Satisfy Your Cravings with These 13 Must-Try Asian Noodle Dishes

There’s something magical about a hot bowl of noodles loaded with flavors that transport you straight to the heart of Asia. Whether you crave the sweet and spicy kick of pad Thai, the savory depth of ramen, or the bold flavors of dan dan noodles, these recipes will help you satisfy those cravings with authentic taste. These recipes are not only delicious but also easy to make, so even beginner cooks can enjoy them.

Ramen with Soft-Boiled Egg

Cook 2 packs of ramen noodles in boiling water until just tender, about 4 minutes, and set aside. In a separate pot, prepare the broth by heating 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and a dash of fish sauce for extra umami flavor. Pour the hot broth over the cooked noodles in a bowl and top with sliced green onions, a halved soft-boiled egg, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For extra flavor, add a bit of chili oil or miso paste. This quick ramen recipe is perfect for when you want a cozy meal with minimal effort.

Pad Thai

Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. In a hot pan, cook 1 tablespoon of oil with 2 cloves of minced garlic until fragrant, then add 8 ounces of shrimp or chicken and cook until done. Mix in the noodles, 1 beaten egg, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and a squeeze of lime juice, stirring well. Garnish with crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, green onions, and extra lime wedges. This pad Thai recipe brings the iconic sweet and savory flavors straight to your kitchen.

Beef Pho

For beef pho, start by preparing the broth: simmer 6 cups of beef broth with 1 cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, and a thumb-sized piece of ginger for 20 minutes. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions and divide them into serving bowls. Top with thin slices of raw beef, like sirloin, then pour the hot broth over the beef to cook it gently. Add bean sprouts, fresh basil, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a lime wedge for garnish. This pho is rich in flavor and has the perfect balance of fresh and savory ingredients.

Singapore Noodles

To make Singapore noodles, cook rice vermicelli according to package directions and set aside. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1/2 sliced onion, cooking until soft. Add 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar, stirring well. Add the noodles and 8 ounces of shrimp or tofu, stirring until the noodles are coated. Finish with chopped green onions and a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy, spicy noodle dish with a unique flavor.

Lo Mein

Cook 8 ounces of lo mein noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. In a hot pan, sauté 1 tablespoon of oil with 1 sliced bell pepper, 1/2 sliced onion, and 1 cup of shredded cabbage until softened. Add 1 clove of minced garlic and stir in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon oyster sauce, and a dash of sesame oil. Toss in the noodles and mix well until everything is coated and heated through. This lo mein is a savory and simple meal perfect for weeknight cravings.

Spicy Korean Jjajangmyeon

For jjajangmyeon, cook 8 ounces of thick noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and cook 1/2 pound of diced pork belly with 1/2 chopped onion, 1 clove of garlic, and 1/2 chopped zucchini until golden. Add 2 tablespoons of black bean paste and 1 teaspoon of sugar, stirring well. Add 1/4 cup of water to create a thick sauce, then mix in the noodles. This spicy black bean noodle dish is a Korean favorite with its bold flavors and rich sauce.

Japanese Yakisoba

Cook 8 ounces of yakisoba noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. In a hot skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil and cook 1 cup of sliced cabbage, 1/2 cup of carrot sticks, and 1/2 sliced onion until soft. Add 1 clove of minced garlic and stir in 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Add the noodles and mix well, cooking until everything is coated. This yakisoba has a slightly tangy, savory flavor that’s perfect for any meal.

Malaysian Laksa

For laksa, start by making the broth: combine 4 cups of coconut milk with 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of laksa paste, and 1 tablespoon of fish sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes, then add 8 ounces of cooked rice noodles. Pour the broth over the noodles and top with cooked shrimp, bean sprouts, fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime. This spicy and creamy noodle soup is packed with Southeast Asian flavors that are rich and satisfying.

Dan Dan Noodles

Cook 8 ounces of noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. In a hot skillet, cook 1/2 pound of ground pork with 1 clove of garlic, 1 tablespoon of chili oil, and 1 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns until browned. Stir in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sugar, mixing well. Add the noodles and toss until coated, then top with sliced green onions and chopped peanuts. This spicy, nutty noodle dish is full of bold flavors and a bit of heat.

Thai Drunken Noodles

For drunken noodles, cook wide rice noodles according to package directions, then drain. In a hot skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil and cook 1 clove of minced garlic, 1 sliced chili, and 1/2 sliced bell pepper until fragrant. Add 8 ounces of shrimp or chicken, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, and a handful of Thai basil leaves, stirring well. Toss in the noodles and cook until coated and heated through. This dish has a slightly spicy, fragrant flavor with a hint of sweetness.

Chinese Chow Fun

Cook 8 ounces of wide rice noodles, then drain and set aside. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and cook 1/2 sliced onion, 1 sliced bell pepper, and 1 cup of bean sprouts until just softened. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of oyster sauce, and a dash of sesame oil, stirring well. Mix in the noodles and 8 ounces of thinly sliced beef, cooking until everything is hot. This chow fun is a classic Cantonese dish with a rich, smoky flavor and soft noodles.

Vietnamese Bun Thit Nuong

To make bun thit nuong, cook rice noodles and set them aside. In a bowl, mix 1/2 pound of thinly sliced pork with 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and a pinch of pepper, then grill until charred. Serve the pork over the noodles with fresh lettuce, cucumbers, herbs, and a splash of fish sauce. Top with chopped peanuts and extra herbs. This refreshing dish has a combination of savory pork and fresh, crunchy veggies.

Indonesian Mee Goreng

For mee goreng, cook 8 ounces of egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain. In a hot pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil and cook 1/2 sliced onion, 1/2 chopped bell pepper, and 1 clove of minced garlic until soft. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of ketchup, and a dash of chili sauce, stirring well. Toss in the noodles and mix until everything is coated. This sweet, slightly spicy noodle dish is a popular comfort food in Indonesia.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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