Easy Chow Mein Recipe

Craving the bold, savory flavors of Chinese , but don’t want to order takeout? This recipe brings the authentic taste of right to your kitchen. In just minutes, you can whip up a delicious dish that rivals your favorite from the local restaurant. Get ready to enjoy the comforting, experience at home.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and easy recipe that can be made in 15 minutes
• Authentic flavor with a variety of vegetables and protein options
• Customizable recipe allows you to use your favorite and ingredients
• Nutritious and satisfying that can be stored for later
• Step-by-step instructions for making the perfect at home

What is Chow Mein?

Chow mein is a favorite Chinese noodle dish in many American Chinese restaurants. The name “chow mein” means “fried noodles” in Taishanese. It’s made with noodles, vegetables, and a protein like chicken or shrimp.

The dish’s roots go back to Chinese immigrants who came to the United States in 1849. Since then, the recipe has changed, becoming more Americanized.

Chow Mein vs. Lo Mein

Chow mein and lo mein both use Chinese noodles, but they’re cooked differently. Chow mein noodles are stir-fried, making them crispy. Lo mein noodles are pre-cooked and tossed with sauce.

Chow mein has a lighter sauce or none at all. Lo mein, on the other hand, has a richer sauce.

“Chow mein was introduced into the United States by Chinese immigrants from the Guangdong provinces during the California Gold Rush in 1849.”

In the U.S., chicken is the most common protein in chow mein. But, pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu can also be used. There are also East and West Coast differences in how chow mein is made.

Ingredients for Chow Mein

To make a tasty chow mein, you need a few important ingredients. First, get chow mein noodles. They’re made from wheat and egg, making them chewy. You can find them in the Asian aisle or online.

Next, add some Asian vegetables like carrots, cabbage, green onions, and bean sprouts. These add a crunchy texture. But, you can use any veggies you like.

Protein Options

For protein, choose from chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp. Pick your favorite and cook it as your recipe says.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty chow mein. This recipe is great because you can change it up. Try different proteins or veggies to make it your own.

The Best Chow Mein Sauce

The sauce is key to a real chow mein dish. The top chow mein sauce mixes sweet and savory tastes. It’s made with soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and more. This sauce makes the noodles and veggies taste rich and full of umami.

To make the best chow mein sauce, you need a mix of:

• Soy Sauce – This gives the sauce its salty, savory taste.
• Sesame Oil – A bit of this oil adds depth and a nutty flavor.
• Oyster Sauce – It adds a hint of sweetness and makes the sauce thick and shiny.
• Brown Sugar – A little sweetness balances the savory flavors.
• Rice Vinegar – A splash of vinegar adds a nice acidity.
• Garlic and Ginger – These add a strong, punchy taste to the sauce.

Creating a great chow mein sauce is all about finding the right mix. With some trial and error, you can make a sauce that makes your homemade chow mein stand out.

“The sauce is the unsung hero of a great chow mein dish. Get the sauce right, and the rest will fall into place.”

How to Make Chow Mein

Making chow mein at home is easy. Just follow a few simple steps to get the flavors and textures right. Let’s make this classic Chinese dish together:

1. First, cook the chow mein noodles as the package says. Drain and set them aside when done.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a big wok or skillet over high heat. Add your protein, like chicken, beef, or shrimp. Stir-fry until it’s almost cooked.
3. Then, add the vegetables – chopped cabbage, carrots, celery, and green onions. Stir-fry until they’re tender but still crisp.
4. Put the cooked noodles in the wok. Pour in the chow mein sauce. This sauce is made from oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and brown sugar.
5. Mix everything together until the noodles are coated and the dish is hot.

You’ll get a tasty, authentic chow mein to enjoy at home. This simple recipe lets you make a stir-fry as good as your favorite Chinese restaurant.

The chow mein sauce is key to this dish. It’s simple to make. Just mix these ingredients:

• Oyster Sauce: 1/4 cup
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: 1/3 cup
• Sesame Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
• Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon
• Light Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Asian Garlic Chili Sauce: 1-2 teaspoons, optional

With these steps, you can make a delicious and authentic chow mein in your kitchen. Enjoy!

Chow Mein Variations

Chow mein is super versatile. You can customize this dish by changing the protein or adding your favorite vegetables. This way, you can make a chow mein that you’ll love.

Protein Substitutions

Chicken is a common choice, but you can also use beef, pork, or shrimp. Each one brings its own taste and texture to the dish.

Vegetable Additions

You can add more than just carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts. Try adding:

• Bok choy
• Mushrooms
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Snap peas

There are countless ways to customizing your chow mein. Mix and match protein and vegetable combinations to create your favorite version.

“Chow mein is so versatile – I love being able to switch up the proteins and veggies to suit my mood. It’s a great way to use up whatever I have in the fridge.”

Chow Mein Noodle Options

Choosing the right chow mein noodles is crucial for a great dish. Traditional chow mein noodles are made from wheat and egg. They have a unique bite and texture perfect for stir-frying. You can find these dried chow mein noodles in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores.

But, you can also try other noodles like fresh ramen noodles, yakisoba noodles, or lo mein noodles. They all can make a delicious chow mein dish. Just remember to cook the noodles as the package says before adding them to your stir-fry.

Whether you pick chow mein, ramen, yakisoba, or lo mein, cooking them right is key. Just follow the package instructions. This will lead you to a tasty, authentic dish.

Meal Prep and Storage

Chow mein is great for making ahead and enjoying all week. Leftover chow mein stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just heat it up quickly in a pan when you’re ready.

Chow mein freezes well too. Cool it down, then put it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, keep it in the fridge overnight before heating it up.

Meal Prep Checklist

• Prepare chow mein in advance for easy weeknight dinners
• Store leftover chow mein in the fridge for up to 5 days
• Freeze chow mein for up to 3 months for long-term storage
• Thaw frozen chow mein in the fridge overnight before reheating
• Customize the dish with your favorite vegetables and protein sources

Learning to prep and store chow mein makes it easy to enjoy. Enjoy this tasty Chinese dish all week with little effort!

What to Serve with Chow Mein

Chow mein is a tasty and versatile Chinese dish. It’s even better when you add the right side dishes. You can choose something to balance the noodles or add more flavors to your meal.

Steamed white rice is a classic choice. Its neutral flavor and soft texture soak up the chow mein sauce well. For a pop of color, try a fresh Asian salad with shredded cabbage, carrots, and tangy vinaigrette.

• Steamed Rice
• Asian Salad
• Egg Rolls
• Stir-Fried Broccoli
• Wonton Soup

Crispy egg rolls or spring rolls add a nice crunch. They contrast well with the soft noodles. For a veggie side, try sautéed Chinese broccoli or bok choy with garlic. It’s simple yet flavorful.

Choose sides that match the savory, umami-rich flavors of chow mein. The right mix will give you a complete and balanced Chinese meal. It’s sure to please.

Conclusion

This easy chow mein recipe lets you bring authentic Chinese flavors home. It’s simple to make with just a few ingredients. You can have a tasty stir-fried noodle dish ready in minutes.

It’s perfect for a quick dinner or to make your favorite takeout dish at home. The mix of savory flavors and crisp textures makes it a hit with everyone. Try making it and enjoy a delicious Asian-inspired meal at home.

Chow mein has a rich history and lots of health benefits. It’s also super customizable, making it a must-have in your kitchen. So, get your wok ready and start cooking up a storm of authentic Chinese flavors.