Island Noodles Recipe – Festival Copycat Recipe

Imagine a bowl of stir fried noodles and vegetables that has been cooked in a delicious, savory sauce and you will have what is known as Island Noodles. This popular dish originated in Hawaii and has since gained popularity in various parts of the country.

Although I never ordered this dish when actually visiting the Big Island, I had a chance to taste them at an event that I attended in Kentucky. Come to find out this healthy dish is often offered at many concert and outdoor events as an alternative dish to the standard fair type foods.

And the popularity that it has gained over the past two decades is nothing short of remarkable. And I can see why! With just one bite I knew that I stumbled upon something special.

The taste of the stir-fried noodles and vegetables tossed in the sauce had me hooked in seconds!

The unique combination of favors and textures had me going back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). It was right then that I knew that I would have to figure out how to make this dish at home.

So after doing some research I found out that I would need to first start by finding the traditional noodles that are used to make this dish.

Soba Noodles

Soba noodles are the noodle of choice when it comes to making Island Noodles. These noodles are similar to ramen noodles but instead of being made from wheat flour, they are made from buckwheat flour.

They can be found fresh in speciality grocery stores or can be purchased online as dried noodles. However, if you can’t find either version of the noodles you have a couple other options.

First, you can purchase Yakisoba noodles. These noodles are the Chinese version of soba noodles but have more wheat flour than buckwheat flour.

I couldn’t find a traditional package of noodles in the grocery store, however, I did find an individual package of noodles that also contained a seasoning packet.

The amount of noodles included in this size of a package was the perfect amount to make enough Island Noodles for two people. These noodles are found in a package that looks similar to Ramen noodles, however, the package is slightly larger.

However, if you can’t find Yakisoba noodles, you can substitute Ramen noodles. They have a similar texture and are much easier to find at the store.

What Vegetables To Add To Island Noodles

The best part about making this dish at home is that you can include whatever vegetables that you prefer. Below I have listed the most common vegetables used when purchasing them at an outdoor event.

• sweet bell pepper
• green bell pepper
• carrots
• broccoli
• green beans
• sugar snap peas
• onions
• zucchini
• squash

The key to adding the vegetables is to cut them into thin strips so that they cook evenly when stir-fried.

The Island Noodle Sauce

The sauce used in island noodles is the key element that brings the entire dish together. However, when you ask the food vendors what ingredients are in the sauce, they won’t likely give you a straight answer.

However most typically it includes soy sauce as the base. And then a few other ingredients are mixed in to give it a slightly tangy and sweet taste.

For the sauce in this recipe, there are 5 ingredients required:

1. Soy Sauce – Use reduced-sodium sauce for best results. You can always add more salt later.
2. Hoisin Sauce – The thickness of hoisin sauce allows the noodles and vegetables to be easily coated. In addition this sauce also provides you with the garlic flavor that isn’t included in soy sauce.
3. Worcestershire Sauce – Another slight element of garlic flavor is added with the Worcestershire sauce. However, it also gives the sauce a slight tang which enhances the flavor of both the noodles and vegetables.
4. Brown Sugar – The brown sugar adds a little sweetness to the sauce to help balance out the strong flavors of the soy sauce, Hoisin sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Ketchup – The surprise ingredient in this island noodles recipe sauce is ketchup. Although slightly tangy and sweet, this common household staple also has a ton of seasoning and spice in it as well.

Once the ingredients for the sauce come together it adds a ton of flavor to the dish.

Protein Optional

Island Noodles can be customized with the addition of protein if desired. Common choices of added protein include chicken, strips of beef, shrimp or even tofu.

However, because this recipe comes together so quickly the protein needs to be cooked prior to being combined with the noodles and vegetables. Keeping with the Hawaiian theme make Grilled Huli Huli Chicken and then use the leftovers in this recipe.

Optional Garnish Ingredients

Although not absolutely necessary, adding a few garnishes to the noodles and vegetables will not only add freshness to the dish, but also a pop of color.

Some common garnishes include chopped green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, and/or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Island Noodles Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 ounce package of Yakisoba Noodles
• 1/4 small onion, sliced in half circles
• 1/4 red pepper, sliced in strips
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced in strips
• 1/2 small zucchini, cut in strips
• 1/2 cup broccoli florets
• 8 sugar snap peas
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp. soy sauce, reduced sodium
• 1 Tbsp. Ketchup
• 1 Tbsp. Hoisin sauce

Optional Ingredients:

• Hot Sauce, Gochujang or Sriracha Sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

The first step in making Island Noodles is to rehydrate the dry noodles. Do this by removing the noodles from the package and discard the seasoning packets. Then soak the noodles in room temperature water. Set aside.

In a small bowl add the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, Ketchup, and Hoisin sauce. Whisk until well incorporated. Set aside.

Prepare the vegetables by washing, drying, and then slicing them in desired sizes. Set aside.

Once the noodles are pliable drain them in a colander. Be sure to shake the noodles in the colander to drain as much water as possible.

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When it is hot add the extra virgin olive oil to the pan.

Once the oil is hot and shimmery, add the vegetables. Saute for 3-4 minutes or until just tender, flipping frequently.

Reduce the heat to medium and then add the noodles and sauce. Use tongs to flip the noodles in the sauce and heat for 3-4 minutes or until the sauce has been absorbed by the noodles and the vegetables are coated.

Add desired amount of hot sauce, Gochujang or Sriracha sauce for added spice. Serve immediately.

Island noodles are a flavorful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. However, it is best to enjoy them immediately.

Enjoy! Mary

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