It’s an exciting day here at The Woks of Life. Because today, I have an AWESOME noodle recipe for you guys and it’s a lazy noodles recipe!
A Shortcut to Flavor
We all know how amazing Dan Dan Noodles are. They’re the perfect balance of spicy, savory flavors. But as any of you who’s seen—or actually managed to tackle—our Dan Dan Noodle recipe knows, it’s kind of an entire afternoon’s time commitment. There are lots of elements, and steps, and ingredients that come together into that glorious bowl of noodles. And it’s worth it.
But what if you don’t have all that time? What if, like me, you’re stumbling into your apartment after a long day at work, and you barely have time to walk the dog, edit photos, and answer emails…let alone spend two hours making dinner?
This lazy noodles recipe is the answer to my—and your—prayers. These 15-Minute Lazy Noodles really do come together in just 15 minutes, all with ingredients that you can likely find in your local grocery store. I call them “Lazy Noodles,” because I can throw them together even in my most lethargic of moods.
A Super Flexible Noodle Recipe
There’s also a ton of flexibility in this noodle recipe:
- Don’t have dark soy sauce? Leave it out.
- Don’t want to use ground beef, like I did? Use ground pork, chicken, or turkey.
- Want yours spicier? Add more chili oil.
- Sweeter? Add a bit more honey.
- Ran out of honey? Use sugar.
- Don’t have spinach? Throw in just about any other leafy green you can get your hands on.
This recipe will be a friend to you when you’re at your laziest—and hungriest. And substitutions are encouraged!
15-Minute Lazy Noodles: Recipe Instructions
Bring a pot of water to a boil for the noodles (almost any noodle will do—even spaghetti!). Meanwhile, heat the wok over high heat, and and add a tablespoon or two of oil. Add the ground meat, and stir-fry until browned and slightly crispy.
Add the onion and garlic, and continue to cook over high heat until the onions are slightly softened and browned at the edges.
Stir in the spinach until it’s just wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to the package directions. Add to a bowl, along with the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and chili oil (if using).
Toss with the onion, meat, and spinach mixture.
15 minutes later, serve your lazy noodles!
15-Minute Lazy Noodles
Ingredients
- 12 oz. dried wheat noodles (340g, almost any noodle will do––even spaghetti)
- 1-2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or pork, chicken, or turkey)
- 1 onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (sliced)
- 3 cups baby spinach
- salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 teaspoons chili oil (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil for the noodles. Meanwhile, heat the wok over high heat, and and add a tablespoon or two of oil. Add the ground meat, and stir-fry until browned and slightly crispy.
- Add the onion and garlic, and continue to cook over high heat until the onions are slightly softened and browned at the edges. Stir in the spinach until it’s just wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to the package directions. Add to a bowl, along with the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and chili oil (if using). Toss with the onion, meat, and spinach mixture. Serve!
nutrition facts
Any thoughts on a vegetarian protein substitute? I normally use (baked) tofu or eggs for Asian dishes but am open to ideas. I’m not actually vegetarian, just trying to reduce my meat intake for health reasons.
Hi Lily, I think stir-fried chopped shiitake or baby bella mushrooms would be a great meat substitute here. You could also try baked tofu. Scrambled eggs could also be tasty. :)
I’ve made this before and have the same ingredients . . .can I make this into a soup?
Hi Kay, for a simple noodle soup, you can cook the noodles and vegetables separately in boiling water, add hot chicken stock, and then add the stir-fried ground meat (seasoned with a little soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and white pepper) on top. Then you can add however much chili oil you like!
I didnt have sesame oil, and substituted it with a teriyaki glaze, it turned out great, an amazing recipe that I’ll definitely use again!
Very bland. Needs aromatics. Would not make this again.
Hi Liz, this is a very simple recipe that needs to be seasoned to taste. Apologies you didn’t enjoy it .