Introduction
This delicious stir-fried Hokkien noodles dish brings together savory marinated chicken and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on any night of the week.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
Noodles:
500g (1 lb) Hokkien noodles (preferably fresh from the refrigerator)
Chicken:
350g (12 oz) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into thin strips (0.5 x 3 cm or 0.2 x 1.2 inches)
Vegetables:
8 green onion stems, cut into 5 cm (2-inch) lengths, white and green parts separated
1 red bell pepper (capsicum), thinly sliced (0.5 cm or 0.2 inches)
3 heaped cups green cabbage, thinly sliced (1 x 5 cm or 0.5 x 2 inches)
Sauce:
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1.5 tablespoons dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon mirin or Chinese cooking wine
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1/8 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
Other:
2 tablespoons canola oil (or vegetable, cottonseed, peanut oil)
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
8 minutes
Total Time
18 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce and Marinate the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients. Take 1.5 tablespoons of the prepared sauce and toss it with the sliced chicken. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the noodles and vegetables.
2. Prepare the Noodles:
Follow the package instructions to prepare the Hokkien noodles. This typically involves soaking them in boiling water for a few minutes or briefly boiling them. After cooking, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under tap water to remove excess starch and prevent them from sticking together.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a large non-stick pan over high heat until very hot. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 1 minute. Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Cook for another minute until the surface of the chicken is sealed but still slightly raw inside.
4. Add Vegetables:
Add the sliced red bell pepper and cabbage to the pan. Toss and cook for 2 minutes until the cabbage is mostly wilted. By this time, the chicken should be cooked through.
5. Combine Noodles and Sauce:
Add the green parts of the green onions, the prepared noodles, and the remaining sauce to the pan. Toss everything together for 1.5 to 2 minutes until the noodles are evenly coated and have absorbed the sauce, turning a lovely brown color.
6. Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy your homemade stir-fried Hokkien noodles!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sauce and Marinate the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients. Take 1.5 tablespoons of the prepared sauce and toss it with the sliced chicken. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the noodles and vegetables.
Prepare the Noodles
Follow the package instructions to prepare the Hokkien noodles. This typically involves soaking them in boiling water for a few minutes or briefly boiling them. After cooking, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under tap water to remove excess starch and prevent them from sticking together.
Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a large non-stick pan over high heat until very hot. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 1 minute. Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Cook for another minute until the surface of the chicken is sealed but still slightly raw inside.
Add Vegetables
Add the sliced red bell pepper and cabbage to the pan. Toss and cook for 2 minutes until the cabbage is mostly wilted. By this time, the chicken should be cooked through.
Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add the green parts of the green onions, the prepared noodles, and the remaining sauce to the pan. Toss everything together for 1.5 to 2 minutes until the noodles are evenly coated and have absorbed the sauce, turning a lovely brown color.
Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
Chicken Substitute
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu for different protein options.
Noodles Storage
If you are using leftover noodles, ensure they are stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days for optimal freshness.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like snow peas, carrots, or bean sprouts according to your preference.
Spiciness Level
For a spicier dish, you can add chili flakes or fresh chili during the cooking process.
Cook Techniques
Marinating Chicken
Marinating the chicken helps to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat. Use a mix of soy sauces, oyster sauce, mirin or cooking wine, and sesame oil to maximize taste.
Preparing Noodles
When preparing Hokkien noodles, ensure you follow the package instructions carefully. Rinsing the noodles after cooking helps to remove excess starch, preventing them from sticking together.
High-Heat Cooking
Cooking the chicken over high heat ensures a quick sear, locking in the juices and maintaining a tender texture. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, which can lower the temperature and lead to steaming rather than searing.
Vegetable Sautéing
Add vegetables like red bell peppers and cabbage to the pan after the chicken is partially cooked. This method allows the vegetables to retain some crunch while absorbing the flavors from the chicken and sauces.
Tossing Ingredients
Once the noodles are mixed in with the sauce and other ingredients, tossing everything in the pan for a couple of minutes ensures even coating and flavor distribution. This technique enhances the overall taste and appearance of the dish.
Presentation
Serve the dish immediately and consider garnishing with sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions to add a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of noodles?
Yes, you can substitute Hokkien noodles with other types like egg noodles or rice noodles, but cooking times may vary.
Can I replace chicken thighs with another protein?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breast, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu as alternatives.
What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
If you need a substitute, you can use hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a sweetener like sugar, though the flavor will differ slightly.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken for about 10 to 15 minutes is sufficient to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components (marinate chicken and chop vegetables) ahead of time and cook right before serving.
Conclusion
This flavorful Hokkien noodle dish combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce, making it a delightful and satisfying meal. The balance of textures and tastes ensures that every bite is enjoyable. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe showcases how simple ingredients can create a delicious and hearty dish.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Stir-fry Noodles
Replace chicken with a mix of your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, and carrots for a vegetarian version.
Seafood Hokkien Noodles
Substitute chicken with shrimp or calamari, adding a splash of lime juice at the end for a refreshing twist.
Spicy Chicken Noodle Combo
Incorporate sliced chili peppers or chili paste for heat, and consider garnishing with fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Beef and Broccoli Noodles
Use thinly sliced beef instead of chicken and add steamed broccoli for a classic combination that is both hearty and healthy.
Peanut Butter Noodles
Stir in a couple of tablespoons of creamy peanut butter into the sauce for a rich and nutty variation on the traditional recipe.
