What Are Egg Noodles?

Egg noodles are one of the most recognisable staples in Asian cooking, loved for their rich flavour, springy texture, and ability to complement almost any sauce or broth.

Made with wheat flour, eggs, and water, they differ from regular noodles by their golden hue and satisfying bite -  the result of egg proteins giving the dough more structure and depth.

Across cuisines, egg noodles take many forms: thick and chewy strands used in stir-fries, silky ribbons floating in soups, or finely cut varieties served cold with dipping sauces. Their versatility makes them a pantry essential in both professional kitchens and home cooking.

What Are Egg Noodles Made Of?

Traditional egg noodles contain four main ingredients:

• Wheat flour (the primary ingredient)

• Eggs (giving the noodles their characteristic yellow colour and richer flavour)

• Water (to form the dough)

• Salt (to enhance flavour and strengthen the dough structure)

The quality of these simple ingredients makes all the difference in the final product. At Yunion, we select premium ingredients to ensure our egg noodles deliver consistent texture and flavour in every batch.

Are Egg Noodles Gluten-Free?

No, traditional egg noodles are not gluten-free. The primary ingredient in egg noodles is wheat flour, which contains gluten. This protein gives egg noodles their characteristic chewy, elastic texture that holds up well in soups and stir-fries.

For those with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity, it's important to seek out specifically labelled gluten-free alternatives made from rice flour, mung bean starch, or other gluten-free ingredients.

These alternatives will have a different texture and cooking properties compared to traditional wheat-based egg noodles.

Types of Egg Noodles

Different egg noodle varieties suit different cooking applications. Here are some popular types you'll find in Asian cuisine:

Shanghai Egg Noodles

Our Shanghai egg noodles feature a moderate thickness with a smooth, silky texture. They have a subtle egg flavour that complements rather than overpowers other ingredients. These versatile noodles work beautifully in:

• Classic chow mein

• Lo mein dishes

• Light broth-based soups

• Simple stir-fries with vegetables and protein

The thinner profile of Shanghai noodles means they cook quickly and absorb sauces well, making them perfect for weeknight meals.

Hokkien Noodles

While not exclusively egg noodles, many Hokkien noodle varieties contain egg. Our signature Hokkien noodles are thicker and chewier than Shanghai egg noodles, with a robust texture that stands up to:

• Rich, spicy laksa broths

• Hearty stir-fries with bold sauces

• Fish ball noodle soups

• Dishes that require longer cooking times

Their substantial texture means they retain their bite even after cooking, making them a favourite among chefs who want noodles that won't break down in the wok.

Wonton Noodles

These thin egg noodles are traditionally served with wontons in clear broth. Their delicate nature and quick cooking time make them ideal for:

• Classic wonton noodle soup

• Light stir-fries where the noodles should remain springy

• Dishes where the noodle texture should complement rather than dominate

Cooking Tips for Fresh Egg Noodles

Fresh egg noodles like ours require different handling than dried varieties:

1. Store properly: Keep refrigerated and use within the recommended date for best quality.

2. Separate before cooking: Gently loosen the noodles before adding them to your dish to prevent clumping.

3. Adjust cooking times: Fresh noodles cook much faster than dried - typically just 1-3 minutes depending on thickness.

4. Rinse after boiling: For stir-fries, quickly rinse cooked noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.

5. Don't overcook: Fresh egg noodles should retain some bite. They'll continue to soften slightly in stir-fries or hot broths.

At Yunion WA Enterprises, we're proud to supply Western Australian kitchens with freshly made egg noodles that help you create memorable meals. Our noodles travel from our Osborne Park facility to your kitchen with minimal processing and maximum freshness. Whether you're crafting a simple weeknight stir-fry or an elaborate feast, understanding the unique properties of egg noodles will help you achieve the best results in your cooking.