Crispy Chinese Cake Noodles: A Taste of Nostalgia from Laie Chop Suey

Discover how to make crispy Chinese cake noodles topped with savory stir-fried vegetables and rich gravy, inspired by Laie Chop Suey in Hawaii.

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cake noodle

A Personal Journey Back to BYU-Hawaii

One of my most memorable meals during my college days at BYU-Hawaii was indulging in Chinese Cake Noodles from Laie Chop Suey. As a student on a tight budget, this dish was my go-to treat. I’d order a takeout box and savor it under the shade of an umbrella outside the restaurant.

The crispy, thick square noodles drenched in a savory, thick gravy with stir-fried vegetables were pure comfort food. Recreating this dish brings back those cherished memories, and I’m excited to share this recipe with you.

cake noodles

What is Chinese Cake Noodles?

Chinese Cake Noodles, a beloved dish in Hawaiian-Chinese cuisine, feature thick egg noodles that are boiled, then pan-fried until crispy, forming a ‘cake.’ This crispy noodle base is topped with a savory gravy loaded with stir-fried vegetables and your choice of protein. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that’s both satisfying and nostalgic.

cake noodles

Where can you find Chinese Cake Noodles?

If you’re in Hawai‘i, you’ll find Chinese Cake Noodles at many local Chinese restaurants and takeout spots. But the one that sticks out in my memory the most is Laie Chop Suey on the North Shore of O‘ahu. That’s where I fell in love with their thick, golden-fried noodle squares topped with a savory gravy and crisp-tender veggies.

Other popular places that locals swear by include Kin Wah, New Mui Kwai Chop Suey. Each one has its own take—some more saucy, some more crispy—but they all hit that comfort food craving.

cake noodles

What are the ingredients?

Chinese Cake Noodles are made up of three key parts: the noodles, the stir-fried topping, and the savory gravy. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

  • Fresh egg noodles
  • Neutral oil for frying
  • Protein: shrimp, beef, chicken, or tofu
  • A mix of vegetables: bok choy, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini
  • Onions and garlic
  • Chicken or veggie stock
  • Oyster sauce and soy sauce
  • Sesame oil, white pepper, sugar
  • Cornstarch slurry
cake noodles

Suggested ingredients

If you’re looking to level up your cake noodles, here are some suggested ingredient brands and tools I personally like to use. Some of these can even be ordered online:

(These are affiliate links — if you grab anything, it helps support the blog at no extra cost to you. Mahalo!)

How do you make Chinese Cake Noodles?

Making Chinese Cake Noodles is all about layering textures—crispy noodles on the bottom, saucy stir-fry on top. Here’s how:

1. Boil the noodles
2. Pan-fry the noodle cake
3. Stir-fry your toppings
4. Make the gravy
5. Assemble the dish

cake noodles

Are there similar recipes?

If you love Chinese Cake Noodles, check out these local-style favorites:

Tips & FAQs

cake noodles

What kind of noodles should I use?

Fresh egg noodles (Hong Kong-style or ramen-style) are ideal. They’re thicker and hold their shape well when fried.

Can I use dry noodles?

You can, but fresh noodles give the best texture. If using dry noodles, cook them al dente and rinse thoroughly before frying.

What proteins go best?

Beef, shrimp, chicken, or tofu all work great. Thinly sliced ribeye or flank steak is especially good for that tender chew.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Use tofu or mushrooms for protein and switch to veggie broth in the sauce.

How do I keep the noodles crispy?

Drain the noodles completely and don’t overcrowd the pan. Press them down while frying and give each side enough time to get golden brown.

Recipe Video:

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Chinese Crispy Cake Noodles

Chinese Cake Noodles is an addictive dish with crispy noodles smothered in a thick savory sauce with fried local vegetables. It has been on the menus of many local Chinese restaurants and is always a must have when eating with the ohana.
Print Recipe
Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh ramen noodles Hong Kong egg noodles

Stir Fry Ingredients

  • 8 tbsp oil (divided)
  • 1/2 sweet onion (Maui onion's are best)
  • 1 Hāmākua Ali‘i mushroom (King Oyster Mushroom)
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 zucchini
  • 1/2 cup red bell peppers
  • 2 cups baby bok choy
  • 1 lb meat of choice (shrimp, beef, chicken, etc.)

Sauce

  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 3 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy shauce (Aloha shoyu brand is great)
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper

Cornstarch Slurry

  • 6 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

Boiling Noodles

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add in the noodles and let it cook until they are tender. About 7-10 minutes. Drain and rinse the noodles. Set aside to completely drain any remaining water.

Stir Fry

  • Stir fry the vegetables and meat. Heat a wok or pan over high heat. Add in 4 tablespoons of oil and let it heat until smoke becomes barely visible. Add in the toughest ingredients first to the tenderest. Stir fry them in one minute increments. Fry the onions, carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and baby bok choy.
  • If you have meat, remove the vegetables from the wok, and fry the meat until it has been thoroughly cooked through. Add in oil if needed. Set aside the wok.

Sauce

  • To make the broth, in a medium sized pot add in the chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce (shoyu), sugar, white pepper, and sesame oil. Mix it well. Bring it to a boil.
  • Make the slurry in the meantime by combining the water and cornstarch. Mix until all of the cornstarch has dissolved.
  • After the broth starts to boil, add in the slurry and constantly stir it until has begun to thicken. Bring the heat to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Combine the sauce with all of the stir fry ingredients. Bring it to a simmer and set aside.

Crispy Noodles

  • Heat a nonstick pan over medium high heat. Add in the remaining 4 tablespoons of oil. Layer on and inch of the cooked noodles. Fry it until is crispy brown on one side. Once it is brown, carefully flip the noodles to the other side. Add in more oil if necessary. Fry until it is crispy brown on one side. Set aside the noodles on a plate lined with paper towel. Repeat the same procedure until all of the noodles have been fried.
  • Cut the noodles into squares. Plate the noodles and pour on the sauce and stir fry. Serve it hot and enjoy this onolicious Cake Noodles!

Video

Servings: 6

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