Longevity Noodles

longevity noodles

Longevity noodles are traditionally served during the Chinese New Year which is from February 1-15, 2022 and celebrates the year of the tiger. Long thin noodles such as yi mein or lo mein are used for this recipe.

The long life noodles at large Chinese buffets can sometimes be soggy and tasteless, which is the problem with cooking them in large batches. That’s why it’s better to make them at home. These noodles are deliciously simple and are usually served with some mushrooms and Chinese garlic chives or garlic and green onions.

In addition to symbolizing longevity, eating noodles also signifies prosperity and good luck, which is why serving any kind of noodles for Chinese New Year is always a good idea.

The noodles are briefly cooked in boiling water and then stir fried and combined with aromatic spices such as ginger and garlic and flavorings such as Chinese rice wine and toasted sesame oil. I also added marinated chicken pieces and mushrooms to the noodles for a one wok meal.

Shiitake mushrooms add a wonderful rich, meaty and sometimes smoky flavor. I could not find fresh shiitakes so I used sliced button mushrooms.

You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer. The chicken is cut into small bite sized pieces and then marinated in a mixture of Chinese rice wine, oyster sauce, and soy sauce.

The cooking oil is seasoned with red pepper flakes then ginger and garlic. the chicken as well as the mushrooms and cabbage are stir fried in batches and then all combined at the end.

Once the noodles are stir fried, they are placed in individual bowls and topped with the chicken, mushroom, and cabbage mixture. Don’t forget the chopsticks and try not to break up or cut the noodles. If the noodles can be eaten without breaking or cutting them, it is even more auspicious!

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