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Longevity Noodles for Chinese New Year Recipe

Introduction

Longevity Noodles, also known as “Chang Shou Mian,” are a beloved symbol of good fortune and long life, making them a must-have dish during Chinese New Year celebrations. The hallmark of this recipe is the use of extra-long noodles, which are stir-fried or boiled with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables and often paired with savory aromatics. This quick yet flavorful recipe ensures that your Lunar New Year table is blessed with tradition, taste, and luck—all in one bowl.

Why Make Longevity Noodles?

This Longevity Noodles recipe combines symbolic meaning with irresistible flavor and ease. The slightly chewy noodles soak up the umami-rich sauce, and the vibrant vegetables provide freshness and crunch. Not only is it an eye-catching centerpiece for your holiday feast, but it’s also good for meal prep and is sure to be enjoyed by both kids and adults. Serve this at your next New Year celebration, and share the blessing of a long, prosperous life with every guest.

Perfect Longevity Noodles: The Secret

The key to perfect longevity noodles is not breaking the noodles during cooking—a tradition believed to preserve long life. Stir-frying quickly over high heat preserves texture and color, while a balance of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic delivers authentic flavor. The recipe is easy to adapt: add shrimp, chicken, tofu, or mushrooms to suit your palate or dietary needs.

Ingredients

8 oz (225g) dried Chinese wheat noodles (or thin lo mein noodles)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 inch ginger, peeled and julienned

2 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)

1 large carrot, julienned

1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced

1 cup snow peas, trimmed

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Pinch of sugar (optional)

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Fresh cilantro or extra green onions, for serving

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

Cook noodles according to package instructions, making sure not to break them. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add vegetable oil, then stir-fry garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onions for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add carrots and shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, then add snow peas. Cook for an additional minute until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Add cooked noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Toss everything together using tongs or chopsticks, ensuring every strand is coated in sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds, cilantro, and the green parts of the scallions. Serve immediately for maximum luck and flavor!

Serving Suggestions for Longevity Noodles

Pair your Longevity Noodles with steamed dumplings, crispy spring rolls, or sautéed greens for a festive and well-rounded Chinese New Year banquet. For extra celebration, garnish with pickled vegetables and chili oil, or serve alongside a bowl of clear soup. This dish’s adaptability makes it a year-round favorite for both special occasions and weeknight dinners.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 3–4 servings. Each serving provides approximately 300–350 calories, depending on added proteins and the brand of noodles used. It’s a feel-good celebration meal with nutrient-rich veggies and protein flexibility.

Longevity Noodles: Festive & Flavorful

Longevity Noodles are more than just delicious—they’re a centerpiece of hope, luck, and well-being for the year ahead. With aromatic vegetables and a savory-sweet sauce, this recipe is sure to become a staple for your Lunar New Year, bringing together family and friends in festive style.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Longevity Noodles recipe is a smart addition to your weekly meal prep, not just for holidays! Save and schedule this recipe to map out your week and let CookifyAI generate organized shopping lists that merge ingredients across all your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

– Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across your selected recipes
– Categorizes groceries by store section for quick, efficient shopping
– Reduces duplicate purchases and forgotten items
– Smoothes out your weekly meal prep and helps you stay on budget

Pro tip: When adding this dish to your weekly planner, CookifyAI checks for ingredient overlap across multiple recipes (like soy sauce or green onions)—streamlining your kitchen and minimizing food waste. Schedule your meals for a stress-free, delicious week!