Chicken Hakka Noodles
The dish is known for its delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among noodle lovers.
In this post, we will be talking about the delicious and flavorful dish of chicken hakka noodles. This recipe is a perfect combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and savory noodles, all tossed in a delectable sauce. Whether you are a fan of Chinese cuisine or simply looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, this chicken hakka noodles recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Let's dive into the details of this mouthwatering dish and learn how to prepare it at home.
What Is Chicken Hakka Noodles?
- Chicken Hakka Noodles is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that combines succulent boneless chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and Hakka noodles with a unique blend of Indian spices and seasoning.
- The dish is known for its delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among noodle lovers. The use of soy sauce, chili sauce, and vinegar adds a tangy and slightly spicy touch to the dish, while the thin slices of garlic, ginger, and spring onions infuse the noodles with a fragrant and aromatic essence. Overall, Chicken Hakka Noodles is a delicious and satisfying dish that showcases the fusion of Indian and Chinese culinary influences.
Why You'll Love Chicken Hakka Noodles?
- Deliciously Chewy Texture: The Hakka noodles in this recipe are perfectly cooked to achieve a chewy texture, providing a delightful eating experience with every bite.
- Packed with Protein: The boneless chicken breast in this dish adds a healthy dose of protein, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.
- Loaded with Veggies: This recipe is chock full of colorful and nutritious vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and capsicum, providing essential vitamins and minerals for a balanced diet.
- Low in Fat: By using olive oil for cooking and incorporating lean chicken breast, this dish is a low-fat option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
- Customizable Spice Level: With the addition of red chili sauce, you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile dish for everyone to enjoy.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: With simple cooking instructions, this chicken Hakka noodles recipe can be whipped up in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving a tasty yet hassle-free meal.
Ingredients for Chicken Hakka Noodles
- Hakka noodles: These noodles are the star of the dish, providing a base for the flavorful ingredients to shine.
- Boneless chicken breast: The protein in this dish, the chicken adds a hearty and savory element to the noodles.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the ingredients and adding a subtle, fruity flavor to the dish.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: These aromatic ingredients add depth and warmth to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
- Assorted vegetables (carrot, cabbage, green and red capsicum): These veggies not only add color to the dish but also provide crunch and freshness.
- Soy sauce, red chili sauce, vinegar: These condiments are essential for adding a savory, spicy, and tangy flavor to the noodles.
How To Make Chicken Hakka Noodles?
- If you want to create flavorful and delicious chicken Hakka noodles at home, follow these simple steps. First, chop all the ingredients finely, including the garlic, ginger, and veggies. This is important as it helps the ingredients to cook faster and evenly.
- Next, cook the noodles according to the package instructions or boil them until they are 3/4 cooked. It's important not to overcook the noodles. Once cooked, drain the water and toss the noodles with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- When sautéing the garlic, ginger, and onions, make sure to cook them until they turn a light golden brown. This step is crucial for bringing out their flavors and adding depth to the dish.
- When adding the chicken and veggies, cook them over high heat until they are cooked but still crunchy. This ensures that the veggies retain their texture and the chicken stays tender.
- Finally, when tossing the noodles with the sauce, be gentle to avoid breaking the noodles. This step ensures that the noodles are well coated with the flavorful sauce.
By following these steps carefully, you can create a delicious and flavorful chicken Hakka noodles dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Side: Serve the delicious chicken Hakka noodles with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the meal.
- Complement with Appetizers: Start off the meal with some crispy spring rolls or vegetable momos to enhance the dining experience.
- Add a Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding a side of grilled or tandoori chicken to go along with the flavorful Hakka noodles.
- Include a Beverage: Pair the dish with a refreshing drink like iced tea or a cold beer to complement the bold flavors of the noodles.
- Fresh Fruits for Dessert: End the meal with a light and refreshing dessert such as a fruit salad or a sorbet for a complete dining experience.
- Don't Forget the Condiments: Set out some extra soy sauce, chili sauce, and vinegar on the table for those who want to add an extra kick to their dish.
Tips for Making Delicious Chicken Hakka Noodles
- Preparation Duration: To ensure a smooth cooking process, make sure to have all the ingredients chopped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will help reduce the overall cooking time and ensure that nothing gets burnt in the process.
- Cooking Techniques: When cooking the chicken, make sure to cook it until it is browned to lock in the flavors. Additionally, when adding the vegetables, stir continuously, and cook over high heat to maintain their crunchiness and avoid overcooking.
- Importance of Garnishing: Garnishing with spring onion greens not only adds a pop of color to the dish but also enhances the overall presentation. It's an easy way to make your dish look more appetizing, so don't skip this final step.
- Balancing Flavors: Adjust the amount of soy sauce, chili sauce, and vinegar to your taste. The balance of these flavors will make or break the dish, so make sure to taste and adjust as needed.
- Cooking the Noodles: Be careful not to overcook the noodles to avoid a mushy texture. Once the noodles are boiled, immediately drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Mixing Technique: When tossing the noodles with the sauce, use a fork to gently mix and coat the noodles without breaking them. This will ensure that the noodles are well coated and flavorful.
Variations for Chicken Hakka Noodles
- Protein Options: Instead of chicken, try using shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different flavor and texture in your Hakka noodles.
- Vegetable Additions: Get creative with your vegetable choices by adding in broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms, or baby corn for a more colorful and nutritious twist to your noodles.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red chili sauce according to your preference. You can also include fresh green chilies for an extra kick.
- Noodle Swap: Experiment with different types of noodles such as egg noodles, rice noodles, or even whole wheat noodles to switch up the texture and taste of your dish.
- Sauce Variation: Mix things up by using teriyaki sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or even a homemade stir-fry sauce to give your Hakka noodles a unique flavor profile.
- Garnish Options: Try topping your noodles with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sesame oil for added texture and flavor. You can also sprinkle some fresh cilantro or Thai basil for a fresh and aromatic touch.
By being open to trying out different variations, you can personalize your Chicken Hakka Noodles to suit your own taste preferences and create a dish that is truly one-of-a-kind. Happy cooking!
How to Store Chicken Hakka Noodles
- Proper Storage of Noodles: To maintain the freshness of Hakka noodles, store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent them from becoming stale or soggy.
- Preserving Chicken Freshness: After purchasing boneless chicken breast, make sure to store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Keep it in its original packaging or transfer it to airtight containers or resealable bags to prevent cross-contamination and maintain its freshness.
- Maintaining Fresh Veggies: To keep your vegetables crisp and fresh, store them in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Make sure to wrap them in paper towels or place them in a perforated plastic bag to prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to spoilage.
- Safeguarding Flavors: Store soy sauce, chili sauce, and vinegar in a cool, dark place, away from heat and sunlight, to preserve their flavors. Make sure the lids are tightly sealed to prevent air from affecting the taste.
- Keeping Spices Fresh: White pepper powder should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain its flavor and potency. Avoid keeping it near the stove or other heat sources, as heat can cause the spice to lose its flavor.
- Preserving Spring Onions: To keep spring onions fresh, trim the roots and store them in a glass of water in the refrigerator. Cover the glass loosely with a plastic bag to maintain moisture. Change the water every few days to keep them crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to adjust the spiciness level of chicken hakka noodles?
- If you prefer a spicier taste, you can increase the amount of red chili sauce or add some chopped green chilies. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of red chili sauce or omit it altogether.
Can I make chicken hakka noodles vegetarian?
- Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using extra vegetables or tofu as a substitute. You can also adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavor of the vegetables.
What can I use as a substitute for Hakka noodles?
- If you are unable to find Hakka noodles, you can use spaghetti or any other long, thin pasta as a substitute. Be sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions before using it in the recipe.
Can I prepare chicken hakka noodles in advance?
- While it's best to enjoy the noodles fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and quickly stir-fry them when you're ready to eat. Just be sure to store the cooked noodles and stir-fried ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
How to prevent the noodles from sticking together?
- After boiling the noodles, make sure to run them under cold water and toss them with a little oil. This will prevent them from sticking together and becoming mushy when you stir-fry them with the other ingredients.
Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
- Absolutely! If you prefer a different type of meat, such as shrimp or beef, feel free to substitute it for the chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the meat is fully cooked through.
Chicken Hakka Noodles 2018-01-09 04:12:47
Recipe Card
Chicken Hakka Noodles
Serves 2
Prep Time 00:10
Cook Time 00:10
Total Time 00:20
Ingredients
- 1 pack (150 g) Hakka noodles
- 150g boneless chicken breast
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic pods
- 1 inch fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp spring onion whites
- 1 medium-sized carrot
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced cabbage
- 1/2 cup green and red capsicum
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp red chili sauce
- 1 tsp vinegar
- white pepper powder to taste
- salt to taste
- 1 tbsp spring onion greens for garnishing
Instructions
- Chop garlic and spring onion whites finely. Clean and cut the chicken into thin strips. Make sure to chop all the veggies and ginger as thin as possible as they will take less time to cook.
- Cook noodles as per instructions given in the pack or boil noodles in plenty of water until firm or 3/4 cooked. Don't overcook. Drain the water and pour cold water over the noodles, drain that cold water immediately and toss the noodles with 1 tsp of oil and keep it aside.
- Heat up oil in the pan and saute chopped garlic, ginger and white onions for few seconds or until they turn into light golden brown.
- Place the chicken strips and saute for 3 mins or until browned.
- Add the carrots, cabbage, red and green capsicums, one by one (stir continuously) and cook for a couple of minutes or until they are cooked but still crunchy over high heat.
- Then add soy sauce, chili sauce, and vinegar, mix everything well.
- Toss in the boiled noodles and sprinkle some salt, and white pepper and toss well for few seconds or until the noodles are well coated with sauce. Use a fork to mix so that the noodles do not break. Finally, garnish it with spring onion greens.
- By Santhi Therese The Indian Claypot
- https://theindianclaypot.com/