Chow Mein is a popular Chinese stir-fry dish that combines tender noodles, vegetables, and protein in a savory sauce. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re craving chicken, pork, beef, or tofu, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your tastes. In just a few simple steps, you can enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Let’s dive in and make some homemade Chow Mein!
Ingredients:
- 200g chow mein noodles (or any thin egg noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 chicken breast (thinly sliced, or you can use pork, beef, or tofu)
- 1/2 onion (sliced)
- 1 carrot (julienned or thinly sliced)
- 1/2 bell pepper (sliced)
- 2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: bean sprouts, green onions, or any other vegetables you prefer
Instructions:
- Begin by cooking the noodles: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the chow mein noodles according to the instructions on the package. After the noodles are cooked, drain them thoroughly and set them aside, ensuring they’re ready for the stir-fry.
- Prepare the sauce: While the noodles are cooking, take a small bowl and combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), hoisin sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir the ingredients well to create a smooth sauce. Set it aside, as this will be added later to flavor your stir-fry.
- Cook the protein: Next, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced protein—whether it’s chicken, pork, beef, or tofu—and stir-fry until it is fully cooked, which should take around 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, remove the protein from the pan and set it aside, so it doesn’t continue cooking while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender but still slightly crisp. Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry for another 30 seconds, letting the garlic release its fragrance.
- Combine everything: Now it’s time to add the noodles and the cooked protein back into the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, then toss everything together to coat the noodles, vegetables, and protein evenly with the sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the sauce heats through and the flavors meld together.
- Add the finishing touches: Taste the Chow Mein and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a bit of salt or pepper to suit your preference. If you like a bit of crunch, you can also add optional toppings like green onions or bean sprouts.
- Serve and enjoy: Finally, remove the pan from the heat and serve the Chow Mein immediately. Plate it up and enjoy this delicious homemade stir-fry!
