How to Make Crispy Noodles

The ultimate snack or stir-fry staple, crispy noodles are a tasty treat everyone is guaranteed to enjoy. There’s nothing better than a batch of fresh, homemade crispy noodles – find out for yourself with our simple step-by-step guide on how to make them!

What are Chinese Crispy Noodles?

Whether served as a moreish side or part of your chow mein, crispy noodles are relatively self-explanatory. They are noodles that have been deep or pan-fried to give them a crunchy, crispy texture.

These noodles are staples in Chinese restaurants and can easily be made at home for a simple yet delicious addition to your authentic dishes.

How to Serve Crispy Noodles

Crispy noodles can be served on their own as an irresistible appetiser or snack, on top of your sides and soups or as part of chow mein or chop suey recipes. The versatility of crispy noodles means they’ll be a welcome extra to a range of dishes.

How to Make Crispy Noodles at Home

Egg noodles or chow mein noodles tend to make the best crispy noodles. If possible, use fresh noodles rather than dried ones, as they will be less sticky and crisp up better during the frying process. You can still use dried noodles, but you will have to dry them out slightly after cooking, before frying.

You could experiment with other noodles like udon noodles but be aware you will not get the same crispy texture with thicker noodles, so it isn’t advised.

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

If you’re not using fresh noodles, first boil your noodles. Boil them for around 2 minutes, so they are still al dente and don’t take on a mushy texture – too much moisture will lead to a disappointing crunch.

Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to prevent them from continuing to cook and becoming sticky.

Step 2: Let the Noodles Dry

Arrange the noodles on a sheet or large plate and let them air dry for around 30 minutes. Dust them with a layer of cornflour to ensure they don’t stick together and are extra crispy when fried.

Step 3: Fry the Noodles

In a large frying pan or wok, heat your frying oil over a medium heat. Add the noodles and deep fry until they’re golden brown and crispy – around 2 minutes. Remove them from the oil and rest them on kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil. Season to taste.

Your crispy noodles can be stored in an airtight container for up to 10 days but are usually best enjoyed straight away!

If you want to use these noodles as a base in a stir-fry dish, simply cook them as above and add your favourite sauce and stir-fried veggies.

If you need a little inspiration, check out our recipes for chop suey and chow mein.

If you want to explore even more tasty noodle dishes, you can buy rice noodles, ramen and other speciality noodles here at Oriental Mart, perfect for bringing authentic recipes straight to your kitchen.