Stir-fried noodles are a global comfort dish, known for their rich flavors, chewy textures, and ability to absorb sauces beautifully. But what if you could achieve that same savory satisfaction without standing over a hot wok for 30 minutes? Enter the slow cooker—a surprising but highly effective way to create a stir-fry–inspired noodle dish that’s brimming with flavor and ridiculously easy to make.
This Slow Cooker Savory Stir-Fried Noodles recipe takes the traditional essence of Asian-style stir-fry and marries it with the convenience of a set-it-and-forget-it appliance. The result: a hearty, saucy, and delicious noodle dish perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep.
Why the Slow Cooker Works
Normally, stir-frying relies on high heat and quick cooking. The slow cooker flips that method on its head, allowing vegetables, sauces, and proteins to slowly mingle, deepening flavors in a way that’s tough to achieve on the stovetop. Once the broth and sauce base have simmered with aromatics and seasonings, adding noodles near the end ensures they soak up every drop of flavor.
The best part? You can walk away and come back to a nearly finished meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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8 oz dried rice noodles or egg noodles
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2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or broccoli)
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1 lb protein of choice (chicken breast strips, beef, tofu, or shrimp)
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3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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2 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for a vegetarian option)
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
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1 tsp chili flakes or sriracha (optional, for spice)
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2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
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Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions
