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Shanghai Fried Noodles are a classic Chinese dish featuring thick, chewy noodles stir-fried with a savory soy-based sauce, tender pork, and crisp vegetables. This hearty dish is renowned for its rich umami flavor and satisfying texture, making it a favorite in Chinese cuisine. The key to its authentic taste lies in the balance of dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness, which coat the noodles beautifully. Popular in both street food stalls and upscale restaurants, Shanghai Fried Noodles deliver bold flavor and are a must-try for noodle enthusiasts.
The Origins and Significance of Shanghai Fried Noodles
Shanghai Fried Noodles, or Cu Chao Mian, hails from the bustling city of Shanghai, China. This dish embodies the flavors of its birthplace, where simplicity meets bold taste. Traditionally served as street food, its hearty combination of thick, chewy noodles and savory sauce quickly made it a beloved comfort dish. Over time, Shanghai Fried Noodles gained global popularity, appreciated for its balance of textures and flavors. The dish reflects the culinary ingenuity of Shanghai’s food culture, blending local ingredients with accessible preparation to create a meal that’s both nostalgic and universally loved.
Important Ingredients for Shanghai Fried Noodles
- Shanghai Thick Noodles: These chewy, dense noodles are the star of the dish, providing texture and soaking up the savory sauce.
- Sliced Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, chicken thighs complement the rich sauce while adding protein to the stir-fry.
- Shiitake Mushrooms: Their earthy, umami flavor enhances the depth of the dish and pairs well with the sauce.
- Cabbage: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch, balancing the richness of the noodles and sauce.
- Green Onions and Onions: These aromatic ingredients provide a mild sharpness and sweetness to the stir-fry.
- Soy Sauce and Dark Soy Sauce: Create a salty, savory base and give the noodles their classic golden-brown color.
- Oyster Sauce: Adds a rich, sweet umami flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
- Corn Starch and Water: Used to thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings to the noodles for maximum flavor.
- Sugar: Balances the saltiness of the soy and oyster sauces, enhancing the overall taste.
Shanghai Fried Noodles
Ingredients
- 500 g Shanghai thick noodles
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs, (sliced)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp shaoxing rice wine
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1 cup chopped cabbage
- 1 onion, (sliced)
- 4 shitake mushrooms
- green onions
Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1.5 tbsp oyster sauce
- ½ tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Into a bowl add sliced chicken and season with soy sauce, shaoxing rice wine, white pepper, and corn starch. Mix well, set aside.1.5 lb chicken thighs, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp shaoxing rice wine, 1 tsp white pepper, 1 tbsp corn starch
- Prepare your vegetables by cutting cabbage, onions, green onions, mushrooms, set aside.1 cup chopped cabbage, 1 onion, 4 shitake mushrooms, green onions
- Boil your noodles for 2-3 minutes, strain and set aside.500 g Shanghai thick noodles
- Mix together all sauce ingredients in a bowl. set aside.2 tbsp soy sauce, 1.5 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1.5 tbsp oyster sauce, ½ tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp corn starch, ¼ cup water
- Into a high heat wok, add 1 tbsp of oil along with the marinated chicken. Cook 3-5 minutes.
- Add onions, shitake mushrooms, and cabbage. Stir for 3 minutes.1 cup chopped cabbage, 4 shitake mushrooms, 1 onion
- Add strained noodles along with the sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Top with green onions and enjoy.green onions
Strange. You talk about “Shanghai Fried Noodles are a classic Chinese dish featuring thick, chewy noodles stir-fried with a savory soy-based sauce, tender pork, and crisp vegetables.” in your first sentence of the description. And that’s the last we hear of the pork. Then it turns into chicken in the recipe.
Yes, the traditional way to may this dish is with porkm, however, I like chicken better for better overall macros. I should have clarified.
Good food
Thank you