Pan Fried Noodles

By
Rhonda Parkinson
Rhonda Parkinson
Rhonda Parkinson is a freelance writer who has authored many cookbooks, including two Everything guides to Chinese cooking.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 06/15/21
Tested by
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Tested by Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Pan Fried Noodle Recipe

 The Spruce
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 18 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
299 Calories
15g Fat
35g Carbs
7g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 299
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 2g 12%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 1mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 35g 13%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 7g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 8mg 1%
Iron 1mg 8%
Potassium 50mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This recipe goes by several different names, including "both sides browned" and "twice browned" noodles. In all cases, the boiled noodles are cooked to golden on one side, then turned over and cooked on the other side. If desired, the noodles can be placed in a cake pan before frying so that it forms a more attractive shape, but this isn't necessary. After frying, the noodles should be crispy on the outside, but still tender on the inside.

Pan-fried noodles are usually made with fresh Hong Kong pan fry noodles. If you can't find them, use dried thin wonton soup noodles, Chinese egg noodles, or fine egg noodles. Dried noodles weigh less than fresh noodles, so use only about 12 ounces of dried noodles.

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Ingredients

  • 16 ounces fresh Hong Kong noodles, or 10 to 12 ounces fine dried egg noodles

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

  • 3 tablespoons peanut oil, or vegetable oil, or as needed

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Pan Fried Noodle Recipe
     The Spruce

  2. In a large saucepan, add enough water to cover the noodles and bring to a boil. Add the noodles, stirring to separate. Cook until the noodles are al dente—tender, but still firm.

    Pan Fried Noodle Recipe
     The Spruce

  3. Drain thoroughly. Rinse with cold water, drain again, and toss with the sesame oil.

    Pan Fried Noodle Recipe
     The Spruce

  4. In a heavy frying pan or a wok, heat the 3 tablespoons of peanut oil over medium-high to high heat. Add the noodles. Quickly spread them out to the edges of the pan and let them cook without stirring until they are browned on the bottom. This will take about 5 to 8 minutes.

    Pan Fried Noodle Recipe
     The Spruce

  5. Flip over and brown the other side.

    Pan Fried Noodle Recipe
     The Spruce

  6. Remove from the wok and plate. Keep warm while preparing other ingredients for your meal.

    Pan Fried Noodle Recipe
    The Spruce 

Tips

  • If fresh noodles are not an option, use about 10 to 12 ounces of thin dry noodles (enough for 4 servings), such as egg-based Hong Kong noodles or fine egg noodles.
  • If you don't have a large 12 to 14-inch frying pan or wok, cook the noodles as directed and then fry them in two batches.
  • Hold the pan-fried noodles in a 170 F to 200 F oven if you are making a stir fry or sautéed items to go with them.

Recipe Variations

  • Spicy Pan-Fried Noodles: When the noodles are done, add 2 teaspoons of soy sauce and spicy chili sauce, to taste.
  • Pan-Fried Noodles With Hoisin Sauce: In a small bowl combine 1 1/2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of water or dry sherry, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey or sugar; whisk and set aside. When the noodles are done, toss them with the sauce mixture. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped scallions, if desired.

What Do You Serve With Pan-Fried Noodles?

Pan-fried noodles are delicious with stir-fry dishes, or incorporate them into a cooked stir-fry dish. Here are some ideas:

Helpful Links

Chinese Noodle History, Types, and Recipes

18 Noodle Recipes From Around the World

What's the Difference Between Chow Mein and Lo Mein