Quick and Easy Chow Mein – A Flavorful Noodle Dish
Introduction to Chow Mein
Chow Mein is one of the most popular noodle dishes in Asian cuisine, loved for its savory flavors, tender noodles, and crisp vegetables. Meaning “stir-fried noodles” in Chinese, Chow Mein is versatile, quick to prepare, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual family meal, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
Why Chow Mein is a Favorite
The beauty of Chow Mein lies in its balance—soft noodles, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that ties everything together. It’s a dish that works with chicken, beef, shrimp, or even just vegetables, making it a perfect choice for any dietary preference. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it one of the quickest ways to enjoy homemade Asian flavors.
Key Ingredients
To make quick and easy Chow Mein, you’ll need:
- Noodles – Chow Mein noodles or thin egg noodles work best.
- Protein – Chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu.
- Vegetables – Cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, bean sprouts, or whatever’s on hand.
- Sauce – A mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and a hint of sugar.
- Aromatics – Fresh garlic and green onions for flavor.
How It’s Cooked
- Cook the noodles until just tender, then drain and set aside.
- Stir-fry the protein in a hot wok or skillet until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables quickly over high heat to keep them crisp.
- Add noodles and sauce, tossing everything together until coated.
- Return the protein, mix well, and finish with sesame oil and green onions.
Quick Tips for Perfect Chow Mein
- Use high heat for stir-frying to give the noodles that signature smoky flavor.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables—they should remain crunchy.
- Customize the sauce with a splash of chili paste or hoisin sauce for extra depth.
Chow Mein and the World’s Cooking and Recipes
Chow Mein has traveled across the globe, adapting to local tastes while keeping its core flavors intact. At SreyDa’s Recipes, we celebrate not only authentic Cambodian dishes but also favorites from the world’s cooking and recipes. This quick and easy Chow Mein is a perfect example of how Asian flavors can be made simple and accessible for every kitchen.
It’s quick and simple to make at home, and tastes better than takeout!
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Set this sauce aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, garlic, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the bean sprouts and the cooked noodles.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the ingredients in the skillet and stir-fry everything together for a couple of minutes until it’s well combined and heated through.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or soy sauce if needed.
- Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
- Your chicken chow mein is ready to serve. Enjoy your meal!
