Hakka Noodles Recipe

Cook noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until just al dente (usually 2–4 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Toss with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

Make sauce

In a small bowl combine light soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), vinegar, cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water. Whisk until smooth and set aside. This will thicken slightly when added to the hot wok.

Prep aromatics & vegetables

Mince the garlic and ginger. Slice the white parts of the green onions separately from the green tops. Julienne the carrot, thinly slice the bell pepper and shred the cabbage so all pieces are similar thickness for even cooking.

Stir-fry vegetables

Heat a large wok or heavy skillet over high heat until hot. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and swirl. Add the minced garlic, ginger and the white parts of the green onions; stir-fry 10–15 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the carrots and bell pepper; stir-fry 1–2 minutes until they begin to soften but remain crisp. Add the shredded cabbage; stir-fry another 1–2 minutes until cabbage wilts but keeps some bite. Push vegetables to the side of the wok.

Fry noodles with sauce

Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the cleared space in the wok and add the cooked noodles. Toss everything together using tongs or two spatulas so noodles combine with vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and quickly toss to coat. The cornstarch will thicken the sauce and cling to noodles and veggies; if sauce seems too thick add up to 1–2 tablespoons water and toss again.

Season and toss

Season with salt, ground pepper and optional red chili sauce to taste. Stir-fry everything together for 1–2 minutes on high heat to allow flavors to combine and to heat noodles through. Add the sliced green parts of the green onions and drizzle sesame oil; toss once more.

Serve

Transfer Hakka noodles to a serving platter. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately while hot.