Noodle dishes are a staple of Chinese New Year celebration: the tradition holds that long noodles promise longevity…as long as you don’t cut through them! These 10 noodle recipes, from a quick riff on Sichuan dan dan noodles to Cantonese-style “Singapore” noodles, are sure to turn dinner into a celebration.
They take seconds in the pan or pot and even faster in the mouth. But why eat them just once a year? Make your own luck by eating them often, with veggies, ground or chopped lean proteins such as chicken, pork and fish, and flavorful sauces. Whether you’re making it for Chinese New Year or any day, experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find the best dish for you. And for more inspiration, check out these other noodle dishes below:
Singapore Noodles: A Cantonese Classic
Tender, Nutty Sesame Noodles At Their Best
How To Make Ramen From Scratch
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RecipePork Lo Mein with Shiitake and Snow Peas
This quick stir-fry uses leftover roasted fresh ham, but you could substitute other roasted pork cuts as well, such as pork loin. -
RecipeClassic Chinese Sesame Noodles
If you think you’ve tasted great sesame noodles, think again. Toasted sesame paste gives these an incredibly deep, nutty flavor, while homemade hot pepper oil adds gentle spicy heat. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce can be used instead, if you like. -
RecipePork with Rice Noodles, Scallions, and Chile
A riff on larb, a vibrant ground-meat salad from Laos, this dish has sour, salty, and spicy flavors from lime juice, fish sauce, and chile, balanced by a fragrant hit of fresh mint and cilantro. -
RecipeSpicy Pan-Fried Noodles with Tofu
Seared tofu is the perfect vehicle to carry the sweet, sour, and savory flavors of this dish. Buying cooked noodles (look for them next to the tofu) saves a step; if you can’t find them, use 8 oz. uncooked and cook them according to package directions. -
RecipeChinese Egg Noodles with Five-Spice Pork
If you’ve never gone looking for them, you might be surprised to learn that fresh Chinese egg noodles are available in the produce area of most supermarkets. Here, they’re paired with ground pork, peanuts, and heady spices for a quick riff on Sichuan dan dan noodles. -
RecipeStir-Fried Noodles with Beef & Vegetables
Takeout may be easy, but it’s nowhere near as fun as making dinner yourself. Tonight, pick up a package of bean threads or rice noodles and treat your family to the taste of authentic Asian takeout with this speedy stir-fry made at home. -
RecipeSpring Vegetable Lo Mein
Mushrooms stand in for meat in this fresh version of a take-out favorite, and asparagus and carrots give it a decidedly spring feel. This dish is delicious on its own, but for a more filling main course, try topping each serving with a sunny-side-up egg or a piece of broiled soy-glazed salmon. -
RecipeQuick Sesame Noodles with Chicken
This Chinese-restaurant favorite becomes a main dish with the addition of browned chicken tenders. For more color and flavor, add some thinly sliced red pepper or grated carrots. -
RecipeSpicy Cellophane Noodle Stir-Fry with Tofu, Green Beans, and Herbs
The pairing of fresh mint and basil in this quick stir-fry mimics the flavor of hard-to-find Thai basil. Pressing the tofu allows it to get a better sear. -
RecipeSing Jau Chow Mei (Singapore Noodles)
Although this noodle stir-fry bears Singapore's name, it was actually invented by Cantonese chefs who wanted to honor the country's vibrant cultural mix. You can find Chinese barbecued pork at some Asian grocery stores, or make it from scratch.
