Wok This Way Classic Chinese Chow Mein
Table of Contents
- Recipe Introduction
- Getting Started with Your Homemade Chow Mein Recipe
- What You'll Need: The Ingredients for a top Chow Mein
- Easy Chow Mein Recipe: Tools of the Trade
- Cooking the Classic Chow Mein: Step-by-Step
- Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!
- Wok This Way! Classic Chinese Chow Mein (Dinner, Sorted!)
- Recipe Notes: Noodle Know-How
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of a chinwag about your next dinner? Are you ready to say "ta-ra" to boring meals? This Classic Chinese Chow Mein is dead easy and tastes blummin' amazing.
It's full of flavour.
Brief Overview
Chow Mein's history is long and fascinating. It is a staple Chinese Food , and now a global delight. Ready in under 40 minutes, it's easier than ordering takeout.
Serves four hungry souls.
Main Benefits
Packed with veggies, this Classic Chinese Chow Mein is a surprisingly healthy and hearty meal. Perfect for a mid-week family dinner or a casual get-together with mates.
What makes it special? It's utterly customisable to your taste.
Let's get cracking, shall we?
Getting Started with Your Homemade Chow Mein Recipe
Seriously, who doesn't love Chinese Noodles ? I remember my first time trying to recreate that Chinese Restaurant Chicken Chow Mein flavour at home.
Honestly, it was a disaster. Soggy noodles, bland sauce. The lot!
But, fear not, because you will be able to make a Perfect Chinese Noodles and that my Easy Chow Mein Recipe has evolved into something special.
Now, it’s all about mastering a few simple tricks. Like not overcooking the noodles! The secret: slight al dente is your friend.
We will go through some amazing Vegetable Chow Mein Recipe
What You'll Need: The Ingredients for a top Chow Mein
Here is what you'll need for your Classic Chinese Chow Mein !
A pound of Chinese egg noodles . The Chow Mein kind.
Protein. Use one pound of chicken, beef, shrimp, or even tofu. My Nan used to make it and call it Vintage Chicken Chow Mein Recipe .
Chinese Chow Mein Recipe Vegetables such as onion, carrots, celery, bell pepper, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and green onions.
The sauce, which needs soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, sugar, white pepper, chicken broth, and cornstarch.
Easy Chow Mein Recipe: Tools of the Trade
You don't need a Michelin star kitchen for this recipe. A good wok is ideal. A large skillet will also do the trick.
You will also need a pot for boiling the noodles, a colander, and a sharp knife. Prep work is key, so a good chopping board is essential.
Cooking the Classic Chow Mein: step-by-step
Cook the noodles til is al dente according to package. Marinate the protein with soy sauce, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic.
Heat the wok or skillet. Stir fry the chicken until done. Add vegetables and cook for 2- 3 minutes. After the first batch is done, add bean sprouts and green onions.
Chuck in the protein, and the prepared noodles. Pour the sauce. Give it a good stir and simmer for 1- 2 minutes until thickened.
Serve straight away. That's it. Sorted!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!
So, you wanna ditch the Chinese takeaway and make Classic Chinese Chow Mein - at home? Ace choice, mate! Seriously, it's easier than you think.
Plus, you get to control exactly what goes in. Let's break down what you'll need. This Homemade Chow Mein Recipe is about to become your new best friend.
Oh my gosh! I'm excited for you!
Main Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty
- Noodles: 1 lb (450g) of fresh or dried Chinese egg noodles. Look for that Chow Mein style. If they smell fresh and are a good yellow colour, you're golden! Honestly, quality noodles make all the difference.
- Protein: 1 lb (450g) of chicken, beef, Pork Chow Mein Recipe Chinese Food , shrimp, or tofu. For chicken, I usually go for breast, sliced thin.
- Marinade: 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, ½ tsp grated ginger, 1 minced clove of garlic. This helps tenderize and flavor.
- Veggies: 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 sliced onion, 2 julienned carrots, 2 sliced celery stalks, 1 sliced bell pepper, 4 oz (115g) sliced mushrooms (shiitake are amazing!), 1 cup (85g) bean sprouts, and 2 chopped green onions.
- Sauce: ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp sugar, ½ tsp white pepper, ¼ cup (60ml) chicken broth, and 1 tbsp cornstarch.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town!
Okay, the secret sauce (literally!) is all about balance. The oyster sauce adds a lovely umami depth. Don't have Shaoxing wine? A splash of dry sherry will do the trick.
For vegetarians, use hoisin sauce or mushroom soy sauce instead of oyster sauce. Trust me, this Easy Chow Mein Recipe will be awesome!.
A little bit of white pepper makes the flavors sing. I love this Perfect Chinese Noodles dish!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
All you really need is a large wok or skillet. A big pot for boiling noodles is essential. A colander to drain the noodles is also key.
And, of course, a cutting board and a sharp knife. A wooden spoon for stir frying is handy too. Nothing fancy required for this Vegetable Chow Mein Recipe .
No wok? No worries! A large, deep frying pan will work. It's all about getting that Chinese Restaurant Chicken Chow Mein flavour, right? We can make a similar Vintage Chicken Chow Mein Recipe .
Wok This Way! Classic Chinese Chow Mein (Dinner, Sorted!)
Forget calling for takeaway! This Classic Chinese Chow Mein recipe brings the restaurant experience to your kitchen. Savoury flavours, tender noodles, crisp veggies, and protein make it quick and easy.
It's a sure crowd pleaser. I remember the first time I made this for my mates. Oh my gosh! They wolfed it down!
Prep Steps: Ace Your Mise en Place
First things first, chop all your veggies. I like to julienne my carrots. Also, slice the onion and bell pepper thinly.
Mince your garlic and grate some ginger. Mix all your sauce ingredients in a bowl. This essential mise en place saves you loads of time later.
Honestly, it does.
Time saving organization: Marinate your chicken or pork (or tofu!) while you prep the veggies. That way, the flavours really soak in.
Safety first! Always use a sharp knife and watch your fingers. You know? We don't want any accidents.
step-by-step: Wok Like a Pro
- Cook your noodles according to the package. Toss with oil. Important! Don't overcook. Set aside.
- Stir fry marinated protein in a hot wok with 1 tablespoon of oil until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Stir fry onions, carrots, and celery in 1 tablespoon of oil for 2- 3 minutes until softened. Add bell pepper and mushrooms. Continue for another 2 minutes.
- Add bean sprouts and green onions to the vegetables. Stir fry for 30 seconds . Add the cooked protein back.
- Pour your sauce over everything. Simmer until thickened, about 1- 2 minutes .
- Add your cooked noodles. Toss to coat. Make sure all ingredients are well combined.
- Serve immediately, garnished with green onions if you like.
Visual cues for doneness: Veggies should be tender crisp, not mushy. The sauce should be nicely thickened.
Pro Tips: Chow Mein Mastery
Use a really hot wok! High heat is key to that smoky flavour. This Wok Hei effect is amazing. I learned that the hard way!
Don't overcrowd the wok. Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding lowers the temperature, and you'll get soggy results. Not the Perfect Chinese Noodles !
make-ahead option: You can chop the veggies and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge.
This helps speed up cooking time. I love doing this after a long day!
Homemade Chow Mein Recipe is fun. You can tailor it to your taste. Whether it's Beef Chow Mein Recipe or Shrimp Chow Mein Recipe , you can change it up.
I hope you love it!
Recipe Notes: Noodle Know How
Alright, buckle up, buttercup! You're about to become a Chow Mein master. Honestly, cooking Classic Chinese Chow Mein - isn't scary. It's a chance to unleash your inner chef!
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Okay, so you've nailed the Chow Mein . Now, let's make it pretty! I reckon a simple, shallow bowl works wonders.
Sprinkle some extra green onions on top. Maybe a tiny drizzle of sesame oil? Boom. Instant restaurant vibes. Pair it with crispy spring rolls, like they do at your favorite Chinese Restaurant Chicken Chow Mein .
My grandma used to serve hers with a simple side of steamed broccoli. I always thought it was cute. For a beverage, try some jasmine tea.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Right, let's talk leftovers. If you've got any Homemade Chow Mein Recipe left after stuffing your face, get it in an airtight container ASAP.
In the fridge, it will last for about 3 days. Honestly, it's best eaten fresh. Freezing is an option. But the noodles can get a bit soggy.
Not ideal . Reheating? Microwave is quick. But a quick toss in a pan with a tiny bit of oil is the best .
Variations: Remix Your Mein
Want to mix it up? Course you do! For a veggie version, skip the meat. Instead, load up on extra veggies.
Add some more exotic ingredients, maybe some bok choy. Swap the oyster sauce for hoisin, it does wonders for vegetarian cooking.
For gluten-free friends, use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! You can also try other Pork Chow Mein Recipe Chinese Food like Beef Chow Mein Recipe or Shrimp Chow Mein Recipe .
Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body
Let's be real, Chinese Food isn't always the healthiest. But my Easy Chow Mein Recipe is alright! You get carbs from the noodles.
Protein from chicken, shrimp, or tofu. And a whole load of vitamins from the Chinese Chow Mein Recipe Vegetables . Just watch the sodium in the soy sauce.
Per serving, you're looking at roughly 450-550 calories. Good fibre content to help you go number two. Not bad, eh? And that Vintage Chicken Chow Mein Recipe your mum loves can be made with the same nutrition profile, with a little bit of care.
This is way better than getting takeout.
So, there you have it! My Vegetable Chow Mein Recipe . Now go forth and create some culinary magic! Don't be afraid to experiment.
And most importantly, have fun! I'm totally buzzing for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Classic Chinese Chow Mein - ahead of time? It sounds like a faff on a weeknight!
While Chow Mein is best served fresh, you can definitely prep components in advance like a true blue chef. Chop your veggies and marinate your protein the day before. The cooked noodles are best freshly made, but can be stored in the fridge, tossed with oil, for up to 24 hours.
Then, when dinner time rolls around, it's just a quick stir fry!
What's the best way to store leftover Classic Chinese Chow Mein - if I'm not planning to eat it all in one go?
Leftover Chow Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the pan to help loosen the noodles and prevent them from drying out. You can microwave it, but frying pan would be the most effective approach.
Help! My noodles are always soggy. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the bane of Chow Mein existence! The main culprit is usually overcooking the noodles initially. Cook them just until al dente, as they'll continue to cook in the sauce. Also, avoid overcrowding the wok cook in batches if necessary. And don't add the noodles to the sauce until it has thickened up.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of Classic Chinese Chow Mein - that still tastes amazing?
Absolutely! Tofu or tempeh makes a great protein substitute. For the sauce, swap the oyster sauce for hoisin sauce or mushroom soy sauce to maintain that umami depth. Load up on the veggies mushrooms, bok choy, and water chestnuts are all fantastic additions. You won't even miss the meat!
Can I freeze Classic Chinese Chow Mein - for longer storage?
Freezing cooked Chow Mein isn't ideal, as the noodles can become quite mushy upon thawing. However, if you must, use fresh noodles and cook them very al dente. Use a good freezer safe container and store for up to a month. Thaw completely in the fridge before reheating and be prepared for a change in texture.
I'm watching my sodium intake. How can I make this Classic Chinese Chow Mein - healthier?
Great question! Use low-sodium soy sauce, and be mindful of the amount of oyster sauce you add. You can also add more vegetables to the Chow Mein, such as broccoli or spinach, to make it more filling and nutritious without increasing the sodium content.
Using freshly made egg noodles can also reduce the total sodium amount since they don't have as many preservatives in them.
Wok This Way Classic Chinese Chow Mein
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-25g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |