overcooking the noodles; they should be slightly firm, as they will continue to cook when stir-fried. Heat Management: Maintain medium-high heat while cooking. This ensures everything gets a good sear, enhancing flavor and preventing sogginess in the noodles. Veggie Timing: Add vegetables in the right order—start with those needing longer cooking times, like cabbage and mushrooms, before adding quick-cooking green onions. Sauce Balance: Be generous but mindful with your umami-rich sauce; it should coat the ingredients without overwhelming them. Adjust according to your taste! Make Ahead Options These Easy Shanghai Fried Noodles are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the pork up to 24 hours in advance, allowing those flavorful notes to deepen for a tender result. Additionally, the noodles can be cooked and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just be sure to toss them with a small amount of oil to prevent them from sticking. When you’re ready to serve, simply stir-fry the marinated pork and veggies, then add your pre-cooked noodles along with the umami-rich sauce, heating everything through for a delicious meal that’s just as satisfying as a fresh batch! By prepping these components ahead of time, you’ll save valuable moments on busy weeknights while still enjoying a homemade favorite! What to Serve with Easy Shanghai Fried Noodles Delight your family with a complete meal that perfectly complements the vibrant flavors of your homemade noodles. Crispy Spring Rolls: These provide a crunchy contrast that enhances the rich textures of the noodles, adding an irresistible appetizer to your meal. The dipping sauce brings an extra layer of flavor that rounds out the dish beautifully. Garlic Bok Choy: A side of garlic bok choy offers a light, fresh note to your meal. The slight bitterness of this veggie pairs wonderfully with the umami-rich flavor of the noodles, creating a harmonious balance of tastes. Vegetable Fried Rice: For a hearty experience, serve it alongside vegetable fried rice. The comforting rice complements the chewy noodles, and the varied textures will keep everyone satisfied and happy at the table. Miso Soup: A steaming bowl of miso soup warms the soul and provides a light, savory contrast to the denser noodles. The umami flavors in both dishes will enhance each other, creating a wonderfully satisfying meal. Green Salad with Sesame Dressing: A crisp salad drizzled with sesame dressing adds a refreshing element to your dining experience. The crunch of fresh vegetables offers a delightful contrast to the noodles while maintaining a light and vibrant appeal. Chilled Sake or Iced Green Tea: Pair your meal with a glass of chilled sake or refreshing iced green tea. Both drinks bring a calming touch to your dining experience while complementing the flavors of the Shanghai Fried Noodles beautifully. Shanghai Fried Noodles Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative and tailor this delightful dish to suit your palate! Pork Alternative: Swap in chicken, beef, or tofu for a different protein twist. Each option brings its own unique flavor, enhancing your noodle experience. Vegetable Medley: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots to amp up nutrition and color. Add what’s in season for a fresh, vibrant touch! Gluten-Free Option: Use rice noodles in place of regular noodles to cater to gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this scrumptious meal. Flavor Infusion: Add sesame oil for a nutty finish or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Flavor variations can elevate your noodles to new heights! Crispy Texture: Incorporate water chestnuts for a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender noodles and veggies. They add an exciting texture. Slightly Sweet: Mix in some shredded pineapple or a tablespoon of honey to balance the savory elements, introducing a delightful hint of sweetness. Spicy Kick: If you love heat, throw in sliced jalapeños or a splash of chili oil to kick your dish up a notch—perfect for spice enthusiasts! Savory Dipping Sauce: Encourage a fun dining experience by serving with a side of sweet and sour sauce, allowing guests to customize their meal to their taste. Try these variations and pair your noodles with delicious accompanying dishes like Garlic Bok Choy or Fried Rice Savor for an unforgettable meal! How to Store and Freeze Shanghai Fried Noodles Fridge: Store leftover Shanghai Fried Noodles in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water to restore moisture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the prepared noodles in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the thawed noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a touch of oil and a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor. Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the pork marinade up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully before cooking. Shanghai Fried Noodles Recipe FAQs What type of pork is best for Shanghai Fried Noodles? For the most tender and flavorful results, I recommend using pork tenderloin or loin. These cuts will give your dish a juicy bite and absorb the marinade beautifully. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can easily substitute with chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian version. How long can I store leftover Shanghai Fried Noodles in the fridge? Leftover Shanghai Fried Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to indulge again, reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to restore moisture and keep them from drying out. Can I freeze Shanghai Fried Noodles? Absolutely! You can freeze your Shanghai Fried Noodles for up to 2 months. Just portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When it’s time to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a little oil or broth to bring them back to life. What can I do if my noodles are overcooked? If you find that your noodles have gone mushy, don’t despair! You can try to save them by adding them to a stir-fry rather than serving them plain. Incorporate them with crunchy vegetables and protein (like fresh chicken or beef) in a hot pan, allowing them to soak up the flavors of the sauce and other ingredients. This process can help mask the texture and make the dish more palatable. Are there any dietary considerations for Shanghai Fried Noodles? Yes! If you’re cooking for those with dietary restrictions, this recipe is quite adaptable. You can easily make it gluten-free by using rice noodles instead of wheat-based ones. Additionally, always confirm that the sauces used (like soy sauce) are gluten-free if necessary. Moreover, for those with allergies, consider swapping ingredients like protein or adjusting the sauce to avoid any allergens. What vegetables can I substitute in my Shanghai Fried Noodles? The beauty of Shanghai Fried Noodles is in their versatility! If you’re short on cabbage, bok choy or spinach can do the trick. You can also add veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra crunch and flavor. The more, the merrier when it comes to adding color and nutrition to your dish! Savory Shanghai Fried Noodles: Quick Homemade Happiness Enjoy a delightful plate of Shanghai Fried Noodles, a quick recipe featuring thick noodles, tender pork, and colorful veggies, all enveloped in a savory umami sauce. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 peopleCourse: DinnerCuisine: ChineseCalories: 550 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Protein1 pound Pork tenderloin or loin for optimal flavor1 pound Chicken light option1 pound Beef flank steak thinly sliced1 block Firm tofu for vegetarian optionFor the Vegetables2 cups Cabbage or bok choy/spinach1 cup Shiitake mushrooms or button mushrooms4 stalks Green onions minced1 cup Bell peppers any seasonal veggiesFor the Noodles8 ounces Thick, chewy noodles cooked al dente8 ounces Gluten-free rice noodles substitute for gluten sensitivitiesFor the Sauce1/4 cup Umami-rich sauce consider hoisin or chili garlic sauce1 tablespoon Sesame oil Equipment large potlarge pan or wokMixing Bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsMarinate the Pork: Slice the pork into thin strips, mix with marinade, and let sit for at least 15 minutes.Cook the Noodles: Boil salted water and cook thick noodles for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse.Stir-Fry the Pork: Heat oil in a pan, add marinated pork, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.Add Vegetables: Stir-fry cabbage, mushrooms, and green onions for 3-5 minutes until tender.Combine and Sauce: Add noodles to the pan with vegetables, drizzle sauce, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.Serve: Plate the noodles hot, garnish with green onions, and enjoy! Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg NotesThis recipe can easily adapt to include different proteins or seasonal vegetables to suit your taste. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
