Hakka Noodles
Authentic Indian-style Hakka Noodles, a popular street food featuring perfectly cooked noodles stir-fried with vibrant vegetables and a savory soy-based sauce. Quick, flavorful, and satisfying.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Hakka noodles (dried)(Or any thin egg noodles or spaghetti if Hakka noodles are unavailable.)
- 300 g Mixed vegetables, julienned(A mix of carrots, bell peppers (any color), cabbage, beans, and onions works well. Ensure they are cut into thin, uniform strips for quick cooking.)
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce(Use a good quality dark soy sauce for color and flavor.)
- 1 tbsp Vinegar(White vinegar or rice vinegar.)
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 Green chilies, finely chopped(Adjust to your spice preference. Remove seeds for less heat.)
- 4 Spring onions, thinly sliced(Separate white/light green parts from dark green tops. Whites for cooking, greens for garnish.)
- 2-3 tbsp Vegetable oil(High smoke point oil like canola, peanut, or sunflower oil.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(Freshly ground is best.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Be careful not to overcook. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with 1 tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
⏱️ 10-12 minutes - 2
Prepare the aromatics and vegetables. Mince the garlic, finely chop the green chilies, and slice the spring onions, separating the white/light green parts from the green tops. Ensure all vegetables are julienned uniformly.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until smoking slightly. Add the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the minced garlic, chopped green chilies, and the white/light green parts of the spring onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Add the julienned mixed vegetables to the wok. Stir-fry vigorously on high heat for 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant. They should still have a slight bite.
⏱️ 3-5 minutes - 5
Push the vegetables to one side of the wok. Add the cooked noodles to the empty side. Pour the soy sauce and vinegar over the noodles. Add salt and pepper to taste.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauces. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the noodles to heat through.
⏱️ 2-3 minutes - 7
Remove from heat. Garnish generously with the reserved green parts of the spring onions. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓High heat is crucial for achieving the 'wok hei' (breath of the wok) flavor and ensuring vegetables remain crisp.
- ✓Do not overcook the noodles; they should be al dente as they will cook further in the wok.
- ✓Toss the ingredients continuously to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- ✓Prepare all your ingredients (mise en place) before you start cooking, as the stir-frying process is very fast.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For Schezwan Hakka Noodles, add 1-2 tablespoons of Schezwan sauce along with the soy sauce and vinegar.
- Add cooked shredded chicken, shrimp, or paneer (Indian cheese) along with the vegetables for a protein boost.
- Incorporate other sauces like chili garlic sauce or oyster sauce for added complexity.