Hakka Noodles are an any time, any place noodle affair. This vegetarian version makes for a delicious lunch or dinner. Serve them with other Indo-Chinese favourites such as Chilli Paneer or Gobi Manchurian, or simply as they are. These Vegetarian Hakka Noodles are the ultimate quick meal.
Large wok, kadai or frying pan (cast iron, aluminium or steel work best), but any will do.
Ingredients
For the noodles:
250gdried thin wheat flour noodles(or any noodles of your choice)
1/2tspturmeric
2tspoil
For stir frying:
1tbspoil(sunflower, vegetable, peanut, canola or rapeseed are ideal)
1carrotjulienned
2peppersjulienned
80gChinese cabbage or white cabbagefinely shredded
1bulb bok choy
6spring onionsfinely chopped, white and green parts divided
50gbaby cornquartered lengthways
4large cloves garliccrushed
3-4dried red chilliesor to taste
2tbsplight soy sauce
2tspwhite vinegar
1/4tspground white pepper
1/2tspsugar
1/4tspsalt
1/4tspMSG(optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pan or wok filled with plenty of water to the boil. Add the salt and turmeric. Boil the noodles according to package directions, reducing the cook time by two minutes. The noodles should be 80% cooked. They will appear red but the colour will change once stir-fried. Drain the noodles and wash them under cold running water to remove excess starch so they don't stick together. Add 2 tsp oil and toss to coat all the noodles well.
Heat up a large wok or pan. Once smoking hot, add the oil, garlic, dried chillies, spring onion (white parts only), and peppers. Stir fry for 30-40 seconds and then add the carrot, cabbage, baby corn and bok choy in rapid succession. Stir fry for 1 minute and then add the soy sauce, vinegar, white pepper, sugar, salt and MSG (if using). Stir to combine.
Quickly add the cooked noodles and stir fry or toss to coat them well in the vegetables and light sauce. You will notice the colour of the noodles changes almost immediately. It will go from a reddish orange to egg yellow. This is due to the vinegar and the heat of the wok. Stir fry for no longer than 1 minute and then serve, garnished with the spring onion greens.
Video
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Eat within 2 days.