Chow Mein is one of the most popular noodle dishes in Chinese cuisine, characterized by its quick, high-heat cooking method with fresh vegetables and a light, balanced sauce.
This dish is known worldwide, and its simple ingredients make it a popular choice in homes and restaurants. Chow Mein can be served as a main course or a side dish, and can be prepared with just vegetables or with added protein, depending on preference. It is a practical and quick recipe to make.
Chow Mein involves partially boiling the noodles and then quickly stirring them in a wide pan (wok) with vegetables and soy sauce.
The secret to the dish’s success is the high heat and rapid stirring to maintain the noodles’ and vegetables’ texture without overcooking. The end result is firm, mildly flavored, non-greasy noodles with vegetables that retain their texture and color.
Table of Contents
How to make Chinese-style Vegetable Chow Mein?
Recipe Information
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of people: 4
Meal: Lunch
Level: Easy
Dish type: Main dish
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chow Mein Noodles | 250 g |
| Carrot (thinly sliced) | 1 |
| Shredded cabbage | 1 cup |
| Green pepper (sliced) | 1 |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Salt | To taste |
| White or black pepper | As desired |
Preparation Steps:
- Boil the noodles in salted boiling water according to the instructions until they are only half cooked, then drain well.
- Heat a wok or wide skillet over high heat until very hot.
- Add the vegetable oil and let it heat up, then add the garlic and stir quickly until it releases its aroma without burning.
- Add the carrots and stir for one minute to maintain their texture.
- Add the cabbage and peppers and stir quickly over high heat.
- Add the boiled noodles to the pan and start stirring continuously.
- Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil and stir well to coat the noodles with the sauce.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
- Continue stirring for 2–3 minutes until the ingredients are well combined and heated through.
- Remove the noodles from the heat and serve immediately while hot.
Video Guide 📽️
How to make Chicken Chow Mein?
Recipe Information
Preparation time: 5 mins
Cooking time: 15 mins
Total time: 20 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients for 4 servings
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chow Mein Noodles | 340 g |
| Chicken breast (thinly sliced) | 454 g |
| Baking soda | 2 teaspoons |
| White pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Carrot (julienne) | 1 medium |
| Celery sticks (thinly sliced) | 2 |
| Cabbage (thinly sliced) | 150 g |
| Spring onions (white and green separated) | 5 |
| Garlic (chopped) | 3 cloves |
| Fresh ginger (chopped) | 2 teaspoons |
Sauce Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oyster sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Dark soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Sambal (ground chili sauce) | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1½ teaspoons |
| Rice vinegar | 1½ teaspoons |
| Sesame oil | 1½ teaspoons |
Preparation Steps
- Add to the thinly sliced chicken: white pepper, soy sauce, and baking soda, then combine and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions, rinse them under cold water, and drain well.
- Spread the chow mein noodles on a baking tray to dry until ready to use.
- In a bowl, combine oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sambal, sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil and set aside.
- Preheat a large frying pan or wok and add 1/4 cup of oil.
- Quickly stir-fry the chicken until cooked, then remove and set aside.
- Add the prepared carrot, celery, cabbage, and onion to the wok and stir-fry quickly for 30 seconds. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add 2 more tablespoons of cooking oil along with the chopped white spring onion and ginger. Sauté quickly.
- Add the prepared noodles and chicken, stir-fry, and combine quickly.
- Add the sauce and coat the noodles well.
- Add the sautéed vegetables and the chopped green parts of the spring onion, mix, and turn off the heat. Ready to serve and enjoy.
Video Guide 📽️
Variations
There are countless variations you can make since you can substitute or add vegetables to your liking. Mushrooms, bok choy, cabbage, green bell pepper, or broccoli go wonderfully with it.
You can substitute the chicken with other meats such as beef, cut into bite-sized pieces, and even add peeled prawns or tofu.
Tips
The type of soy sauce you choose makes a big difference to the recipe. Most supermarkets have a Japanese section, and many of their soy sauces are very mild and even slightly sweet (soy sauce is very salty, not sweet). Kikkoman is strong, so a little goes a long way and it seasons dishes beautifully.
For Asian recipes, it is best to avoid olive oil, or choose one with a very mild flavor. Seed or sunflower oils are ideal, as they are mild and perfect for Asian dishes. Combining them with a little sesame oil can be a great addition to recipes like this one.
It is important not to overcook the vegetables. They are ready in just a few minutes. The idea is for them to stay crunchy and not start releasing water, which would ruin the dish.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other noodles instead of Chow Mein noodles?
Yes, you can use similar wheat noodles. Cook them slightly underdone so they stay firm during stir-frying.
Why rinse the noodles under cold water?
Rinsing helps stop the cooking process and prevents them from sticking together.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip the chicken and use vegetables only or add tofu.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat quickly in a pan over medium heat.
Conclusion
Chow Mein is a simple and flavorful dish prepared using high heat and quick stir-frying. Whether made with vegetables or chicken, the key is not to overcook the ingredients so they keep their texture and color. With simple ingredients and fast preparation, it remains a practical recipe for home cooking.
