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Authentic Thai glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables in wok, translucent mung bean noodles glistening with sauce

Authentic Thai Glass Noodles Recipe with Fresh Vegetables and Savory Sauce

Authentic Thai glass noodles stir-fried with fresh vegetables, protein, and a savory-sweet sauce. This restaurant-quality dish comes together in just 20 minutes and is naturally gluten-free.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Soaking Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

For the Noodles
  • 8 oz glass noodles (mung bean noodles) also called cellophane noodles
  • 6 cups boiling water for soaking noodles
For the Sauce
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce light or dark
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Stir Fry
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 oz protein of choice chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup napa cabbage chopped
  • 1 cup bean sprouts fresh
  • 2 large carrots julienned
  • 4 whole shiitake mushrooms sliced
  • 3 whole green onions chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro for garnish
Optional Add-ins
  • Thai chilies for heat
  • lime wedges for serving
  • crushed peanuts for garnish
  • white pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Wok or Skillet 14-inch preferred
  • 1 Large mixing bowl for soaking noodles
  • 1 Small Bowl for mixing sauce
  • 1 Sharp Knife for prep work
  • 1 Cutting Board large size recommended

Method
 

Prepare the Noodles
  1. Place the glass noodles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Let soak for 10-15 minutes until softened but still slightly firm. Drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside. Pro tip: Don't oversoak the noodles as they'll continue cooking in the wok
Make the Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, palm sugar, fish sauce, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves completely. Set aside. Pro tip: Taste and adjust the balance of sweet, salty, and umami to your preference
Prep the Ingredients
  1. Cut your protein into bite-sized pieces. Julienne the carrots, chop the cabbage, slice the mushrooms, and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped makes the stir-frying process smooth and quick. Pro tip: Use a mandoline for perfectly uniform carrot julienne
Cook the Protein
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Add the protein and cook until nearly done, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside. Pro tip: Don't overcrowd the wok - cook in batches if needed for better browning
Scramble the Eggs
  1. Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside with the protein. Pro tip: Slightly undercook the eggs as they'll finish cooking when everything is combined
Stir Fry the Vegetables
  1. Add remaining oil to the wok. Stir-fry garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add carrots and mushrooms. Cook for 2 minutes. Pro tip: Keep ingredients moving constantly to prevent burning
  2. Add cabbage and bean sprouts, stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. Pro tip: Vegetables should retain some crunch for the best texture contrast
Combine Everything
  1. Return the drained noodles, cooked protein, and scrambled eggs to the wok. Pour the sauce over everything and toss continuously for 2-3 minutes until noodles are evenly coated and heated through. Pro tip: Use tongs or two spatulas to toss gently and avoid breaking the noodles
  2. Remove from heat, add green onions and half the cilantro, tossing once more. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Pro tip: The noodles should be glossy and well-coated with sauce

Notes

  • Don't oversoak the glass noodles - they should be tender but still have a slight bite
  • Keep the wok very hot throughout cooking for authentic wok hei flavor
  • Have all ingredients prepped before starting as this dish cooks very quickly