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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Add the Protein (Optional)
If using cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, add it to the pan and stir-fry until heated through. - 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. - 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.
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