Classic Chinese Chow Mein
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
431 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Chinese
Classic Chinese Chow Mein
Description
Classic Chinese Chow Mein here is made by first stir-frying sliced cabbage in canola oil until wilted, then adding crushed garlic for aromatic depth. A sauce blend of sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water is added and brought to a brief boil to meld flavors and create a coating for the noodles.
Cooked chow mein noodles, prepared slightly undercooked per package instructions, are then added to the sauce along with optional bean sprouts for additional crunch and freshness. The noodles absorb the savory and sweet sauce, while the cabbage remains tender yet retains some texture. Optionally garnishing with sesame seeds provides a mild nutty contrast.
This chow mein works as a standalone dish or a side, with balanced savory and sweet flavors typical in Chinese stir-fry noodle preparations. The quick cooking technique ensures the vegetables stay bright and the noodles retain a firm bite.
For those without sweet soy sauce, a homemade substitute using soy sauce, molasses or dark brown sugar, and ground anise can approximate the flavor. Yakisoba noodles can be substituted if chow mein noodles are unavailable.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/4 head cabbage , thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic , crushed and minced
- 2 tablespoons Sweet soy sauce (aka Kecap Manis)* see note for homemade substitute
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 cup water
- 12 ounces Chow Mein noodles , cooked a minute shy of the directions*
- 6 ounces bean sprout optional
- sesame seeds optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large pan or wok on high heat.
- Add two tablespoons of canola oil to the pan and add the cabbage.
- Cook 2-3 minutes until wilted, add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce and water and bring to a boil for 1 minute.
- Add in the pasta and bean sprouts and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- To substitute sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), mix 1½ teaspoons soy sauce with 1½ teaspoons molasses or dark brown sugar plus a pinch of ground anise.
- If chow mein noodles are unavailable, use yakisoba noodles but discard the seasoning packet and use the noodles only.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 431 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 431kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 73g | 24% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Sodium | 1694mg | 71% |
| Potassium | 92mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 6.1mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 14mg | 1% |
| Iron | 3.3mg | 18% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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