Savory Stir-Fried Cellophane Noodles with Chicken & Shrimp (Hu Tieu Xao)

Craving something comforting, flavorful, and packed with texture? This Vietnamese-inspired stir-fry is a satisfying dish made with tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and silky cellophane noodles—perfect for sharing with family or friends. Serves 4–6.

Ingredients

• 1 package (17.6 oz) cellophane noodles (preferably Japanese for best texture)

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs), boned and thinly sliced (¼-inch pieces)

• 1 lb shrimp (U15 size, meaning 15 shrimp per pound), peeled and deveined

• ¼ lb (1 stick) butter

• 5 garlic cloves, smashed and chopped

• ⅜ cup fish sauce

• 1 tsp ground black pepper

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 lb fresh bean sprouts

• ½ cup ground peanuts (for garnish)

• Chopped scallions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the noodles:
   Soak the cellophane noodles in very hot tap water for 2 hours. Then rinse, drain, and set aside. Cut the softened noodles into 4-inch strands for easier serving and eating.

2. Cook the protein:
   In a large frying pan or wok, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and sauté briefly. Then add the chicken and continue to cook until both shrimp and chicken are nearly cooked through.

3. Add garlic:
   Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to infuse and the chicken to fully cook.

4. Season and combine:
   Add the pre-soaked noodles to the pan. Pour in the fish sauce, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and gently mix everything together.

5. Finish the noodles:
   Let the mixture cook for about 2 minutes, then stir gently to ensure even cooking. Repeat this process—cooking and mixing—until the noodles are soft and well incorporated with the other ingredients.

6. Add the sprouts:
   Push the noodles to one side of the pan and add the bean sprouts. Cover them with the noodles and let cook for another 3 minutes to soften slightly.

7. Garnish and serve:
   Sprinkle with ground peanuts and chopped scallions. Give everything one final toss to mix before serving.

Enjoy your Hu Tieu Xao—an irresistible blend of savory seafood, chicken, and chewy noodles!

Let us know if you try this recipe or tweak it with your own favorite ingredients.