Schezwan Noodles
Fiery and flavorful stir-fried noodles tossed with crisp vegetables and a bold, spicy Schezwan sauce. This popular Indo-Chinese street food classic is a perfect quick meal, ready in under 30 minutes and packed with umami goodness.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Boil the Noodles: Bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot
- a.Add 1 tsp of salt and the Hakka noodles. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until al dente, following package directions. Avoid overcooking.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prep the Noodles: Immediately drain the cooked noodles in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold running water to stop the cooking process. Toss the noodles with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to prevent them from sticking. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Once shimmering, add the minced ginger and garlic. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Stir-fry Vegetables: Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 1 minute
- a.Add the julienned carrots and capsicum, and continue to stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes. Finally, add the shredded cabbage and cook for another minute until tender-crisp.
- 5
Add Sauces: Reduce the heat to medium
- a.Add the Schezwan sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar (if using), 0.25 tsp salt, and black pepper powder. Stir well to combine the sauce with the vegetables.
- 6
Toss and Finish: Add the cooked noodles to the wok
- a.Using two spatulas or tongs, gently toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the noodles to heat through.
- 7
Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat
- a.Garnish with freshly chopped spring onion greens and serve immediately while hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, use a wok and cook on high heat. This gives the noodles a smoky flavor, known as 'wok hei'.
- 2Do not overcook the noodles; they should be al dente as they will cook further during stir-frying.
- 3Prep all your vegetables and sauces before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very quick process.
- 4To keep vegetables crunchy, stir-fry them quickly on high heat. Do not overcrowd the wok.
- 5For an even better texture, use noodles that have been boiled, cooled, and refrigerated for a few hours or overnight.
- 6Adjust the amount of Schezwan sauce to control the spice level of the dish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein-Packed
Add stir-fried paneer cubes, tofu, scrambled egg, shredded chicken, or shrimp for a more substantial meal. Add the cooked protein along with the noodles in the final step.
Noodle SwapNoodle Swap
Use whole wheat noodles for extra fiber, or try it with soba or udon noodles for a different texture and flavor profile.
Vegetable MedleyVegetable Medley
Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like mushrooms, baby corn, broccoli florets, or bean sprouts along with the cabbage.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use gluten-free rice noodles and substitute soy sauce with tamari to make the dish gluten-free.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Boost
The carbohydrates from the noodles provide a quick and efficient source of energy, making it a fulfilling and satisfying meal.
Rich in Vegetables
Loaded with carrots, cabbage, and capsicum, this dish offers essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which supports good digestion and overall health.
Metabolism Support
The capsaicin from the red chilies in the Schezwan sauce can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
Schezwan Noodles can be a moderately healthy dish as it's packed with vegetables that provide fiber and vitamins. However, it is often high in sodium from sauces and uses refined flour noodles. To make it healthier, use whole wheat noodles, add more vegetables, and use low-sodium soy sauce.