Hokkien Noodle Stir Fry

Tender beef, succulent shrimp, crisp cabbage, and a tangle of chewy egg noodles all coated in a mouthwatering savory-sweet sauce—Hokkien Noodle Stir Fry hits all the spots. It makes a great quick weeknight dinner or a centerpiece for a weekend gathering. 

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If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting meal that’s easy to whip up, look no further than this Hokkien Noodle Stir Fry. This dish originates from the Hokkien region of China and has become a beloved staple throughout Southeast Asia. The combination of savory beef, sweet and briny shrimp, and chewy egg noodles will have you coming back for more.

Hokkien noodles, also known as fu jook mein, are a type of egg noodle that’s commonly used in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine. They have a wonderful ability to absorb the flavors of the sauce and other ingredients.

Ingredients You Need

Here’s what you need to make stir-fried Hokkien noodles with beef and shrimp:

• Beef: I recommend thinly sliced flank steak or skirt steak. These cuts of beef are tender and flavorful, perfect for stir-fries. You can substitute with sirloin or tenderloin if desired.
• Shrimp: Buy your shrimp peeled and deveined if you can to save time and effort. Choose medium or large shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well.
• Fresh Hokkien noodles: These can be found in the refrigerated section of most Asian grocery stores. If you can’t find them, you can substitute yakisoba or udon noodles.
• Cabbage: Use thinly sliced green cabbage or nappa cabbage to add a nice crunch and freshness to the dish. You can substitute bok choy, gai lan, or another leafy green vegetable.
• Aromatics: Shallots and garlic form the flavor base of the dish. You can substitute onion for the shallot if you like, but don’t skip the fresh garlic.
• Soy sauce: This adds saltiness and umami to the dish. If you need a substitute, you can use tamari as a gluten-free alternative or coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
• Shaoxing wine: This Chinese rice wine has a slightly sweet, complex flavor that adds depth to dishes. If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, you can substitute with mirin (Japanese rice wine), sake, dry sherry, or even dry white wine in a pinch.
• Sesame oil: This adds a nutty, rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. 
• White pepper: White pepper is made from ripe peppercorns that have had the outer skin removed before grinding. The flavor is more earthy than black pepper, and it has a subtle heat that sneaks up on you. If you don’t have white pepper, you can substitute black pepper.
• Sweet soy sauce: Also known as “kecap manis,” sweet soy sauce is an Indonesian condiment made from fermented soybeans, palm sugar, and spices. It has a thick, syrupy consistency and a rich, sweet-savory flavor. If you can’t find sweet soy sauce, you can make a substitute by mixing equal parts regular soy sauce and palm sugar or brown sugar until dissolved.
• Oyster sauce: This savory and slightly sweet sauce is made from oyster extracts, sugar, salt, and sometimes soy sauce. It adds a rich umami flavor to stir-fries and other dishes. If you need a substitute, you can use fish sauce and sugar soy sauce wth a bit of sugar.
• Chile paste: Chile paste adds heat and depth of flavor to dishes. You can substitute sriracha or another hot sauce, or leave it out altogether if you prefer a milder dish.

How to Make It

Cooking up Stir-Fried Hokkien Noodles with Shrimp and Beef is simpler than you might think. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions and set aside.
2. Marinate the beef in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and white pepper for 15 minutes.
3. Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
4. Stir-fry the shallot and garlic in oil until fragrant.
5. Add the marinated beef and cook until browned.
6. Toss in the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
7. Add the cabbage and cook until it softens.
8. Add the cooked noodles and sauce to the pan and stir-fry everything together until well combined and heated through.

That’s it! In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table.

What to Serve with It

Hokkien Noodle Stir Fry is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas for sides and accompaniments:

• Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snow peas
• Crispy fried shallots or garlic chips for a crunchy topping
• Sliced cucumbers or pickled vegetables for a cool and refreshing contrast
• A fried egg on top for extra protein and richness

You can also serve this dish with your favorite hot sauce or chili oil for an extra kick of heat. No matter how you serve it, Hokkien noodles with beef and shrimp is sure to become a new go-to meal in your repertoire. With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, it’s a dish that’s easy to love and just as easy to make.

More Ways to Use Hokkien Noodles

Hokkien noodles are a great choice for just about any stir-fried noodle dish. They’re quick cooking and really soak up flavors. Because they’re thick and chewy, they can handle even a heavy sauce without getting soggy. They’re quick to cook, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal in no time.

Try them in Spicy Garlic Beef Noodles or Thai Khao Soi, or substitute them for classic Chinese wheat noodles in dishes like Dan Dan Noodles or Scallion Noodles. The texture is a bit different, and you might even decide you like them better than the traditional option.