How To Make Chow Mein

Chow mein is a classic Chinese stir-fried noodle dish that is quick, flavorful, and easy to prepare. It consists of stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and a savory sauce, often with the addition of meat or tofu. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, shrimp, or a vegetarian version, chow mein is a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste. Here is how to make chow mein.

Ingredients

To make chow mein, you will need:

• 200g chow mein noodles or egg noodles
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• ½ cup julienned carrots
• ½ cup sliced bell peppers
• ½ cup bean sprouts
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• 1 cup cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu (optional)

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for a vegetarian option)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Steps to Make Chow Mein

1. Cook the Noodles
   Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
   In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, white pepper, and cornstarch mixture. Stir well until everything is dissolved.
3. Heat the Oil
   In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
   Add the cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they start to soften. Add the bean sprouts and half of the spring onions, cooking for another minute.
5. Add the Protein (Optional)
   If using cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, add it to the pan and stir-fry until heated through.
6. Toss in the Noodles
   Add the cooked noodles to the pan, pouring the prepared sauce over them. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated and heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve
   Sprinkle the remaining spring onions on top and serve hot. Chow mein pairs well with soy sauce or chili sauce for extra flavor.

Also Read: How To Make Butter Biscuits