15 Noodle Bowl Recipes for the New Year

photo: Steamy Kitchen

common types of Asian noodles

Wheat Noodles:

• Ramen: These springy, straight or curly noodles are often served in umami-rich broths with various toppings like meat, vegetables, and eggs. Think Japanese ramen or Chinese Lanzhou beef noodle soup. Of all the Asian noodles I’d say I rely on ramen the most often.
• Chow Mein ~ ‘mein’ means noodle in Chinese, and there are lots of variations on these classic wheat noodles. Lo mein noodles, for instance, are flatter and broader than chow mein.
• Somen ~ very thin wheat noodles often used cold in the summer, and also in Vietnamese pho.
• Udon: Thick and chewy, these wheat noodles star in Japanese dishes like stir-fries, cold noodle salads, and hot noodle soups.

Rice Noodles:

• Vermicelli: Thin, delicate rice noodles used in soups, salads, and spring rolls across Southeast Asia. They soak up flavors beautifully.
• Rice noodles or Rice Sticks: These are easily the most widespread rice noodles in US stores. They come in various thicknesses and are ideal for stir-fries, soups, and even salads.

Buckwheat Noodles:

• Soba: Thin, round, and brown whole grain noodles made from buckwheat flour, offering a slightly nutty flavor. The deeper the color the more buckwheat the noodles contain. Enjoyed cold in dipping sauces or hot in broths in Japanese cuisine.

Bean Starch Noodles:

• Glass Noodles: (or cellophane noodles) are made from mung bean starch. These transparent noodles have a unique, springy texture, often found in stir-fries and salads.

Dan Dan Noodles

My Dan Dan Noodles are an easy weeknight version of traditional Sichuan street food, and SO delicious. The crispy pork in a creamy spicy sauce is outrageous. We make this dish with wheat ramen noodles on a regular basis all year long, the family loves it demands it!

Weeknight Peanut Butter Noodles

China, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia all lay claim to peanut noodle dishes, each with its own flavor spin. The concept that ties them together is the combination of creamy peanut butter clinging to chewy, carby noodles. That’s delish in any language and makes quick work of dinner no matter where you live. I make this dish with Japanese udon or ramen noodles, but on weeknights with no time to get to the supermarket, I use spaghetti! Let’s dig in to my Weeknight Peanut Butter Noodles.

Thai Green Curry Noodles

This Thai Green Curry Noodle Soup is a symphony of vibrant greens from lemongrass and basil, to broccolini. Sylvia from Feasting at Home makes this stunning rice noodle bowl in about 20 minutes with the help of store bought green curry paste.

Easy Chow Mein

Western chow mein is a distant cousin of a Mandarin dish of the same name and at this point it’s really more of a Western dish. Different versions of chow mein are served all over the US (and the world) in Chinese-style restaurants. This Easy Vegetable Chow Mein is patterned after the one from Panda Express, which is my fave, and a good base recipe if you want to take it in different directions.

Quick Chili Oil Noodles

My Quick Chili Oil Noodles are a godsend when you’re fiercely hungry, totally beat, and short on time and ingredients. This recipe, made with Chinese lo mein noodles, has come to our rescue countless times!

Miso Ramen with Shitake and Chicken

My Miso Ramen with Shitake and Chicken is a hearty meal that still manages to be under 30 minutes, low fat, and low calorie. Miso paste makes a umami rich broth that will boost your immune system.

Chinese Burning Noodles

Sichuan burning noodles tossed with spiced pork, warm chili crisp, and crushed roasted peanuts and sesame seeds is out of this world delicious ~ (but not hot and spicy!)

Easy Slow Cooker Pho Noodle Bowls

My Easy Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pho Recipe makes use of the crock pot to do all the heavy lifting, and after the broth is cooked to perfection, all you have to do is assemble this aromatic noodle bowl.

Coconut Curry Noodle Bowls

Lindsay from Pinch of Yum makes this unique Bangkok Coconut Curry Noodle Bowl with a fresh flavor profile and pad Thai style noodles. Love that crunchy red cabbage garnish.

Beef and Broccoli Noodle Bowls

I made these Beef and Broccoli Noodle Bowls with Japanese udon noodles that just require a quick soak to soften them. Quick cooking thin slices of sirloin steak and lots of crunchy broccoli and water chestnuts makes this our favorite 30 minute meal.

Kombu Ramen

When noodles are this good, it pays to make a whole pot of them, like this Kombu Ramen from Judy Kim. Dried kombu (seaweed) gives this quick broth great umami flavor.

Vegan Dan Dan Noodle Bowls

Vegan dan dan noodles is a plant based version of our favorite weeknight meal ~ this easy Chinese noodle bowl has got all the flavor without the meat!

Green Curry Noodle Bowls

Vermicelli noodles star in this pretty green curry noodle bowl from Taylor, the Girl on Bloor. I love that she uses peanut butter and coconut milk to boost the flavor, and she makes her own homemade green curry paste.

Teriyaki Salmon Noodle Bowls

These simple Teriyaki Salmon Noodle Bowls from The Cozy Apron rely on big chunks of caramelized salmon and brown rice spaghetti style noodles. If you marinate the salmon overnight, the meal comes together in a flash.

Shrimp and Zoodle Curry Bowl

This vibrant Shrimp & Zoodle Thai Curry Bowl from Vodka & Biscuits is an aromatic Whole 30 meal guaranteed to chase away any chill.