6 no-fuss noodle recipes to pack flavour into your ‘fake away’ dinners
From Celine Chun’s stir-fried noodles with beef to Hetty McKinnon’s aromatic laksa noodle soup, we have a noodle situation for every occasion and craving.
Noodles have always been an endlessly versatile favourite — be it a heartwarming chicken soup, a spicy beef ramen or a cold vermicelli noodle salad. A perfect option for when you’re short on time and wanting to instantly satisfy that craving.
Want a dinner option that packs a punch without all the hard work and mess to clean up? These easy noodle recipes are packed with bold flavours and are simple to make, ready to eat in less than 20 minutes.
Get these six noodle-based recipes down pat, and you’ll be able to satisfy your next takeaway craving from the comfort of your own home.
David Herbert’s warm prawn noodle salad
Herbert loves making this recipe on a balmy summer’s day. Prawns make for a lighter lunch alternative to heavy meats while the cucumber and carrot give it a fresh crispness. A truly delicious noodle salad which hits all the food groups. Better yet, it’ll be from wok to table in a matter of moments.
Get the recipe for David Herbert’s warm prawn noodle salad.
Celine Chung’s stir-fried noodles with beef ho fun
Chung’s recipes are inspired by her Chinese roots, packed with flavour and love. This stir fry noodle recipe, which features in Chung’s cookbook Bao Family, is no exception. Dark soy sauce is tossed with rice noodles and beef, resulting in a recipe that’s big on flavour — but will be on the table in just 20 minutes.
Get the recipe for Celine Chung’s stir-fried noodles with beef ho fun.
Hetty McKinnon’s red curry laksa noodle soup
A rich aromatic laksa soup made with roasted brussel sprouts, chickpeas and edamame. This noodle recipe includes a mix of tofu and leafy greens, so is the perfect dinner option for vegetarians craving noodles.
Get the recipe for Hetty McKinnon’s red curry laksa noodle soup.
Elizabeth Hewson’s prawn and snap pea noodles
Hewson took inspiration from her mother with this noodle recipe, saying it was a mid-week staple in her kitchen. “ Some recipes hold the power to whisk us back to cherished moments of our childhood: Yet, amid these cooking treasures lie a different category of recipes – ones passed down not for their sentimental value, but rather through the unspoken transmission of everyday life.” This simple dish requires minimal ingredients and can be assembled swiftly.
Get the recipe for Elizabeth Hewson’s prawn and snap pea noodles.
Nicole Maguire’s fragrant chicken noodle soup
When Maguire made chicken noodle soup for the first time she had her mum on speed dial, walking through every step. It’s a simple dish, full of goodness, made with a whole chicken and vegetables, which slowly cook until they are tender and fragrant in a golden, nutrient-filled broth. Perfect for whenever someone in the family needs a boost of energy.
Get the recipe for Nicole Maguire’s fragrant chicken noodle soup.
Lennox Hastie’s cold noodle salad
Hastie suggests using soba noodles for this dish, with the intrinsic nutty flavour adding an extra dose of flavour. The noodles are tossed in a tangy dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil and a hint of chilli for a subtle kick. Mixed with crunchy vegetables, this colourful salad is a celebration of textures and flavours.
Get the recipe for Lennox Hastie’s cold noodle salad.
Elizabeth Hewson’s chicken noodle soup
A chicken noodle soup recipe is as classic as they come. According to Hewson, a good broth is a work of art and can take hours to prepare. Learning tricks of the trade from renowned chef Peter Gilmore, Hewson has included simple instructions on how to prepare an umami-enriched chicken broth that uses fish sauce, shiitake mushrooms and kombu seaweed.
Get the recipe for Elizabeth Hewson’s umami-rich chicken noodle soup.
Want more weeknight dinner ideas? Check out these tray bake recipes or easy rice recipes. For more food ideas, go to theaustralian.com.au/life/food-drink. For weekly recipes sign up to our weekly food and wine newsletter.