Cooking Steamed Egg Noodles: A Simple, Quick Guide

Steamed egg noodles are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you're making them from scratch or using store-bought noodles, the cooking process is simple and can be done in just a few minutes. In this guide, we will take you through the steps to cook steamed egg noodles, offering tips and tricks for achieving the perfect texture and flavour. We will also explore some serving suggestions and variations to elevate this comforting dish.

Boiling water

The first step to cooking steamed egg noodles is to boil water in a pot. The amount of water required will depend on the quantity of noodles you are cooking. As a general rule, use 2 cups of water for every 8 ounces of noodles. However, the water does not need to completely cover the noodles. In fact, having too much water in the pot is counterproductive when using a pressure cooker for pasta.

The purpose of a pressure cooker is to help the noodles absorb the salty, starchy water they are cooked in, giving them flavour and helping the sauce cling to them. Therefore, it is important to ensure you are using the right amount of water for the quantity of noodles you are cooking.

To boil the water, simply turn on the stove to a high setting and place the pot of water on the burner. Allow the water to heat up until it reaches a rolling boil, with bubbles breaking the surface.

Once the water has reached a rolling boil, you can proceed to the next step of adding salt and noodles.

Adding salt

Timing of Salt Addition:

When cooking steamed egg noodles, it is best to add salt to the water before adding the noodles. This helps to season the noodles evenly as they cook.

Amount of Salt to Use:

The amount of salt you add will depend on your personal preference for saltiness and the number of noodles you are cooking. As a general rule, for every 8 cups of water, you can add between 1/2 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. If you are cooking a smaller amount of noodles, adjust the salt quantity accordingly. It is always better to start with less salt and add more to taste later if needed.

Mixing the Salt:

Once you have added the salt to the water, use a spoon or spatula to stir it until it is completely dissolved. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed in the water and prevents it from concentrating in certain areas, which could lead to unevenly salted noodles.

Tasting and Adjusting:

After adding the recommended amount of salt, it is a good idea to taste the water before adding the noodles. Dip a clean spoon into the salted water and taste it. This will give you an idea of whether you need to add more salt or not. If it tastes too salty, you can add a little more water to dilute the saltiness. If it needs more salt, add a pinch at a time, stirring and tasting as you go, until you reach your desired level of saltiness.

Salt and Cooking Time:

Keep in mind that the longer the noodles cook in salted water, the more salty they will become as they absorb the salted water. Therefore, if you are looking for a more subtle saltiness, you may want to reduce the cooking time slightly. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced salty flavor, you can cook the noodles for a little longer, allowing them to absorb more of the salted water.

Salt and Other Ingredients:

If you are adding other salty ingredients to your dish, such as soy sauce, salted butter, or cheese, you may want to reduce the amount of salt you add to the water initially. You can always add more salt later if needed, but it is easier to adjust the saltiness of the dish when the noodles are still cooking.

By following these tips and adjusting the salt to your personal preference, you can ensure that your steamed egg noodles are seasoned to perfection.

Cooking time

The cooking time for steamed egg noodles varies depending on the method and type of noodle used. Here is a breakdown of the cooking times for different approaches:

Boiling

If you are boiling your egg noodles, the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the noodles. For fresh, homemade Chinese egg noodles, the boiling time is typically between 60 and 90 seconds. It is important to stir the noodles immediately after adding them to the boiling water to prevent them from clumping together.

Pressure Cooking

When cooking dried egg noodles in a pressure cooker, the cooking time is much shorter. For al dente noodles, cook them on high pressure for 1 minute with a quick release. If you prefer softer noodles, increase the cooking time to 2 minutes with a quick release.

Instant Pot

Using an Instant Pot to cook egg noodles is a convenient option. The cooking time in an Instant Pot is similar to that of a pressure cooker. For al dente noodles, 1 minute on high pressure is sufficient, while 2 minutes will result in softer noodles.

Freezing

If you are cooking frozen noodles, it is important to note that the cooking time will be slightly different. Add the frozen noodles directly into boiling water without thawing them first. They will separate quickly once they hit the boiling water.

Reheating

When reheating cooked egg noodles, it is best to use boiling water to ensure even heating. Simply place the noodles in a strainer and submerge them in a pot of boiling water for a few seconds until they are heated through.

Remember that the cooking times provided are approximate and may vary depending on your specific equipment and preferences. Always keep an eye on your noodles during cooking to prevent overcooking or mushy textures.

Draining

To drain the noodles, you will need a colander or sieve. Place the colander in the sink and pour the noodles and water into it. Make sure that the colander has small enough holes that the noodles will not fall through. If the noodles are long, you may need to use a large spoon or tongs to transfer them to the colander. Once the noodles are in the colander, use a gentle stream of cold water to rinse them. This will stop the cooking process and help to remove any excess starch.

It is important to drain the noodles thoroughly. Excess water can make the noodles sticky and clump together. Gently shake the colander to remove as much water as possible. If needed, use a spoon or fork to separate any noodles that are sticking together.

Once the noodles are drained, they are ready to be added to your favourite sauce, noodle soup, or stir-fry. If you are not planning to eat the noodles right away, you can rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Serving suggestions

Steamed egg noodles are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Soups

Steamed egg noodles are perfect for soup dishes as they are great at soaking up sauces and broths. Try a classic chicken noodle soup or get creative with a mushroom-beef noodle soup. For a vegetarian option, a vegetable lo mein can be a tasty and healthy choice.

Casseroles

Egg noodles are a great base for casseroles, such as the traditional tuna noodle casserole or a creamy chicken-noodle casserole. For a unique twist, try a noodle pudding with a crunchy, golden buttery topping made from crushed cornflakes.

Stir-Fries

The protein in egg noodles makes them perfect for stir-fries as they are more resilient. Try a bacon and scallion egg noodle stir-fry or go for a simple vegetable stir-fry with a side of steamed egg noodles.

Main Dishes

Steamed egg noodles can also be served as a main dish. Try a Swedish meatballs Alfredo dish or a paprika chicken stroganoff. For a vegetarian option, a vegetarian mushroom stroganoff is a tasty choice.

Sides

As a side dish, steamed egg noodles can accompany various main courses. Try them with a serving of steamed green beans or a green salad.

With these suggestions, you can create delicious and varied meals with steamed egg noodles as the star!

Frequently asked questions