Shanghai Fried Noodles

Shanghai Fried Noodles: A Detailed Recipe

Shanghai fried noodles is a classic Shanghainese dish known for its unique flavor and simple cooking method. It’s typically made with stir-fried noodles, eggs, vegetables, and meat strips, seasoned with a savory sauce. The dish is characterized by its crispy noodles, tender-crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that’s both salty and sweet.

Ingredients

 200 grams (7 ounces) dried noodles

 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

 2 eggs

 100 grams (3.5 ounces) lean meat or shrimp, thinly sliced

 100 grams (3.5 ounces) vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers, thinly sliced

 2 cloves garlic, minced

 1 tablespoon grated ginger

 2 tablespoons soy sauce

 1 tablespoon sugar

 1 tablespoon vinegar

 1/2 teaspoon salt

 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients

  Cook the noodles according to package directions, drain, and toss with oil to prevent sticking.

  Beat the eggs and set aside.

  Marinate the meat or shrimp with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for 10 minutes.

  Wash and thinly slice the vegetables.

  Mince the garlic and ginger.

2. Scramble the eggs

  Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until smoking.

  Pour in the egg mixture and scramble quickly until cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Stir-fry the meat

  Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in the wok or skillet over high heat until smoking.

  Add the marinated meat and stir-fry until browned.

  Remove and set aside.

4. Stir-fry the vegetables

  Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in the wok or skillet over high heat until smoking.

  Add the sliced vegetables and stir-fry until tender-crisp.

  Remove and set aside.

5. Stir-fry the noodles

  Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in the wok or skillet over high heat until smoking.

  Add the cooked noodles and stir-fry quickly to separate.

6. Add the sauce

  Pour in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

  Toss to coat evenly, ensuring the sauce reaches all the ingredients.

7. Combine and finish

  Return the scrambled eggs and meat to the wok or skillet and stir to combine with the noodles.

  Stir-fry for a few more seconds and serve immediately.

Tips

 For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients.

 Feel free to adjust the vegetables and meat to your liking.

 For a richer sauce, add a touch of oyster sauce or dark soy sauce.

 Shanghai fried noodles are often served with hot tea or soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long to cook the noodles?

A: The cooking time for the noodles depends on the type of noodles. Generally, cook them until al dente, meaning they have a slight bite in the center.

Q: How to prevent the noodles from sticking?

A: Rinse the cooked noodles with cold water and then toss them with oil. This will help prevent them from sticking together.

Q: Can I use frozen noodles?

A: Yes. If using frozen noodles, thaw them first and then follow the cooking instructions above.

Q: Can I omit any ingredients?

A: Yes, you can omit certain ingredients based on your preferences. For instance, if you don’t like meat, skip the meat strips. If you dislike a particular vegetable, leave it out.

Q: Can I add other ingredients?

A: Yes, feel free to add other ingredients as you please. Mushrooms, onions, bean sprouts, and the like are all great options.

Enjoy your cooking!