Stir-Fried Noodles
A quick and flavorful stir-fried noodle dish featuring lean meat, fresh vegetables, and savory sauces, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1/3 lb. cooked lo mein noodles ⓘ
- 1/2 c. lean meat (pork, beef, or chicken), shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. cooking wine or sherry ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 6 each 1/2-inch pieces green onion ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1/3 c. bamboo shoots (fresh or canned) ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. carrot ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. presoftened mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. spinach ⓘ
- 1/2 c. stock ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the noodles as directed on the package.
- Marinate the shredded meat with cornstarch, cooking wine or sherry, and 1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce for 20 minutes.
- Tear the spinach into 2-inch pieces.
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated meat and stir-fry until cooked through.
- Add green onions, bamboo shoots, carrots, and mushrooms; stir-fry for a few minutes.
- Stir in the cooked noodles, spinach, stock, soy sauce, and salt.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until heated through and well combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, consider using tofu or tempeh instead of meat, and enhance the flavor with additional soy sauce or tamari. If you don't have lo mein noodles, spaghetti or rice noodles can be suitable substitutes. Adjust the vegetables based on what's in season or available, like adding bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stir-fried noodles garnished with additional green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Pair with a light cucumber salad or a side of spring rolls for a complete meal. This dish also complements well with a refreshing drink, like iced tea or lemonade.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water or broth to a pan over medium heat, cover, and stir frequently until heated through. This will help prevent the noodles from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stir-Fried Noodles contains roughly 550 calories, with 11g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (132% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and potassium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1498mg per serving (65% 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 different types of noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of noodles such as rice noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time based on the noodles you choose, as they may cook faster or slower than lo mein.
What vegetables can I add to the stir-fry?
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas make excellent additions, providing both flavor and nutrition. Explore more Chinese recipes to find new combinations.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While stir-fried noodles are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Marinate the meat and chop the vegetables ahead of time, then stir-fry when you're ready to serve. This can save time during busy weeknights.
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).