Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 tsp salt

2 tbsp vegetable oil

125g / 4 oz medium egg noodles (chow mein noodles)

1 tbsp ginger, grated

4 cloves garlic, grated or crushed

1/4 head cabbage, sliced thinly (about 1.5 cups)

1 large carrot, julienned

3 green onions, cut into 2 inch pieces

1 tbsp sesame seeds

2 tbsp smooth peanut butter, heaped

3 tbsp hot water

1 tbsp sesame oil

2 tbsp dark soy sauce

2 tbsp hoisin sauce

1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

1 tsp dried chilli flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the peanut butter, hot water, sesame oil, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and dried chilli flakes to create the sauce. Set aside.

Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces sprinkled with salt and stir-fry until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.

Step 4: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Quickly stir-fry the grated ginger and garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the carrot and cabbage, stir-frying for approximately 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp and slightly browned.

Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the wok along with the drained noodles and green onions. Pour the peanut sauce over everything and toss to combine evenly. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat through.

Step 6: Transfer the noodles to serving plates, sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired. Serve immediately with Chinese chilli oil on the side for extra heat.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu or extra vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas.

If you prefer milder heat, reduce the amount of dried chilli flakes or omit the chilli oil when serving.

Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.

Prepare the sauce in advance to save time on busy evenings.

Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts for an extra nutty crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute medium egg noodles with rice noodles, soba, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Cook them according to their package instructions.

Is this dish spicy?

This recipe has a moderate level of spice thanks to the dried chilli flakes and optional chilli oil. You can adjust the heat by adding more chilli flakes or skipping the chilli oil based on your spice preference.