Chinese Crispy Noodles disappear quickly, so many readers have requested a recipe.
I'm delighted to see your enthusiasm for making Chinese Crispy Noodles at home! It's true that these golden, crunchy delights are a nostalgic appetizer, and your dedication to frying them fresh is commendable. The history you shared about serving them as a complimentary appetizer in Chinese restaurants brings back fond memories. Recreating that experience at home is a fantastic idea, and I'm sure the aroma of these crispy noodles is filling your kitchen with delight.
Deep-fried egg noodles, fried wonton wrappers or egg roll wrappers are commonly served as an appetizer in Chinese restaurants. They are usually crispy and golden brown and come in small wooden bowls. You can enjoy them with duck sauce and Chinese hot mustard on the side. These noodles are also often included in wax paper bags with Chinese takeout orders.
Frying fresh noodles at home will yield crispy results. Learn how to make them with egg noodles, wonton wrappers or egg roll skins in this post.
AN APPETIZER OF DAYS PAST
In the restaurants where I worked, we freshly fried Chinese crispy noodles every few days. We served them as a complimentary appetizer, with soups, chow mein, and chop suey.
It is becoming increasingly uncommon to find restaurants that serve freshly deep-fried noodles.
After living in different parts of the country, my friends have told me that while crispy fried noodles were popular in the Northeast, they were rarely seen in American Chinese restaurants elsewhere.
You may be familiar with crispy noodles in Asian-inspired salads or pre-packaged La Choy chow mein noodles, both serving as crouton replacements.
That said, once you make these at home, I don’t think you’ll ever go back to store-bought!
HOW TO SERVE CHINESE CRISPY NOODLES
Chinese crispy noodles have become an integral part of American Chinese food culture, and they pair perfectly with soups that are commonly found on takeout menus, such as egg drop soup, hot and sour soup, or wonton soup. For a retro vibe, you can also serve them over American Chicken Chow Mein or Chicken Chop Suey.
You can add as many edamame beans as you want to those Asian-inspired salads I mentioned, not just the tiny pouch that comes in pre-made salad mixes.
They are a great addition to any meal, whether it’s soup, stir-fry, or as a snack.
These fried noodles taste great with homemade Restaurant-Style Duck Sauce and Chinese Hot Mustard, which complement each other with sweet and spicy flavors.
WHAT ARE CRISPY NOODLES MADE OF?
To make deep-fried crispy noodles, any fresh egg noodle can be used. I couldn’t find the exact noodles we used to use in my parents’ restaurant, which were a bit wider, but these Chinese-wide egg noodles from our local Asian grocery store worked just fine.
TIPS FOR DEEP-FRYING NOODLES
- I would like to clarify a common misconception regarding the process of frying egg noodles. Some recipes suggest boiling the noodles before frying them, but I can confirm that during my years of experience working in restaurants, we never boiled the noodles beforehand. If you are using egg noodles, it is important to use fresh, uncooked noodles for optimal results. Cooked noodles will not yield the same desired outcome.
- For your first batch, use a small amount of noodles to practice frying.
- To prevent fire hazards, do not fill the wok or pot more than halfway. The noodles will expand, and the hot oil must remain in the pot.
- It is necessary to check the temperature of the oil regularly using a thermometer and adjust the heat to maintain it between 375-400°F (190-204°C). This temperature is crucial for frying the noodles and making them expand properly.
CHINESE CRISPY NOODLES: RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
If you are using fresh egg noodles, you don’t need to do anything special to prepare them. After frying, they will easily snap into bite-size pieces. However, if you are using egg roll or wonton wrappers, you should cut them into strips that are 1 inch wide and 4 inches long (2.5 x 10 cm).
- Here are the sliced egg roll wrappers, sliced wonton wrappers, and fresh egg noodles from left to right.
- In a wok or a deep medium pot with oil filled halfway, heat it up to 375-400°F (190-204°C). Use a thermometer to maintain temperature.
- Take a few noodles, not too many, and slowly place them into the hot oil, being careful not to splash or burn yourself.
- As soon as the noodles touch the oil, use wooden or bamboo chopsticks to separate them and prevent sticking while frying and expanding.
- Fry the noodles for 20-30 seconds until golden brown. Flip them carefully with chopsticks or a slotted spoon and fry for an additional 20 seconds to ensure even browning.
- The fresh noodles will stick together in a clump, but if you’re using egg roll or wonton wrappers, they will separate and may need to be flipped individually. Be quick, as they only need less than a minute to brown!
- Transfer fried noodles onto paper towels to cool and absorb excess oil.
- Sprinkle noodles with salt to taste; repeat for all noodles.
- To enjoy the dish better, it is recommended to serve it with duck sauce and hot mustard.
Despite egg noodles being a fairly nutritious side dish with high protein content, I must point out that this recipe has a significant drawback in terms of healthy eating. That is, of course, deep-frying in a large amount of vegetable oil, as this method of cooking increases the calorie content due to the presence of saturated fats. Additionally, such frying generates a large amount of advanced glycation end products and carcinogens, which accelerate aging. Thus, this dish is detrimental both to weight management and overall health. Therefore, I cannot recommend it even if you aim to gain weight rather than lose it.
5 After frying the noodles, drain the excess oil and transfer them onto a plate or sheet pan lined with paper towels. Sprinkle salt over the noodles as per taste. Repeat the process until all the noodles are fried.
Calories: 151
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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For that perfect crunch, remember to use fresh, uncooked egg noodles. There's no need to boil them beforehand – a common misconception. Practice frying a small batch first, ensuring the oil temperature stays between 375-400°F (190-204°C) for optimal results. A thermometer is your ally in maintaining that crispy texture. Thank you for highlighting the importance of safety while frying – keeping the oil level in check prevents hazards. Also, a quick flip with wooden chopsticks ensures even browning. Don't forget to sprinkle with salt for that final touch of flavor! Enjoy your homemade Chinese Crispy Noodles with the recommended accompaniments of duck sauce and hot mustard. Your dedication to this classic appetizer is sure to elevate your dining experience. Happy cooking!
