Garlic, Cabbage, and Egg Noodle Stir Fry with Crispy Onion Strings

This Garlic, Cabbage, and Egg Noodle Stir Fry with Crispy Onion Strings is the perfect fusion of vibrant, fresh vegetables, tender noodles, and crunchy, golden onion strings. It’s a dish that strikes the ideal balance between texture, flavor, and aroma, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether craving a quick weeknight dinner or an elevated comfort food experience, this vegetarian stir-fry recipe delivers a medley of flavors that will delight your taste buds.

This dish starts with egg noodles cooked al dente to soak up the rich sauce that unifies the flavors. A blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes produces a savory, slightly tangy sauce that is full of umami and complemented by mild heat. The sauce is whisked together and then mixed in with the noodles, making sure every strand is thoroughly coated flavor.

This stir fry features shredded cabbage and julienned carrots, contributing sweetness and crunch. A generous amount of minced garlic enhances the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor that balances the cabbage’s earthiness. Fresh basil leaves are introduced toward the end of cooking, offering a fragrant, herbaceous note that elevates the dish and adds a hint of brightness freshness.

What truly distinguishes this recipe are the tempura-style crispy onion strings. These strings are made from thinly sliced onions, which are dipped in a light batter consisting of flour, cornstarch, and sparkling water, then fried until they reach a golden, crispy perfection. The batter is enhanced with garlic powder and paprika, providing a subtle yet savory flavor depth. Half of the onion strings are mixed into the stir fry, contributing a wonderful crunch to every bite, while the remainder serves as a garnish, creating a visually appealing and texturally satisfying dish finish.

The garnish doesn’t stop with the onion strings. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds adds a pop of color and enhances the dish’s overall flavor profile. The cilantro’s citrusy notes and the sesame seeds’ nuttiness elevate the stir fry, making it as appealing to look at as it is to eat.

The recipe can easily be adapted to suit your preferences. Swap out egg noodles for rice noodles or add your favorite protein, such as shrimp, tofu, or chicken, to make it a heartier meal. For those who love spice, a drizzle of chili oil or sriracha can take the heat to the next level.

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Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even casual entertaining, this Garlic, Cabbage, and Egg Noodle Stir Fry with Crispy Onion Strings combines simplicity with sophistication. It highlights the beauty of fresh, humble ingredients and transforms them into something truly special. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Enjoy this stir fry on its own or serve it alongside other Asian-inspired dishes for a complete meal. With its bold flavors, delightful textures, and stunning presentation, this dish is guaranteed to impress every time.

Garlic, Cabbage, and Egg Noodle Stir Fry with Crispy Onion Strings

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: AsianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

35

minutes

This Garlic, Cabbage, and Egg Noodle Stir Fry with Crispy Onion Strings combines tender noodles, fresh vegetables, and bold garlic flavor, topped with golden tempura-style onion strings for the ultimate crunch. Finished with fresh basil, cilantro, and sesame seeds, it’s a vibrant, satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• For the Stir-Fry

• 12 ounces egg noodles

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 6 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded

• 1 large carrot, julienned

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

• For the Crispy Onion Strings

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup cold sparkling water

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• for frying, vegetable oil

• For Garnish

• fresh cilantro

• toasted sesame seeds

Directions

• Make the Crispy Onion Strings:
  Heat 1″ of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to ~350°F (175°C).
  
  Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and paprika. Gradually add the sparkling water, mixing gently to form a thin batter. Dip the sliced onions into the batter, letting excess drip off. Fry the onions in batches until light golden and crispy, 2–3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
• Prepare the Noodles:
  Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside.
• Prepare the Sauce:
  Whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside.
• Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
  Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shredded cabbage and carrot. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened but still have a slight crunch. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Combine the Ingredients:
  Toss in the cooked egg noodles and prepared sauce. Stir well to coat the noodles evenly. Add the fresh basil leaves and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the basil wilts. Stir in half of the crispy onion strings and mix to incorporate. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
• Garnish and Serve:
  Plate the stir-fry and top with the remaining crispy onion strings. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.