How to Turn Regular Pasta to Chinese (Oriental) Noodles Recipe - Food.com (2024)

FAQs

Can I use pasta for Chinese noodles? ›

Yes, it is possible to substitute spaghetti for chow mein noodles by boiling it with a small amount of baking soda. The baking soda alters the pH level of the spaghetti, giving it a similar texture and flavor to chow mein noodles.

The difference between pasta and noodles lies in the ingredients and processing used to make each. Pasta is made from a dough containing durum wheat and water, while noodles are made with water and flour that has been milled from common wheat.

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Cook and stir celery, carrots, onion, and green onions in hot oil until slightly tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add spaghetti and soy sauce mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Chinese noodles are generally made from either wheat flour, rice flour, or mung bean starch, with wheat noodles being more commonly produced and consumed with the ancient wooden noodles mold technology in northern China and rice noodles being more typical of southern China.

The addition of eggs gives them a subtle, rich flavor, while the wheat flour imparts a nutty aroma. However, their texture and other characteristics depend on the ingredients used. For example, some types of noodles have a neutral taste but will absorb the flavors of the sauces and broths they're served with.

Asian noodles can be made with rice, yam, and mung bean in addition to wheat flour, and even that wheat is a different variety than the durum wheat used in pasta. All of these differences in texture and flavor mean you usually can't substitute an Italian pasta for an Asian noodle.

“Lo mein usually uses the fat, chewy noodles, while chow mein uses the thin type of noodles that sometimes contain egg.” Lo mein uses fresh noodles that are boiled for a few minutes, while chow mein uses dried noodles that are parboiled for five to six minutes. Then there's the difference in cooking method.

Beyond the sensory experience, Pasta made from Durum Wheat Semolina offers notable nutritional advantages over noodles made from maida. Durum wheat semolina is rich in essential nutrients, including fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

If you can't find Hong Kong noodles, you can substitute thin wonton noodles. Boil them in water until they're just barely tender (under a minute), drain and carefully dry them (you don't want any excess moisture if you're planning on stir-frying), and then toss 'em with just a bit of oil.

Also known as “rice vermicelli,” these round and thin noodles are on the drier and chewier side, with their heartier shape making them perfect for stir-fries and salads.

Can I use spaghetti instead of ramen noodles? ›

Here's a little trick that feels like an edible science experiment, but the result is pretty good! If you don't have a package of ramen on-hand, “ramenize” your spaghetti by adding baking soda to a pot of water. It adds alkali, which is what gives ramen its chewy, bouncy texture and yellowish hue.

Although egg noodles and pasta serve pretty much the same purpose, and they could technically be swapped for each other if you don't mind a bit of difference in texture, they're best used in their intended dishes.

Once you get more comfortable, branch out to rice noodles, udon noodles, soba noodles, or even, in a pinch, regular Italian spaghetti noodles. You can also use fresh or dried noodles. This is a weeknight dinner, so use what you have and don't feel like you have to stick too close to the recipe.