Chinese Pick-Up Sticks
Crispy, savory Chinese pick-up sticks featuring crunchy chow mein noodles coated in a flavorful soy and Tabasco glaze, perfect as a snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the margarine.
- Add soy sauce and Tabasco; mix well.
- Place noodles in a bowl and drizzle the sauce over them.
- Toss to coat the noodles well.
- Sprinkle with celery salt, onion powder, and garlic powder, then toss again.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more Tabasco sauce according to your taste. If you don't have chow mein noodles, you can substitute them with thin spaghetti or rice noodles. To make this dish vegan, replace the margarine with a plant-based butter alternative. For added texture, try tossing in some toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts after coating the noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Chinese Pick-Up Sticks as a delightful appetizer or side dish alongside dishes like Teriyaki Beef Bok Choy or Oven Fried Rice. They also pair well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh green onions for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can use a microwave or a skillet over low heat. If the noodles seem dry, sprinkle a bit of water or additional soy sauce to help rehydrate them as they warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Pick-Up Sticks contains roughly 550 calories, with 2g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1005mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?
Absolutely! If chow mein noodles aren't available, you can easily substitute them with rice noodles or even spaghetti. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodles you choose to maintain the right texture.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, to make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Additionally, make sure to choose gluten-free noodles such as rice noodles or quinoa noodles for a delicious alternative.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Certainly! Feel free to add some stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them briefly before tossing them with the noodles and sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).