Chicken Hakka Noodles Recipe – Quick & Easy Asian-Style Stir-Fry

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Chicken Hakka Noodles Recipe – Quick & Easy Asian-Style Stir-Fry

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just crave a flavorful, satisfying meal that doesn’t take hours to make. This Chicken Hakka Noodles recipe is my go-to for those nights. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with that amazing Asian-inspired flavor. I first made this when I was craving takeout but didn’t want to spend the money – and honestly, it’s even better! Let’s get cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another noodle dish. It’s a vibrant stir-fry packed with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a sauce that hits all the right notes – sweet, sour, and umami. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a quick lunch, or even a fun weekend meal. You’ll love how easily it comes together and how much flavor you get in every bite.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Chicken Hakka Noodles magic happen:

• 1 packet (150 gms) Hakka Noodles
• ¾ – 1 cup cooked chicken pieces (about 180-240g)
• 1 small – medium Onion
• 2 tsp chopped garlic
• 1 small Carrot
• 1 cup Shredded cabbage
• 1 small Capsicum (bell pepper)
• ½ cup Chopped spring onion
• ⅓ cup Chopped celery
• 2 tbsp Tomato ketchup
• 2 – 2.5 tbsp Soya sauce
• 1.5 – 2 tsp Vinegar
• ½ – 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 – 2.5 tsp Hot sauce (Sriracha)
• 1.5 – 2 tsp Honey
• Salt to taste
• Oil (olive oil) as needed

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Using the right ones makes all the difference.

• Hakka Noodles: These are slightly thicker and chewier than regular noodles, which holds up beautifully in a stir-fry. You can usually find them in the Asian foods section of most supermarkets.
• Sriracha: Don’t be shy with the Sriracha! It adds a lovely kick. Feel free to adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This might seem like an odd ingredient in an Asian dish, but trust me – it adds a depth of umami that’s incredible. It’s a secret weapon!
• The Sauce Balance: The combination of soy sauce (salty), vinegar (sour), honey (sweet), and Sriracha (spicy) is what makes this sauce so addictive. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust as you go!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, cook your Hakka noodles according to the package directions. Once they’re done, drain them well and drizzle with a little oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Now, heat a generous amount of oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they’re softened and fragrant – about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the remaining vegetables (carrot, cabbage, capsicum, and celery) and a pinch of salt. Cover the pan and cook until the veggies are tender-crisp, around 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked chicken pieces and heat through.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato ketchup, soya sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Pour this glorious sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
6. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is well coated.
7. Reduce the heat to low, add the cooked noodles, and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
8. Give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve immediately!

Expert Tips

• Prep is Key: Chop all your vegetables before you start cooking. Stir-fries move quickly, and you won’t have time to chop while things are sizzling.
• High Heat is Your Friend: A hot wok or pan is essential for a good stir-fry. It helps the vegetables stay crisp and gives the noodles that slightly charred flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This will ensure everything cooks evenly.

Variations

• Shrimp Hakka Noodles: My friend Sarah loves adding shrimp instead of chicken. It’s a delicious twist!
• Tofu Hakka Noodles: For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for firm or extra-firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried until golden brown.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in any veggies you like! Broccoli, mushrooms, or snow peas would all be fantastic additions.

Vegan Adaptation

Want to make this vegan? It’s easy! Simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and use a vegan Worcestershire sauce. There are some great options available online or in health food stores.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Double-check the label on your Sriracha as some brands contain gluten.

Spice Level Adjustment

Love it hot? Add more Sriracha! Prefer a milder flavor? Reduce the amount of Sriracha or even omit it altogether. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Festival Adaptations

This dish is fantastic for Asian celebrations like Chinese New Year! You can serve it as part of a larger feast with other traditional dishes.

Serving Suggestions

Hakka Noodles are great on their own, but they also pair well with a side of spring rolls or a simple Asian salad. A glass of chilled jasmine tea is the perfect accompaniment.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave. Note that the noodles may become a little softer upon reheating.

FAQs

What are Hakka Noodles and are they different from other noodles?

Yes! Hakka noodles are thicker and chewier than many other types of noodles, making them perfect for stir-fries. They hold their shape and absorb the sauce beautifully.

Can I use pre-shredded vegetables to save time?

Absolutely! Pre-shredded cabbage and carrots can definitely save you some prep time. Just make sure they’re fresh and crisp.

What is Worcestershire sauce and can I substitute it?

Worcestershire sauce is a fermented liquid condiment that adds a savory, umami flavor. If you can’t find it, you can try a combination of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of sugar.

How can I adjust the sweetness/sourness of the sauce?

Taste the sauce as you go! Add more honey for sweetness or more vinegar for sourness.

Can I add other proteins like shrimp or tofu?

Definitely! Shrimp and tofu are both excellent additions.

How long does this dish stay fresh in the refrigerator?

Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but they’re best enjoyed fresh!