Experience the culinary magic of Shanghai right in your own kitchen with our quick and easy Shanghai Stir-Fried Noodles. This sensational dish is a testament to simplicity and speed, allowing you to create a mouthwatering meal in just 15-20 minutes. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, this versatile recipe caters to all, as you can easily omit the pork and enhance the flavors with an extra dose of savory mushrooms. Get ready to indulge in the irresistible flavors of our Quick and Easy Shanghai Stir-Fried Noodles.
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Needed Components
For the Optional Pork & Marinade:
- 6 oz. lean pork (170g), thinly cut into ¼” strips
- 3/4 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon light soy sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon shaoxing wine
- 1/8 teaspoon sugar
For the Main Dish:
- 3 tablespoons oil (split for various uses)
- 8 fresh or dried shiitake mushrooms (if using dried, pre-soak them; then thinly slice)
- 1 pound of udon noodles, Japanese style (450g)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons of dark soy sauce
- 2 1/2 teaspoons of regular soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- 1 bunch of choy sum or baby bok choy (washed and trimmed)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Combine the pork and marinade ingredients, ensuring the pork is well-coated. Let it sit for a short while (5-10 minutes) as you ready the remaining ingredients.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok on high. Once hot, stir-fry the pork until it turns a lovely brown. Lower the heat, transfer the pork to a dish, and set aside. Add a couple more tablespoons of oil to the wok and saute the mushrooms for approximately 2 minutes on medium heat. With your hands, gently loosen the noodles and add them to the wok.
- Time to add flavor with the soy sauces and sugar. Stir-fry all components together until the noodles achieve a uniformly rich, deep brown hue. If the color isn’t quite there yet, feel free to add a bit more dark soy sauce.
- Now, toss in the leafy greens, and mix until they wilt into the noodles. Serve it piping hot! Some prefer a few drops of Chinese black vinegar right before digging in—it’s your call!
This Shanghai Stir-Fried Noodles dish (Cu Chao Mian) is a perfect example of a quick, versatile, and utterly satisfying meal, easily tailored to various dietary preferences. Whether as a mid-week dinner when time is tight or as a special treat for a casual gathering, it’s a tasty introduction to the marvels of Shanghai cuisine.