Schezwan Chicken Hakka Noodles
Fiery Schezwan sauce tossed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and springy Hakka noodles. A classic Indo-Chinese street food favorite that’s packed with bold flavors and comes together in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Noodles and Chicken
- b.Bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tsp of salt and the Hakka noodles. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until al dente, as per package instructions. Do not overcook.
- c.Immediately drain the noodles in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold running water to stop the cooking process.
- d.Toss the cooled noodles with 1 tsp of vegetable oil to prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
- e.In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tbsp cornflour, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Mix well to coat evenly and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook Chicken and Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat until it's very hot. Add 1 tbsp of sesame oil.
- c.Carefully add the marinated chicken to the wok in a single layer. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides.
- d.Remove the cooked chicken from the wok and set it aside on a plate.
- e.In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tbsp of sesame oil. Add the finely chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until they become fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir-fry the Vegetables
- b.Add the sliced onions to the wok and stir-fry on high heat for 1 minute until they are translucent.
- c.Add the julienned carrots and sliced capsicum. Continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be tender yet crisp.
- d.Finally, add the shredded cabbage and toss everything for another minute. The cabbage should be slightly wilted but still have a crunch.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles.
- c.In a small bowl, whisk together the Schezwan sauce, remaining 1 tbsp soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and 0.5 tsp salt to create the sauce mixture.
- d.Pour the sauce mixture over the noodles in the wok.
- e.Using two spatulas or tongs, toss everything together quickly and gently for 2-3 minutes on high heat, ensuring the noodles, chicken, and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
- f.Turn off the heat, garnish with freshly chopped spring onion greens, and serve immediately while hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best 'wok hei' (smoky flavor), use a carbon steel wok and cook on the highest possible heat.
- 2Prepare all your ingredients (chopping, marinating, mixing sauce) before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very fast process, and having everything ready is key.
- 3To prevent noodles from becoming sticky, use day-old boiled and refrigerated noodles if possible.
- 4Do not overcook the vegetables. They should remain crunchy to provide a pleasant texture contrast to the soft noodles.
- 5Taste and adjust the salt at the very end, as both soy sauce and Schezwan sauce are quite salty.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with 200g of paneer, firm tofu, or a mix of mushrooms and baby corn. Marinate and cook them similarly.
SeafoodSeafood
Substitute chicken with 250g of prawns or shrimp. Marinate for only 5-10 minutes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they just turn pink.
Extra SpicyExtra Spicy
Add 1-2 chopped red bird's eye chilies along with the green chilies, or increase the amount of Schezwan sauce to 4-5 tablespoons.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Ensure your store-bought Schezwan sauce is nut-free, as some commercial brands may contain peanuts or other nuts.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Lean Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Rich in Vegetables
Packed with vegetables like carrots, capsicum, and cabbage, this dish provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which aids digestion and supports overall health.
Energy Boosting
The carbohydrates from the noodles provide a quick and sustained source of energy, making this a satisfying and fulfilling meal to power you through your day.
Contains Allicin
Garlic, a key aromatic in this dish, contains allicin, a compound known for its potential anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this dish (approximately 320g) contains around 450-550 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil used and the specific brands of sauces.