Chow Mein
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
2 -3
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Calories
554 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Chinese
Chow Mein
Description
This Chow Mein uses thinly sliced chicken breast marinated briefly in a mixture of soy, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and a touch of sugar and sesame oil. The stir-fry starts with garlic and chicken, quickly searing the meat while keeping it tender inside. Finely shredded cabbage and julienned carrots add crunch and sweetness, alongside bean sprouts that are added last to maintain freshness.
The chow mein noodles soak briefly before joining the skillet, where they absorb the savory sauce and blend with the vegetables and chicken. The method relies on high heat and constant stirring to prevent burning and maintain texture contrast. The sauce balance brings out a mild sweetness offset by the umami of soy and oyster sauce, lifted by the slight tang of Chinese cooking wine.
This dish works well as a standalone meal or a main course paired with lighter sides. The instructions suggest substitutions for proteins and notes on ingredient sourcing for practical home cooking.
Careful chopping of garlic and timing the addition of ingredients ensures proper texture and flavor development. Using thigh meat is suggested for juiciness, but breast can also be tenderized by specific methods. The recipe highlights precise sauce ratios to replicate the restaurant-style taste at home.
Ingredients
- 200g /6 oz chicken breast thinly sliced (Note 1 tenderise option, or thigh fillets
- 4 cups green cabbage , finely shredded (Note 3)
- 1 1/2 tbsp peanut oil (or other cooking oil)
- 2 cloves garlic , finely chopped
- 200g /6 oz Chow Mein noodles (Note 2)
- 1 carrot , julienned
- 1 1/2 cups bean sprout
- 3 green onions , cut into 5cm/2" pieces
- 1/4 cup (65 ml) water
Chow Mein Sauce:
- 2 tsp cornstarch or cornflour
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce , all purpose or light (Note 4)
- 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce (sub Hoisin)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine OR Mirin (Note 5)
- 2 tsp sugar (reduce to 1 tsp if using Mirin)
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- white pepper (sub black)
Instructions
Sauce:
- Mix together cornflour and soy sauce, then mix in remaining ingredients.
- Alternative: Use 1/3 cup Chinese All Purpose Stir Fry Sauce, if you have some in stock.
Chicken & Noodles
- Marinate Chicken: Pour 1 tbsp of Sauce over the chicken, mix to coat, set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
- Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the packet instructions (my pack says soak in boiled water for 1 minute), then drain.
Cooking:
- Heat oil in wok or large fry pan over high heat.
- Add garlic and stir fry for 10 seconds or until it starts to turn golden - don't let it burn!
- Add chicken and stir fry until the surface gets a tinge of browning but inside is still raw - about 1 minute.
- Add the cabbage, carrot, and the white pieces of shallots (i.e. from the base of the stalk). Stir fry for 1 1/2 minutes until the cabbage is mostly wilted.
- Add the noodles, Sauce and water*. Stir fry for 1 minute, tossing constantly.
- Add bean sprouts and remaining shallots/scallions. Toss through for 30 seconds or until the bean sprouts just start to wilt.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken thighs or breast can be used; tenderize breast with Chinese velveting for better texture.
- Other proteins such as pork, beef, prawns, or ground meat can substitute chicken with similar preparation.
- Chow Mein noodles are recommended from Asian stores or well-stocked supermarkets.
- Use regular or light soy sauce; avoid dark or sweet soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free option.
- Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing) is key to authentic flavor but can be substituted with mirin (reduce sugar) or dry sherry.
- Garlic should be finely chopped, not minced or jarred, to prevent burning.
- Use a large skillet or wok for tossing noodles without spillover.
- Nutritional info is based on 2 large servings, which can also serve 3 moderate portions.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2-3
Amount Per Serving
Calories 554 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 428g | |
| Calories | 554cal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 46.5g | 16% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 31.2g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2g | 26% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 26g | 153% |
| Cholesterol | 76mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 1089mg | 45% |
| Fiber | 5.4g | 22% |
| Sugar | 9.2g | 18% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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