Veg hakka noodles is one of the most popular dishes originating in Chinese cuisine, and is relished worldwide. The name Hakka comes from the Chinese province of Hakka.
Its popular demand makes it easily accessible in most restaurants and street side food joints. The recipe for veg hakka noodles is fairly easy to make.
It is loved by most kids and grown-ups too. Hakka noodles are the best lunch or dinner option to brighten up your dull days. You can eat it alone or pair it up with chili paneer or Manchurian for a perfect Chinese meal.
Typically, boiled noodles are tossed with ginger, garlic, vegetables, soy sauce, and chili sauce in order to get that peculiar taste. However, for a street style taste vegetable Hakka noodles need to be cooked in a specific way.
This guide will help you make one of the tastiest Hakka noodles with additional information on the do’s and the don'ts of it.
Nutritional value of Hakka Noodles
A serving size of 283 g of veg Hakka noodles contains carbs 54g, protein 11g, fat 13g, dietary fiber 4g, sugar 5g, fat 13g, saturated fat 1g, polyunsaturated fat 0g, monounsaturated fat 0g, trans 0g, sodium 930g, potassium 0mg, cholesterol 0mg, 35 per cent vitamin A, 70 per cent vitamin C, four per cent iron, and six per cent calcium.
Why this recipe works
An all-time favorite treat, Hakka noodles makes a perfect meal for your lunch or dinner. Veg Hakka noodles are flavorful noodles stirred or tossed in vegetables. They are now available on every Indian street.
When cooked at home it takes about 20 to 25 minutes only. Additionally, it is cooked fresh with minimum oil and no MSG. Veg Hakka noodles are prepared on high flame.
This recipe provides a detailed step by step method that you can follow easily. This recipe is a treat for your tongue as well your eyes too. The variety of vegetables and an array of colors makes it visually pleasant and healthy.
Ingredients of Hakka Noodles
Noodles 250-300 grams
(use any brand of Hakka noodles. These are made with all purpose flour but if you prefer a healthier option you can opt for wheat, rice, soba noodles.)
Sesame oil 2 tablespoon
Vegetable oil ½ teaspoon
Garlic minced 2 teaspoon
Celery (handful)
Ginger 2 teaspoon
Green chilli sliced 1 or 2
Red onions 1 large sliced
Carrot 1 large sliced
Red and green bell pepper 1 large sliced
Soy sauce (as per taste)
White or rice vinegar 1 tablespoon
Chili or red sauce 1 teaspoon
Sugar ½ teaspoon (optional)
Pepper powder ¼ teaspoon
Salt (as per taste)
Steps for making Hakka Noodles
1) Slit and chop all the vegetables before you start making vegetable Hakka noodles. You can use shred or use a food processor for the same too.
2) Boil the noodles in a pot. Add ½ teaspoon vegetable oil and a pinch of salt to it. You can also boil it as per the instructions on the pack.
3) Once the noodles feel soft enough- al dente, drain them under cold running water. This prevents it from starching and stops the cooking process.
4) Add ½ teaspoon of sesame oil till it gets evenly coated. This gets rid of the stickiness. It further avoids it from lumping.
5) Heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a wok on medium heat. Add the minced ginger, garlic, celery, and sliced chili once the oil is hot. Saute it for a few seconds until the garlic changes its color.
6) Increase the heat and add the sliced red onions until it turns golden brown.
7) Add all the other vegetables in the onion and stir fry for about six to seven minutes on high flame. Make sure the veggies are sauteed very well. You can reduce the time by half you prefer crunchy vegetables for the Hakka noodles. You can also add cabbage, button mushrooms additionally if you like them.
8) Add the soy sauce, vinegar, chili sauce, and sugar (optional). Toss the veggies in, till combined well.
9) Add the cooked Hakka noodles. Mix and stir fry for about one to two minutes.
10) Season it with salt and black pepper powder.
11) Switch off the flame and garnish it with spring onions.
12) Serve the Hakka noodles with a side of chili paneer or Manchurian for a zingy meal!
Stir frying on high flame
Stir-frying the ingredients at high heat releases a smoky flavor to the dish that makes it mouth-watering. Restaurants and street stall restaurants usually adapt this method. This technique also ensures that the vegetables used in this recipe do not become soggy. Hence, when preparing Hakka noodles recipe at home you can use medium to high heat.
Expert tips for making Hakka noodles
Here are some expert tips to make your vegetable Hakka noodles scrumptious and restaurant style.
1) Boil the noodles till they have a slight bite or al dente. Avoid boiling them too much as they are further stir fried which means they will be cooked again.
2) The vegetables added to the Hakka noodles recipe have to be chopped finely, and shredded as they are stir fried on a medium to high heat. You can also use a food processor in order to save time.
3) Fry the veggies on high flame for a smoky flavor for it to taste restaurant style.
4) Rinse the boiled noodles in cold water. This method ensures the noodles don't stick to each other. It also prevents lumps.
5) Avoid reducing oil as the veggies may burn while cooking on high heat.
6) You can use white onions instead of red onions and vice-versa.
7) You can also use vegetable oil or olive oil.
8) Avoid using extra soy sauce as it ruins the taste and gives an unpleasant color to the noodles.
9) Always check the spice level before adding crushed black pepper or any other spicy sauce.
10) Avoid using ajinomoto when cooking at home and otherwise.
Notes /Instructions
The process of making veg Hakka noodles is quick and easy. Make sure you follow the process of boiling noodles appropriately, in order, to get the best results. Opt for vegan or gluten free Hakka noodles if you are following a diet or have any allergies. You no longer need to wait for a special occasion to eat Hakka noodles. Just toss in the boiled noodles with the available veggies and you are good to go!
Due to its high fiber content in the vegetables it is a safe and healthy party dish. Veg Hakka noodles is a great potluck dish too.
Conclusion
Veg Hakka noodles is an easy dish to prepare and can be made in 20 to 25 minutes. It can be prepared with few basic ingredients that are easily available in most households. The popular name of Hakka noodles is chow mein in India. This chow mein is full of vegetables, flavorful spices.
It is one of the most celebrated dishes in India.
FAQ’S
Is chow mein and Hakka noodles the same?
Yes, they are the same. Popularly, it was and is still known as chow mein in most small town and cities.
What goes well with Hakka noodles?
Gobi manchurian, dry paneer, and chili paneer go very well with Hakka noodles.