Chow Mein Recipe
If you’re craving a delicious, quick, and easy meal that captures the essence of Asian cuisine, look no further than this Chow Mein Recipe. With its flavorful combination of crisp vegetables, savory sauces, and perfectly cooked noodles, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re in a rush or looking to impress guests, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful dish!
Why You’ll Keep Making It
Chow Mein is not only a classic favorite but also a wonderfully adaptable dish that allows you to use whatever you have on hand. It’s packed with vibrant vegetables and can be made vegetarian or with protein, such as chicken or tofu. The best part? It takes under 30 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Once you taste the blend of savory hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil, you’ll understand why this Chow Mein Recipe will become a go-to in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredient List
- 3 (3.6-ounce) packages chow mein noodles or 3 (3-ounce) packages ramen noodles
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, peeled and julienned
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Green onions for garnish
- 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Garlic salt with parsley to taste
Must-Have Equipment
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Wok or large skillet for stir-frying
- Cutting board and knife for prepping vegetables
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient quantities
Directions: Chow Mein Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
In a large pot of boiling water, cook the chow mein noodles or ramen noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sugar. This mixture will add depth and flavor to your Chow Mein.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a wok or large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the shredded cabbage and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked noodles and bean sprouts into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss everything together gently. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with garlic salt and parsley to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chow Mein!
Customize for Your Needs
- Add protein: Consider including cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added substance.
- Change the vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli.
- Spice it up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers while cooking.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles to suit dietary needs.
Little Things that Matter
- For the best texture, ensure not to overcook the noodles; they should have a slight bite to them.
- Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Don’t skip the garlic salt; it adds a wonderful flavor that ties everything together.
- For a deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer for a few minutes before adding it to the noodles.
Prep Ahead & Store
You can prepare the vegetables and sauce in advance, allowing for a quick cooking process when you’re ready to eat. Cooked Chow Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Popular Questions
Can I use different types of noodles for this Chow Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use egg noodles, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb version. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of noodles you choose.
Is Chow Mein spicy?
This Chow Mein Recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add heat by incorporating chili paste or fresh chilies during cooking, depending on your spice preference.
Can I make Chow Mein vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken broth or use vegetable broth, and you can add more tofu or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
What can I serve with Chow Mein?
Chow Mein pairs wonderfully with dishes like Chinese Mushroom Chicken or even as a side to some crispy spring rolls. You could also enjoy it with a refreshing salad or soup.
Time to Try It
Now that you have everything you need to create this delicious Chow Mein Recipe, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade meal that dazzles with flavor and texture. Chow Mein is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to the dining table. So why wait? Dive into this delightful recipe today, and you might just find it becoming a regular in your weekly meal rotation!
Chow Mein Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot of boiling water, cook the chow mein noodles or ramen noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sugar. This mixture will add depth and flavor to your Chow Mein.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the shredded cabbage and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the cooked noodles and bean sprouts into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss everything together gently. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with garlic salt and parsley to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chow Mein!
Notes
- Prepare vegetables and sauce in advance for a quick cooking process.
- Store cooked Chow Mein in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Add protein like chicken or tofu for extra substance.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles to accommodate dietary needs.
- Experiment with different vegetables for a unique twist!
