Chow Mein Recipe (Better Than Takeout!)

Craving a delicious, noodle-filled dish that tastes even better than your local Chinese restaurant? This Chow Mein Recipe is your answer. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful stir-fry packed with crisp-tender vegetables, your favorite protein, and slurp-worthy noodles all tossed in a savory sauce. Forget takeout; this is how you make authentic chow mein right in your own kitchen.

We’ve perfected this recipe to ensure it’s not just another noodle dish, but a truly satisfying meal. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, you’ll find these instructions simple and the results spectacular. Let’s get cooking!

What Exactly Is Chow Mein?

Chow Mein, which translates to “stir-fried noodles,” is a classic Chinese dish made from egg noodles, vegetables, and a protein like chicken, beef, or shrimp. The ingredients are stir-fried in a wok or large pan with a savory sauce typically made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. The magic of this dish lies in the texture of the noodles and the perfect balance of flavors.

Chow Mein vs. Lo Mein: The Key Difference

Many people get Chow Mein and Lo Mein confused, but the difference is simple and comes down to the noodle preparation. For Chow Mein, the noodles are par-boiled and then fried or stir-fried until they are slightly crispy. In Lo Mein, the fully cooked noodles are simply tossed with the sauce and other ingredients at the end, resulting in a softer, saucier dish. This Chow Mein Recipe focuses on achieving that delightful, slightly crisp noodle texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need For This Chow Mein Recipe

This recipe is incredibly versatile, but here are the core components for a classic version. We’ll break it down into the stir-fry ingredients and the essential sauce that brings it all together.

For the Stir-Fry

• Noodles: The star of the show! Look for steamed chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with spaghetti or ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet).
• Protein: Thinly sliced chicken breast is a classic choice. You can also use beef, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Vegetables: A colorful mix adds crunch and nutrients. We’re using cabbage, shredded carrots, bean sprouts, and sliced celery. Feel free to add others like bell peppers or broccoli. For another great vegetable side, try these Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts.
• Aromatics: Minced garlic and grated ginger are non-negotiable for that authentic flavor base.
• Oil: Use a high-smoke-point oil like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil for stir-frying.

For the Perfect Chow Mein Sauce

This sauce is the heart of the dish. It’s a simple yet powerful combination of salty, sweet, and savory flavors.

• Soy Sauce: The savory, umami base. Use low-sodium to control the saltiness.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds a deep, rich, and slightly sweet flavor. It’s a key ingredient for authentic taste.
• Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way! It adds a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce slightly so it clings perfectly to every noodle.
• Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the saltiness of the soy and oyster sauces.

How to Make The Best Chow Mein Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Making this Chow Mein Recipe is a fast process, so it’s crucial to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you even turn on the stove. This is the key to a successful stir-fry!

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles and Protein

First, cook the noodles according to the package directions, but slightly undercook them (al dente). They will cook further in the wok. Drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. If using chicken, slice it thinly and toss with a teaspoon of soy sauce and cornstarch. This technique, known as velveting, keeps the chicken tender and juicy.

Step 2: Mix the Savory Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch. Set it aside. Having the sauce ready to go is essential for a quick and seamless stir-fry.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics, Protein, and Veggies

Heat your wok or a large skillet over high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until it’s cooked through. Remove it from the wok and set aside. Add a bit more oil, then add the garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the celery and cabbage, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. If you love quick and savory chicken meals, our Creamy Garlic Chicken Ramen is another fantastic option.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked noodles, shredded carrots, and bean sprouts to the wok with the vegetables. Toss everything together for a minute. Add the cooked chicken back into the wok. Give your sauce a final whisk and pour it all over the noodles. Use tongs to toss everything continuously for 1-2 minutes until the noodles are well-coated and the sauce has slightly thickened. Serve immediately!

Tips for Restaurant-Quality Chow Mein

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Remember, they get cooked twice. An al dente initial boil is key to avoiding mushy noodles.
• High Heat is Your Friend: A screaming hot wok or skillet is essential for getting that classic “wok hei” flavor and ensuring your vegetables stay crisp.
• Prep Everything First: “Mise en place” is crucial for stir-frying. Have all your veggies chopped, sauce mixed, and protein sliced before you start. The cooking process is too fast to be chopping on the fly.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will steam your ingredients instead of frying them. For another great one-pan dinner idea, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Asian-Inspired Recipes To Try

If you enjoyed this easy Chow Mein Recipe, you might also love exploring other flavorful dishes. For something with a little kick, this Bang Bang Fried Rice is always a hit. And for a rich, comforting meal, our Massaman Curry is a must-try.

We hope you love this easy, better-than-takeout Chow Mein Recipe! It’s a family favorite for a reason. If you try it, please leave a comment below or share a photo of your creation on Pinterest! We love seeing what you cook up.

Chow Mein Recipe

FL Recipes

Chow Mein Recipe (Better Than Takeout!)

This easy Chow Mein Recipe is better than takeout! Learn how to make authentic, restaurant-quality stir-fried noodles with chicken and vegetables in a savory sauce. A perfect weeknight dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Stir-Fry

• 8 oz chow mein egg noodles Or thin spaghetti
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp canola oil Or other high-smoke-point oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic Minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger Grated
• 2 cups green cabbage Thinly sliced
• 1 cup carrots Shredded
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 stalk celery Thinly sliced

For the Chow Mein Sauce

• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch

Equipment

• 1 Wok or Large Skillet
• 1 Large Pot For boiling noodles

Method

 

1. Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Toss thinly sliced chicken with 1 tsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients: low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
3. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and cook until no longer pink. Remove from the wok. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil, then add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced cabbage and celery to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but are still crisp.
5. Add the cooked noodles, carrots, and bean sprouts to the wok. Toss for 1 minute. Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Pour the sauce over everything and toss continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened and everything is well-coated. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalProtein: 32gFat: 15gFiber: 6g

Notes

Tip 1: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very fast process.
Tip 2: For crispier noodles, you can pan-fry the boiled and drained noodles in a bit of oil for a few minutes before adding them to the main stir-fry.

Keyword chinese noodles,chow mein,stir fry

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