Plate of Chow Mein topped with authentic Chow Mein sauce and fresh vegetables

Chow Mein with Authentic Chow Mein Sauce

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Why Make This Recipe

Chow Mein is a beloved dish that brings together delightful flavors and textures. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food. With its authentic chow mein sauce, this recipe becomes a tasty meal that you can customize to your liking. Plus, making chow mein at home allows you to control the ingredients for a healthier dish.

How to Make Chow Mein

Ingredients

  • 1/2 small cabbage
  • 5 green onions/spring onions
  • 2 carrots
  • 300g/11 oz noodles (preferably egg noodles)
  • 4 tbsp cooking oil (neutral)
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
  • 1.5 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (regular or vegetarian)
  • 3 garlic cloves (grated)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp water

Directions

Preparation

  1. Begin by slicing the cabbage, green onions, and carrots into thin strips.
  2. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Cooking

  1. In a large pan or wok, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the grated garlic and stir until it releases its aroma.
  3. Next, add the cabbage, carrots, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  4. Add the cooked noodles to the pan.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water. Pour this sauce over the noodles and vegetables.
  6. Toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are well coated in the sauce. If using, drizzle the toasted sesame oil on top.
  7. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
  8. Finally, remove from heat and add the green parts of the green onions for garnish.

How to Serve Chow Mein

Serve your chow mein hot from the pan. You can dish it out into bowls or on plates. It pairs well with a side of your favorite protein, whether it’s chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Feel free to sprinkle some sesame seeds or extra green onions on top for added flavor and presentation.

How to Store Chow Mein

If you have leftovers, let the chow mein cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a pan on medium heat or microwaves until hot.

Tips to Make Chow Mein

  • Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when stir-frying to ensure even cooking.
  • Use fresh veggies for the best flavor and crunch.
  • Feel free to add any other vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers or broccoli.
  • Adjust the sauce ingredients according to your taste; add more soy sauce for saltiness or more sugar for sweetness.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding cooked meat such as chicken or beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Experiment with different vegetables to create your favorite mix!

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of noodles for chow mein?
Yes, you can use different noodles like rice noodles or soba noodles if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. Is chow mein healthy?
Chow mein can be healthy depending on how you prepare it. Using plenty of vegetables and lean proteins can make it a nutritious meal.

3. Can I make chow mein without oyster sauce?
Yes, if you want a vegetarian option or don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or a mushroom-based sauce for a similar depth of flavor.

Chow Mein

Chow Mein is a quick and customizable dish with delightful flavors, perfect for busy weeknights and comfort food cravings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetables
  • 1/2 small small cabbage Sliced into thin strips.
  • 5 green onions/spring onions Sliced; separate white and green parts.
  • 2 carrots Sliced into thin strips.
Noodles
  • 300 g noodles (preferably egg noodles) Cook according to package instructions.
Sauce
  • 4 tbsp cooking oil (neutral) For stir-frying.
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional) For added flavor.
  • 1.5 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (regular or vegetarian)
  • 3 cloves garlic (grated)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp water

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the cabbage, green onions, and carrots into thin strips.
  2. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cooking
  1. In a large pan or wok, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the grated garlic and stir until it releases its aroma.
  3. Add the cabbage, carrots, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  4. Add the cooked noodles to the pan.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water. Pour this sauce over the noodles and vegetables.
  6. Toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are well coated in the sauce. Drizzle the toasted sesame oil on top if using.
  7. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
  8. Remove from heat and add the green parts of the green onions for garnish.

Notes

Serve hot from the pan, paired with your favorite protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Optional garnishes include sesame seeds or extra green onions. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.