Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Noodle Cake
Crispy pan-fried noodles topped with a savory bok choy and pepper stir-fry
Why This Recipe Works
A crispy pan-fried noodle cake provides a texturally satisfying base for this vibrant vegetable stir-fry. The secret is packing the boiled noodles into a nonstick skillet to achieve a crunchy golden crust with a chewy, tender center.
Instructions
Whisk the broth, soy sauce, sherry, oyster sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until the cornstarch is dissolved.
Cook the noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, then drain and rinse under cold water. Pat the noodles dry with a clean kitchen towel—removing excess moisture is key for a truly crispy exterior.
Toss the noodles with the scallions and oil. In a 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Spread the noodles into the skillet, pressing them down with a spatula to form an even cake, and cook until the bottom is golden brown and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes.
Slide the noodle cake onto a large plate, invert it onto a second plate, and then slide it back into the skillet with more oil. Cook the second side until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes, then transfer the cake to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil.
Wipe out the skillet and heat the remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add the bok choy stalks and bell peppers and stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, 3 to 4 minutes.
Whisk the sauce to recombine, then add it to the skillet along with the bok choy greens. Simmer until the sauce has thickened and the greens have wilted, about 2 minutes.
Cut the noodle cake into wedges and serve immediately with the hot stir-fry spooned over the top.
🍽️ Complete the Meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this recipe?
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
What substitutions can I make?
- fresh Chinese noodles: fresh Italian spaghetti