Crispy Fried Egg Noodles Bird Nest Recipe

Are you ready for a culinary adventure? Let’s whip up a tantalizing plate of crispy egg noodle nests topped with succulent chicken, juicy shrimp, and vibrant veggies—a dish that’s not just dinner but an experience on your taste buds! 🚀🍜

I love making dishes that are both beautiful and delicious, and my Crispy Fried Egg Noodle Bird Nest captures that essence perfectly. Fresh egg noodles, when fried to crisp perfection, form a delightful nest that holds a savory mixture of tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and vibrant vegetables like carrots and snow peas.

Enhanced by aromatic garlic and a rich blend of soy and oyster sauces, this dish is a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s a personal favorite of mine with delightful textures and balanced nutrition.

Ingredients

• Fresh Egg Noodles: Rich in carbohydrates, they provide energy and create a crispy texture when fried.
• Boneless Chicken: High in protein, it adds a substantial and savory element to the dish.
• Shrimp: An excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, contributing a delicate seafood flavor.
• Carrot: Packed with vitamins and fiber, it adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.
• Bell Pepper: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it adds vibrant color and a slight sweetness.
• Garlic: Contains compounds with potent medicinal properties, enhancing the dish with aromatic depth.

Ingredient Quantities

• 200g fresh egg noodles
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 150g boneless chicken, thinly sliced
• 100g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 small bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 100g snow peas
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Spring onions, for garnish

How to Make this

1. Start by heating sufficient vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok for deep frying. When the oil is hot, add the fresh egg noodles in small batches, carefully separating them to form a nest shape. Fry the noodles until they are golden and crisp, then remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to another pan and heat on medium-high. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the pan and sauté until you can smell their fragrance and see that the onions are translucent.

3. Add the chicken, cut into thin slices, to the pan, cooking it until it begins to brown.

4. Place the shrimp in the pan with the chicken and continue cooking until the shrimp and chicken are absolutely done, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Combine the vermicelli noodles, the salt, and 1 1/2 cups water in a large shallow baking dish. Cover with a tight-fitting lid or tightly seal with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 8 minutes. Let sit for 2 minutes before removing the cover. Drain any excess liquid from the noodles. When the noodles are cool enough to handle, cut them into 4 pieces.

6. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch with the chicken broth, mixing until smooth.

7. Add the sauce blend to the pan containing the chicken, shrimp, and veggies. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is under the coat. Let it be for 2-3 minutes; the concoction should thicken up.

8. Add salt and pepper until the flavor is just right; make sure the flavors are well-balanced.

9. On serving plates, place the crispy egg noodle nests and spoon the chicken, shrimp, and vegetable mixture over the top.

10. Top with finely cut spring onions and serve at once for a pleasantly crispy dish. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Deep skillet or wok
2. Medium pan
3. Large shallow baking dish
4. Microwave-safe cover or plastic wrap
5. Small bowl
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Tongs
9. Slotted spoon
10. Plate lined with paper towels
11. Measuring spoons
12. Measuring cup
13. Mixing spoon or spatula
14. Serving plates

FAQ

• Can I use dried egg noodles instead of fresh?You can indeed use dried egg noodles. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, and then proceed to fry them.
• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?Definitely! The chicken and shrimp can easily be exchanged for tofu or more vegetables of your preference.
• What is the best oil for frying the noodles?The perfect oil for this is vegetable oil, yet it’s no big deal if you don’t have it—you can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point. That means canola or sunflower oil will both work just as well—but again, this is not an oil-specific recipe.
• Can I prepare the bird nest in advance?The noodles can be deep-fried up to a day in advance. Store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. If you don’t have an abundance of cool, dry places, the noodles can also be kept in the refrigerator. Just be sure to warm them slightly before you use them in the recipe.
• How do I ensure the noodles are crispy?After boiling, the noodles must be drained thoroughly, and the oil must be hot enough for frying. The ideal temperature is around 350°F (175°C).
• What can I use instead of oyster sauce?For an umami flavor that’s similar, you can use hoisin sauce or mushroom soy sauce.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep the sauce and the fried noodles apart. Reheat the sauce on the stovetop. Restore the noodles to crispness by refrying. Serve together.

Crispy Fried Egg Noodles Bird Nest Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Vegetable oil: If you don’t have that on hand, use canola or peanut oil for frying.
150 g of boneless chicken: For a different protein option, use thinly sliced beef or tofu.
100g shrimp: Replace with scallops or more chicken if you’d like to mix things up.
1 medium carrot: Substitute with zucchini or yellow squash, cut into matchsticks.
Sugar snap peas or green beans may be used as substitutes for snow peas.

Pro Tips

1. Noodle Crispiness Ensure your oil is hot enough (around 180°C or 350°F) before frying the egg noodles. This will help them crisp up quickly without absorbing too much oil. Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and achieve even crispiness.

2. Chicken and Shrimp Texture To keep the chicken and shrimp tender, avoid overcooking them. Sear the chicken slices until just browned and add the shrimp towards the end to prevent them from getting rubbery.

3. Sauce Consistency When mixing the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth, ensure there are no lumps in the cornstarch by whisking thoroughly. A smooth sauce will thicken evenly and coat the ingredients well.

4. Veggie Crunch Add the julienned carrot, sliced bell pepper, and snow peas just after the chicken starts browning. Cook them for just a couple of minutes to retain their bright color and crunch.

5. Advanced Flavoring For enhanced depth of flavor, consider adding a dash of sesame oil to the sauce or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over the dish before serving. This will add an aromatic finish and sophisticated touch to the dish.