Introduction
Glass noodles stir fry is a delightful Asian dish that boasts a wonderful combination of textures and flavors. This recipe features tender chicken, vibrant Chinese broccoli, and soft, chewy glass noodles all coated in a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes and is sure to become a family favorite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Dried bean thread noodles (glass noodles): 250g / 8 oz, prepared per packet
Canola oil or other neutral oil suitable for stir fries: 2 tbsp
Onion: 1/2, cut into thin wedges
Garlic: 4 cloves, finely minced
Chinese broccoli (gai lan) or choi sum: 1 big bunch, cut into 5cm/2″ lengths, thick stems halved lengthways, (approx. 5 cups tightly packed once cut)
Eggs: 3, whisked
Chicken thighs: 350g / 12 oz, boneless and skinless, sliced into small 5mm / 0.2″ thin strips
MAGGI seasoning or light soy sauce: 2 tsp
White pepper: Pinch (substitute with black pepper)
Oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce): 2 tbsp
Fish sauce: 1 tbsp
MAGGI seasoning or light soy sauce: 1 tbsp
Canola oil or other plain flavored oil: 1 tbsp
White sugar: 1 tsp
White pepper: 1/8 tsp (substitute with black pepper)
Prep Time
Prep time for this dish is approximately 10 minutes. This includes gathering all your ingredients, preparing the chicken, and cutting the vegetables.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is around 15 minutes. Therefore, the total time for this recipe is roughly 25 minutes. This recipe yields about 4 servings, making it ideal for families or meal prep.
Serve this delicious glass noodle stir fry immediately, and enjoy the harmony of flavors and textures in every bite!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preparation
Toss the sliced chicken thighs with MAGGI seasoning and a pinch of white pepper. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, fish sauce, additional MAGGI seasoning, canola oil, white sugar, and white pepper. Stir well to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Cook Chicken and Onion
Heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a large 30cm/12″ non-stick pan over high heat until it is very hot. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for 15 seconds. Then, add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for approximately 2 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through.
Add Garlic and Chinese Broccoli Stems
Incorporate the minced garlic and the stems of the Chinese broccoli into the pan. Stir-fry for about 1 minute, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the broccoli stems are tender.
Scramble the Eggs
Push all the ingredients to one side of the pan to create a clear space. Drizzle 1/2 tablespoon of oil in this cleared area. Pour the whisked eggs into the space and gently stir to scramble. When the eggs are almost cooked, mix them with the chicken and vegetables.
Add Leaves, Noodles, and Sauce
Add the leaves of the Chinese broccoli to the pan, followed by the prepared glass noodles. Place them on top to weigh them down, then pour the sauce evenly over the noodles. Use two spatulas to toss all the ingredients together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and no liquid remains in the pan.
Serve
Serve the stir-fry immediately while it is hot and fresh.
Notes
Note 1
Glass noodles should be prepared as instructed on the packaging prior to cooking. This usually involves soaking or boiling them in water until they are softened.
Note 2
When preparing Chinese broccoli or choi sum, ensure that you cut it into 5cm/2″ lengths. Halve thick stems lengthwise and keep the stems separated from the leaves during cooking.
Note 3
Slicing the chicken thighs into small 5mm/0.2″ strips will help them cook quickly and evenly during the stir-frying process.
Note 4
MAGGI seasoning adds a unique flavor; if unavailable, light soy sauce can be used instead. Adjust the quantity of soy sauce according to your preference for saltiness.
Note 5
If your pan is smaller than 30cm/12″, you may need to cook the ingredients in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying.
Cook techniques
Preparing Glass Noodles
To prepare dried bean thread noodles, soak them in hot water for approximately 10-15 minutes or until softened, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Stir-Frying
Heat oil in a large non-stick pan over high heat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding ingredients to achieve a good sear and to prevent sticking.
Cooking Chicken
Slice chicken thighs into thin strips for even cooking. Season with MAGGI or light soy sauce and white pepper before adding to the hot pan to maintain flavor.
Scrambling Eggs
Maintain a cleared space in the pan for scrambling eggs. Pour whisked eggs into the pan, stirring gently until just set, then mix with other ingredients.
Tossing Ingredients
Once the noodles and sauce are added, use two spatulas to toss thoroughly until everything is well combined and the noodles are evenly coated with sauce.
Serving
Serve the dish immediately after cooking to ensure the noodles remain firm and the vegetables are crisp.
FAQ
What can I use instead of chicken thighs?
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you may use other types of noodles, but cooking times and texture may vary.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
Vegetarian oyster sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and hoisin sauce can be used as a substitute.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add fresh chili, chili paste, or crushed red pepper flakes during cooking to increase the heat level.
Is it necessary to use MAGGI seasoning?
MAGGI seasoning adds depth of flavor, but you can use light soy sauce instead if preferred.
Conclusion
This Glass Noodle Stir Fry is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, showcasing succulent chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich sauce that ties everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
More recipe suggestions and combination
Vegetable Variation
Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and add bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas for a colorful vegetarian dish.
Seafood Edition
Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops and incorporate baby corn and mushrooms for a delicious seafood twist.
Spicy Kick
Add sliced chili peppers or a dash of sriracha for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their stir fry.
Coconut Cream Sauce
Swap the oyster sauce with coconut milk and add lime juice for a creamy, tropical flavor.
Noodle Variations
Try using rice noodles or udon noodles instead of glass noodles for a different texture.
Herb Infusion
Enhance the dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil, added at the end of cooking for an aromatic finish.
