Chow mein
Chow mein is stir-fried noodles tossed with vegetables and a protein in a savory soy-based sauce. Some versions are soft, others crisp.
Homemade Chow mein with shrimps and meat with a choy and Choung: Peachyeung316, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Where it comes from
The name comes from a Taishan-dialect phrase for fried noodles, and the dish traveled with Chinese cooks across the world. Regional versions vary widely from crispy pan-fried to soft and saucy.
Explore the cuisine of China.
Recipe
Make Chow mein at home
Ingredients
- 8 oz chow mein noodles
- 1 lb chicken or shrimp, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 4 scallions
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons oil
How it's made
- Boil the noodles 2 minutes, drain and toss with a little oil so they do not stick.
- Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar and 2 tablespoons water.
- Stir-fry the chicken in hot oil until cooked and set aside.
- Stir-fry garlic, carrot and cabbage 2 minutes.
- Add the noodles and sauce and toss over high heat until coated.
- Return the chicken, add the scallions and serve immediately.
Variations
- Crispy pan-fried noodle cake with topping
- Vegetable chow mein
- Beef chow mein
Cook’s tip: Use day-old, dry noodles and a very hot wok so they fry instead of steam.
Related dishes
Fried riceMain dishes · China
JapchaeMain dishes · South Korea
Dan dan noodlesStreet food · China
Wonton noodlesSoups · China
Kung Pao chickenMain dishes · China
About this page
Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.
Photo credit
- Homemade Chow mein with shrimps and meat with a choy and Choung: Peachyeung316, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)