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Minimal Cooking, Noodle Recipes




5 Easy Asian-Style Fried Noodles (Halal & Minimalist Cooking)

Fried noodles are one of the easiest, most satisfying dishes to make. They’re perfect for minimalist cooking because they require just a few ingredients, cook quickly, and can be customized to your liking. Whether I’m in a rush or craving something flavorful, fried noodles always hit the spot.

Here are five Asian-style fried noodle recipes, all made with halal-friendly ingredients, that you can keep simple or elevate with gourmet add-ons.


1. Classic Soy Sauce Fried Noodles (Mee Goreng Kicap)

This is the simplest fried noodle dish, made with just soy sauce and aromatics, yet it’s full of flavor.

Basic Ingredients:

1 pack yellow noodles (or instant noodles, drained)

2 tbsp cooking oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)

1 tbsp light soy sauce

1/2 tsp white pepper


How to Cook:

1. Heat oil and sauté garlic until golden brown.

2. Add the noodles and stir-fry over medium heat.

3. Pour in both soy sauces and white pepper, mixing well.

4. Stir-fry for another minute and serve hot.


Gourmet Add-Ons:

Egg: Scramble an egg before adding the noodles.

Protein: Add cooked chicken, prawns, or tofu.

Toppings: Fried shallots, chopped scallions, or a squeeze of lime.


2. Malaysian-Style Spicy Fried Noodles (Mee Goreng Mamak)

This spicy and slightly sweet noodle dish is a favorite at mamak stalls.

Basic Ingredients:

1 pack yellow noodles

2 tbsp cooking oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp chili paste (sambal or blended dried chilies)

2 tbsp tomato ketchup

1 tbsp sweet soy sauce

1/2 tsp salt

A handful of bean sprouts (optional)


How to Cook:

1. Heat oil and sauté garlic and chili paste until fragrant.

2. Add tomato ketchup and sweet soy sauce, stirring well.

3. Toss in the noodles and mix thoroughly.

4. Add bean sprouts if using, stir-fry for another minute, and serve hot.


Gourmet Add-Ons:

Protein: Fried tofu, shrimp, or sliced chicken.

Toppings: Fried shallots, chopped green onions, or lime wedges.

Egg: Serve with a fried egg on top.


3. Indonesian Stir-Fried Instant Noodles (Indomie Goreng Upgrade)

This is a hacked version of Indomie Goreng that makes it taste like restaurant-quality stir-fried noodles.

Basic Ingredients:

1 pack Indomie Mi Goreng

1 tbsp cooking oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp sweet soy sauce

1/2 tsp white pepper


How to Cook:

1. Cook the Indomie noodles according to package instructions, but drain before adding the seasoning packet.

2. Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.

3. Toss in the noodles, then add sweet soy sauce and white pepper. Stir well.

4. Serve immediately.


Gourmet Add-Ons:

Protein: Add a fried egg, sliced beef, or grilled chicken.

Veggies: Stir-fry some spinach or bok choy for extra nutrition.

Toppings: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or drizzle with Sriracha for heat.


4. Thai-Style Basil Fried Noodles (Pad Kee Mao / Drunken Noodles)

A fragrant Thai noodle dish that is slightly spicy and bursting with basil aroma.

Basic Ingredients:

1 pack flat rice noodles (or instant noodles, drained)

2 tbsp cooking oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red chili, sliced

200g minced chicken or beef

1 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tbsp soy sauce

A handful of fresh basil leaves


How to Cook:

1. Heat oil and sauté garlic and chili until fragrant.

2. Add minced chicken and cook until fully done.

3. Pour in the oyster sauce and soy sauce.

4. Toss in the noodles and mix well.

5. Add basil leaves, stir quickly, and serve.


Gourmet Add-Ons:

Toppings: A fried egg or crushed peanuts for texture.

Protein Upgrade: Sliced beef, shrimp, or tofu.


5. Chinese-Style Cantonese Fried Noodles (Chow Mein Halal Version)

This light and savory noodle dish is perfect when I want something simple but delicious.

Basic Ingredients:

1 pack egg noodles

2 tbsp cooking oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, cabbage, bell peppers)

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce

1/2 tsp sesame oil


How to Cook:

1. Heat oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.

2. Add vegetables and stir-fry for a minute.

3. Toss in the noodles and mix well.

4. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry for another minute and serve hot.


Gourmet Add-Ons:

Protein: Add sliced beef, shrimp, or tofu.

Toppings: Toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro.


Why Fried Noodles are Perfect for Minimalist Cooking

✔️ Minimal ingredients needed – You only need noodles, seasoning, and a few extras.
✔️ Quick to cook – Most dishes take less than 15 minutes.
✔️ Customizable – Keep it simple or make it gourmet.
✔️ One-pan cooking – Less mess, easy cleanup.
✔️ Halal-friendly – All ingredients can be easily substituted for halal options.

Whether you're in the mood for a basic stir-fry or a gourmet noodle dish, these recipes can adapt to your needs. Fried noodles are one of the best low-effort, high-reward meals that fit perfectly into a minimalist kitchen.

Do you have a favorite Asian-style fried noodle dish? Let me know in the comments!


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