Glass Noodles Stir Fry is a quick and easy, vibrant dish that combines tender chicken strips, colorful vegetables, and chewy glass noodles, all coated in a delicious savory stir-fry sauce. This flavorful recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a nutritious meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
The star of the dish, the glass noodles - made from sweet potato, these noodles provide a delightful texture that perfectly absorbs the sauce's flavors. Serve it warm, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, for a satisfying and nutritious dinner that everyone will love!
In this recipe, you'll sauté chicken thighs until golden and juicy, then toss in a medley of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, onions, and cabbage for crunch and color.
The quick stir-fry technique ensures that everything is cooked evenly while retaining the vegetables' freshness. With the addition of garlic and a delicious sauce made from soy sauce, chicken broth, and oyster sauce, each bite is packed with savory goodness. I bet you will be creating this recipe often for your dinner!
You may also LOVE this chicken dinner recipes Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs , Ground Chicken Spaghetti .
Jump to:
- Why You Should Try this Glass Noodles Stir Fry Recipe
- What Makes a Chicken Stir Fry with Glass Noodles Special?
- What Are Glass Noodles?
- How to Prepare Glass Noodles
- Tips for the Perfect Glass Noodles Stir Fry
- Ingredients
- How to Cook Your Stir Fry with Glass Noodles
- Instructions
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment
- How To Store this Gluten-free noodle stir fry
- Top Tip
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Glass Noodles Stir Fry
Why You Should Try this Glass Noodles Stir Fry Recipe
There is more to this chicken stir fry with glass noodles than just scrumptious flavor, although it would do any stir-fry connoisseur proud. A huge advantage to preparing this dish is that it is a timesaver, ready in just minutes.
This is what people hope for when they come home from work. No waiting. Dinner. Now. You do not need to be an experienced chef. All you need is a love of good food.
Even better, this is a dish you can personalize to your and your family’s taste. Don’t like chicken? Try those leftover strips of beef. Carrots fail to thrill you? Add broccoli florets instead. This is a glass noodles stir fry you can turn into your own creation with just a few minor adjustments.
All the ingredients are standard in your cupboard, and they are economical and easy on your food budget. It’s much less expensive than dining out at your local Asian restaurant.
What Makes a Chicken Stir Fry with Glass Noodles Special?
This Asian-inspired chicken stir fry with glass noodles, which combines meat protein, vegetables and a savory sauce is the answer to any weeknight dinner. The ingredients are simple (they may quite well consist of leftovers), easy to prepare, and very affordable. The blend of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats makes this a nourishing culinary experience.
What Are Glass Noodles?
Glass noodles, also called Cellophane noodles, are sticky and gluten-free noodles used mostly in Asian cooking and loved for their chewiness. They are a reliable carbohydrate without much fat and sugar.
Contrary to what the name implies, most glass noodles are not see-through but are transparent white or light brown and made from mung beans or sweet potato starch. The success of your glass noodles can depend on what they are used for. They are relatively flavorless on their own and pick up the subtle nuances of the food with which it is cooked, which enhances and brings out the best in them.
How to Prepare Glass Noodles
Simply soak the glass noodles in warm water for a few minutes. When they become more pliable, cut them in half and continue to soak them until you need them. These gentle noodles do not tolerate overly hot temperatures, so keep them in a cool place.
Tips for the Perfect Glass Noodles Stir Fry
- If possible, use a wok instead of a skillet.
- Be sure to soak your glass noodles in warm water instead of boiling water.
- Slice your vegetables and meat into thin strips to incorporate them better with the thin glass noodles.
- Don’t waste time chopping while you are stir frying. Have your veggies and meat prepared before you begin your stir fry.
- Don’t overcook or overfry the delicate glass noodles. Once they have absorbed the sauce, remove your wok from the heat.
Ingredients
The main ingredients for this tasty Asian noodle stir fry recipe is explained below.
- Glass Noodles: These translucent noodles, made from sweet potato starch, offer a chewy texture and absorb flavors well, making them a perfect base for stir-fry dishes.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add a juicy, tender protein to the dish, enhancing its heartiness and flavor.
- Vegetables (Onion, Bell Pepper, Carrot, Cabbage, Green Onions): A colorful mix of vegetables contributes both crunch and nutrition, balancing the dish with freshness and flavor.
- Stir Fry Sauce: A savory blend of soy sauce, chicken broth, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, and pepper creates a rich, flavorful coating that ties all the ingredients together.
- Sesame Seeds: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor as a finishing touch, enhancing both the taste and presentation of the dish.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Cook Your Stir Fry with Glass Noodles
Begin your culinary journey by chopping the meat into thin strips. Then consider your vegetables – not all will be cooked for the same length of time. In this easy glass noodles stir fry, the cabbage takes a few minutes less to cook than the bell pepper and the carrots.
- Begin by either soaking the glass noodles and setting them aside, or heating a saucepan with water and cooking the noodles according to the package instructions.
- While you definitely need glass noodles for this stir fry dish, preparing this dish provides tremendous flexibility. If you have the basics for a glass noodle stir-fry, you probably don’t have to make a special trip to the market. As noted above, this stir fry is extremely flexible.
- Next, combine your sauce ingredients for the perfect chicken stir fry. The oyster sauce and brown sugar give this sauce a lovely complexity, and the cornstarch thickens it nicely. Combine well and set the sauce aside.
- Chicken, a popular low-fat protein, is the next ingredient. Shrimp and tofu can be common substitutes. Adding tofu will turn this into a vegetarian dish. Heat the oil in the skillet and brown the meat for about 5 minutes. The smaller you cut your protein, the quicker it will cook. The chicken, when done, also gets set aside.
- Use the same skillet to sauté the colorful vegetables and stir for 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken and the sauce back into the skillet.
- Stir for a few minutes until the ingredients combine and the sauce thickens.
- As a last step, add the glass noodles and toss the dish well.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the glass noodles according to the pacakage instructions.
- Step 2: Combine the stir-fry sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Step 3: In a skillet add the chicken strips, salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes.
- Step 5: Add the carrots, bell pepper, garlic and onions to the skillet.
- Step 6: Cook the veggies for 4-5 minutes.
- Step 7: Add the cooked chicken and prepared stir fry sauce mixture.
- Step 8: Add the cooked glass noodles and toss it.
Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve the stir-fried glass noodles warm for the best flavor.
Hint: If you're someone like me who loves saucy noodles, try adding an extra ¼ cup of chicken broth to achieve those juicy, saucy glass noodles!
Substitutions
Feel free to mix and match based on your taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Swap out chicken thighs for other proteins like shrimp, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Use other vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
- Instead of brown sugar, use honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for sweetness.
Variations
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also customizable; you can swap in your favorite proteins and veggies, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a showstopper for gatherings.
- Add scrambled eggs for extra protein and a different texture.
- You can try incorporating leafy greens like spinach or kale for added nutrients.
- Add sriracha or chili paste for some extra heat.
Equipment
To make a glass noodles stir fry, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Large Saucepan or Pot – for boiling the glass noodles.
- Strainer or Colander – to drain and rinse the cooked noodles.
- Large Skillet or Wok – ideal for stir-frying the chicken, vegetables, and noodles.
- Mixing Bowls and serving bowls– to prepare and mix the stir-fry sauce and to serve the noodles.
How To Store this Gluten-free noodle stir fry
Uncooked glass noodles can be stored in a jar or sealed bag and kept in cool place for up to a year.
Once you have prepared your glass noodles dish, such as this stir-fried glass noodles with chicken, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will last for up to four days and will reheat in the microwave and get their “chew” back.
Avoid freezing glass noodles as they have a tendency to get mushy.
Top Tip
To keep your glass noodles perfectly chewy and avoid sticking, rinse them under cold water after cooking, then toss them lightly with sesame oil. This will stop the cooking process and prevent clumping, making it easier to mix them with your stir-fry ingredients and sauce.
FAQ
Glass noodles can be part of a healthy diet when combined with wholesome ingredients and prepared mindfully, as they are low in calories, making them a good choice for those looking to manage their weight.
Since the noodles are made from sweet potato starch, glass noodles are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
After cooking the glass noodles, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch that can cause sticking. Then, toss the cooked noodles with a small amount of oil to create a barrier that prevents them from sticking together.
No, glass noodles and rice noodles are not the same, although they may appear similar and are both used in Asian cuisine. Glass noodles, are typically made from starches like sweet potato, mung bean, or tapioca starch. Whereas rice noodles are made from rice flour and water, these noodles come in various widths and shapes,.
These noodles are often used in various Asian cuisines, particularly in stir-fries, soups, spring rolls, and salads.
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Pairing
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Glass Noodles Stir Fry
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large Saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
- Serving Bowls
Ingredients
- 2 3.5 oz pack Glass noodles (Korean style sweet potato glass noodles)
- 2 tablespoons oil divided
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into strips
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 cup yellow onion sliced
- 1 cup red bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup carrot cut into matchstick size
- 1 cup cabbage sliced
- ½ cup green onions cut into 2-inch size
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
For the stir fry sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- Chopped green onions to garnish
Instructions
- Cook the glass noodles according to the package instructions. In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil, then add the glass noodles and cook for exactly 6 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles, rinse with cold water, and set them aside. (Optional: Toss the noodles with a teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent them from drying out or sticking, but this step can be skipped if you plan to stir-fry them immediately.)
- In a small bowl, combine the stir-fry sauce ingredients: soy sauce, chicken broth, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet. Once hot, add the chicken strips and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the onion, red bell pepper, carrots, and garlic, and stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes. Add the cabbage and green onions, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the stir-fry sauce. Cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Do a taste test and adjust any flavor issues.
- Finally, add the cooked glass noodles and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve the stir-fried glass noodles warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- Don’t overcook or overfry the delicate glass noodles. Once they have absorbed the sauce, remove your wok from the heat.
- Do a taste test on the sauce before adding since the soy sauce might have some salt already added.
Eva says
This looks so delicious, I cannot wait to try!
Abi Guna says
I am so sure you will love it Eva!