5 BEST Hakka Noodles Substitutes You Should Try

Hakka noodles are a type of noodle popular in East and Southeast Asian countries.

Not to be confused with chow mein, which has a similar appearance, these noodles are made from wheat flour, salt and water.

They have an al dente texture and a firm bite, making them the perfect accompaniment for stir-fries or other savory dishes.

In recent years, Hakka noodles have become increasingly popular worldwide due to their versatility and flavor.

However, if you’re unable to find them in your local store or looking for substitute ingredients for a recipe that requires Hakka noodles you can use one of the five best substitutes listed below:

What is Hakka Noodle?

Hakka noodles, also known as Chuka-men or Yifen noodles, are a traditional noodle dish that originated in China’s Hakka cuisine.

The noodles are wheat-based and usually served with a variety of vegetables and a type of meat in a flavorful stir fry sauce.

This popular dish has been adapted in many different countries around the world, including India and Thailand.

Hakka noodles are made with wheat flour, salt and water to form the dough which is then rolled into thin circles before being cut into strips.

The dough is then boiled until it is cooked through before it is seasoned with sesame oil and soy sauce, along with other seasonings like garlic, ginger or even spices like five-spice powder.

This dish can be served hot or cold depending on the preference of the cook.

How to Cook and Use Hakka Noodles?

Hakka noodles are a type of eggless Chinese noodles popular in India, Malaysia, and Singapore.

They are made from wheat flour and are available in either plain or flavored varieties.

The noodles can be cooked quickly, making them a popular choice for quick dinners and stir-fries.

These plain noodles can also be used to make some delicious dishes with vegetables and other ingredients.

To cook hakka noodles, bring a pot of water to a boil and add enough salt for taste.

Add the plain hakka noodles to the boiling water and cook them for 6-7 minutes until they become soft yet firm.

Important: Do not overcook, as the noodles will turn into mush if left in boiling hot water for too long.

Once cooked, drain off the liquid and rinse the cooked hakka noodles under cold running tap water – this will stop them from turning any further soft.

Now you are ready to use these cooked hakka noodles for your favorite recipes or stir fry dishes.

5 BEST Hakka Noodles Substitutes You Should Try

Consequently, with the rise of food intolerance, veganism, and health concerns, many diners are curious about alternatives to this deep-fried Asian noodle dish.

If you’re looking for Hakka noodles substitutes that are both nutritious and delicious, here are five of the best options.

1 – Ramen

Ramen noodles are an Asian noodle dish that is a traditional favorite among all types of eaters.

Ramen noodles come in a variety of flavors and can be prepared quickly and easily.

They are typically made with wheat flour, water, vegetable oil and salt, making them gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

As a substitute for Hakka noodles, ramen noodles bring the same flavorful umami taste with a slightly heartier texture.

As they are slightly thicker than Hakka noodles, you may want to cut them into smaller pieces before cooking to mimic the shape and texture of hakka noodles more closely.

2 – Udon

Udon noodles are a type of thick noodle made from wheat flour, which is usually served in a light broth or chilled accompanied by various toppings.

Udon noodles are made both fresh and dried, and the latter is typically more common.

The noodles have traditionally been eaten in Japan as a staple food for centuries, but now they are gaining popularity around the world.

Udon can be served with soy sauce, hot broth, soup stock or even used to make stir-fries.

It pairs well with vegetables, seafood and other proteins like pork and chicken.

It can be used as an alternative for hakka noodles because it is thicker than regular noodles and its texture allows it to absorb sauces nicely.

3 – Soba

Soba is a type of Japanese-style thin noodle that’s usually made from buckwheat or a combination of buckwheat and wheat flours.

To make soba noodles, the dough is rolled out thin, cut straight and then boiled.

The texture is dense yet chewy, and the flavor nutty yet mild.

It’s typically served chilled with a dipping sauce and a topping of sesame seeds or freshly grated wasabi.

You can also serve it hot in soups or stir-fries.

Look for Japanese soba noodles in your local grocery store’s Asian section, or substitute with Chinese wheat noodles if desired.

4 – Yakisoba

Yakisoba is a Japanese style noodle dish mainly made from wheat flour and is also referred to as Japanese stir-fried noodles.

However, there are subtle differences between Yakisoba and Hakka Noodles.

The Chinese Hakka noodles are boiled with stir-frying included at the end, while Yakisoba noodles are stir-fried from start to finish.

Whether you’re out of Hakka noodles or just feeling adventurous, Yakisoba can be a great substitute.

It has a pre-made flavor packet that comes in most oriental cookware stores, making it quick and easy to prepare.

You can also customize your flavors to add some extra kick to the meal if desired.

If you’re looking for an authentic taste, you can also replace the flavor packet with sesame oil and soy sauce instead – when combined with other ingredients such as cabbage or carrots, it brings out a classic Oriental flair.

5 – Vermicelli

Vermicelli is made from either rice or mung bean, rolled and then cut into thin strands.

It’s a staple in Chinese cuisine, often used to make soups and stir-fries.

In Indian cuisine, vermicelli is called sevai or semiya, which is boiled in water or milk and mixed with vegetables—spices are often added for flavor.

Vermicelli noodles can mimic the texture of Hakka noodles and should be cooked in the same way as Hakka noodles.

To achieve the closest flavor profile to Hakka noodles, a dash of soy sauce can help bring out the savory flavors.

Additionally, feel free to add some extra crunchy vegetables to give your dish a more depth of flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are plenty of delicious alternatives to traditional Hakka noodles.

From vegetarian and vegan-friendly options to more unusual choices like konjact noodles, there’s a suitable alternative for any recipe.

Ultimately, deciding which substitute works best will depend on the dish in question and personal preference.

Regardless of what you choose as an alternative to Hakka noodles, don’t hesitate to experiment and enjoy the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Hakka Noodles?

Hakka noodles are a type of Chinese-style noodle dish made with wheat flour, water, and salt.

The noodles are usually stir-fried with vegetables, meat, and sauces, and can be served as a main dish or side.

What are the 5 BEST Substitutes for Hakka Noodles?

The 5 best substitutes for Hakka noodles are egg noodles, lo mein noodles, ramen noodles, chow mein noodles, and udon noodles.

Are Hakka Noodles Healthy?

Yes, Hakka noodles can be a healthy option depending on the ingredients used and how they are cooked.

They are a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and dietary fiber, and can be a nutritious part of a balanced diet.