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Shanghai Fried Noodles

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality noodle dish you can whip up at home in less than 30 minutes, look no further than Shanghai Fried Noodles (Cu Chao Mian – 上海粗炒面). These thick, chewy noodles are stir-fried with tender pork, cabbage, mushrooms, and green onions in a savory umami-rich sauce. The result? A hearty, satisfying main dish that’s quick, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite.

What Are Shanghai Fried Noodles?

This popular stir-fry originates from Northern China and is a staple in Shanghai-style cooking. It’s commonly found in restaurants like Din Tai Fung, a famous Taiwanese chain known for its dumplings and Michelin recognition. While traditionally enjoyed in restaurants, this dish is easy to recreate at home with a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Ready in just 30 minutes
✔️ Uses one pan for easy cleanup
✔️ Customizable with protein or veggie swaps
✔️ Big on flavor, mild on spice—perfect for the whole family

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Scroll to the recipe card for exact measurements.)

  • Fresh wheat noodles – Thick and chewy, found in the refrigerated section of Asian markets. Substitute: udon noodles.
  • Pork loin – Thinly sliced. You can also use pork belly, pork shoulder, or ground pork/chicken.
  • Napa cabbage – Adds sweetness and crunch. Substitute: bok choy, green cabbage, or yu choy sum.
  • Shiitake mushrooms – Deep umami flavor. Substitute: cremini or button mushrooms.
  • Green onions – Cut into 1-inch pieces.
  • Garlic – For aroma and depth.
  • Neutral oil – Such as avocado, peanut, or canola oil (avoid olive oil).

Pork Marinade

  • Soy sauce
  • Cornstarch
  • Neutral oil
  • Shaoxing wine (or Dry Sherry / broth for non-alcoholic)
  • White pepper

Noodle Sauce

  • Dark soy sauce
  • Regular soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce (or vegetarian substitute)
  • Chinese black vinegar (or rice vinegar)
  • Shaoxing wine (or Dry Sherry / broth)
  • Sugar
  • Sesame oil (optional)
  • Cornstarch
  • Chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian)

Expert Tips for Success

  • Prep ahead: Have all ingredients ready before cooking—stir-fries move fast.
  • Velvet the pork: The marinade keeps the meat juicy and tender.
  • Don’t overcook noodles: They should be just al dente before stir-frying.
  • Rinse noodles in cold water: Removes excess starch and keeps them chewy.
  • Cook pork partially: It will finish cooking with the veggies and noodles.
  • Don’t over-stir: Once the sauce coats the noodles, remove from heat to avoid mushiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep pork: Thinly slice pork into 1 cm strips. Marinate with soy sauce, cornstarch, oil, Shaoxing wine, and white pepper for 20 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Mix sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all noodle sauce ingredients. Set aside.
  3. Cook noodles: Blanch noodles in boiling water for 2 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to remove starch. Shake off excess water.
  4. Cook pork: Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and pork, stir-frying until pork is about 75% cooked.
  5. Add veggies: Toss in cabbage, mushrooms, and green onions. Stir-fry until softened.
  6. Combine noodles & sauce: Add noodles and pour in the sauce. Toss until everything is well coated and most of the sauce has absorbed, 1–2 minutes.
  7. Serve hot: Plate immediately and enjoy!

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until warmed through.
  • Freezing: Not recommended—the cabbage becomes mushy.

Pairing Suggestions

These noodles pair beautifully with:

  • 🥟 Dumplings (pork & cabbage, shrimp, or veggie)
  • 🥬 Stir-fried greens like bok choy, gai lan, or snow pea leaves
  • 🍗 Protein mains such as Mongolian Chicken, Honey Walnut Shrimp, or Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Recipe Variations

  • Vegetarian: Swap pork for tofu and use vegetable stock.
  • Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, gluten-free oyster sauce, and rice noodles.
  • Spicy kick: Add chili oil or fresh red chilies when stir-frying.

Quick & Easy Shanghai Fried Noodles

A simple yet flavorful stir-fry that brings authentic Shanghai flavors right to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!