Chicken Chow Mein: Your Ultimate Weeknight Takeaway
Alright, let's dive into this Chow Mein Recipe , shall we? Fancy ditching that Friday night takeaway guilt?
Chow Mein: Your Weeknight Takeaway Hero!
Honestly, who doesn't love Chinese food ? Especially Chow Mein . This Best Chow Mein Recipe is your ticket to flavour town. Skip the delivery apps. Make your own Homemade Chinese feast!
This chicken chow mein is about to become your new favourite. it’s got that sweet and savoury thing going on.
The kind that just hits the spot. we're talking tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and all those yummy veggies.
This recipe comes from a long line of chinese meals that families all over the world enjoy. it is a relatively easy dish to prepare.
You'll need about 35 minutes from start to finish, and it makes 4 generous servings.
This homemade chinese food is way healthier than the stuff you get delivered. you know exactly what's going in it.
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. this is a perfect meal to have for busy weeknights.
It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser, even the kids love it!
Okay, let's dive into making the best chow mein recipe , shall we? honestly, homemade chinese food tastes so much better than the takeaway sometimes, right? this section's all about what you'll need.
Let's get started!
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Chow Mein Toolkit
Main Ingredients for Chinese Chow Mein
First, the basics. We're making chicken Chow Mein , so that's our protein.
- Chicken: 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin. Look for chicken that's pink, firm, and doesn’t smell funny. Trust your nose, yeah?
- Chow Mein Noodles: 1 pound (450g) fresh or dried. I've had great luck with both. If using dried, get them soaking!
- Veggie Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , divided.
- Onion: 1 medium , sliced.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Carrots: 1 cup (approx. 100g) , sliced.
- Celery: 1 cup (approx. 100g) , sliced.
- Green Cabbage: 1 cup (approx. 100g) , sliced.
- Bean Sprouts: ½ cup (approx. 50g)
- Green Onions: Sliced for garnish, to taste. These are great indicators of freshness.
Marinating the Chicken
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , low sodium is better.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Adds that amazing flavour.
- White Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) .
Chow Mein Sauce
- Chicken Broth: ¼ cup (60ml) , low sodium.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , low sodium again!
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . This is key for that umami bomb.
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Balances the saltiness.
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Can’t get enough of it!
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
Seasoning Notes for the Best Chow Mein Recipe
Honestly, the combo of soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce is the chinese foods flavour base! don't skimp. and the brown sugar? don’t miss that balance! if you're missing oyster sauce, hoisin can sub, but go easy.
Equipment Needed
- Wok or Large Skillet: Key for Homemade Chinese . A wok is ideal, but a large skillet works.
- Large Pot: For boiling the noodles.
- Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, but gotta say it!
- Mixing Bowls & Measuring Spoons: To keep things organised.
No need for fancy gadgets! try to keep it simple. you don't need a wok burner or anything crazy to make incredible chow mein .
You know? a good skillet does the job just fine. time to get cooking this chow mein recipe , baby!
Alright, let's dive into the wonderful world of chow mein ! honestly, who doesn't love a good chinese chow mein dish? it's comfort food at its finest.
You know? it's easier than you think to make this homemade chinese food right at home.
Chow Mein Magic: Your Prep Station
First, mise en place is your best friend. get everything chopped! it seriously saves time. slice that chicken, dice your onions, and julienne those carrots.
Organisation is so key. safety first, though! watch those fingers when wielding that knife. think it's useful to remember where homemade chinese became a culture in many places of the world.
Stir Fry Time: step-by-step to a Great Chow Mein Recipe
Follow along for the Best Chow Mein Recipe . Here's how we get the party started:
- Marinate chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce , 1 tablespoon cornstarch , 1 teaspoon sesame oil , and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper for at least 15 minutes .
- Cook 1 pound of chow mein noodles according to package directions. Drain well. Nobody wants soggy noodles, right?
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok over medium high heat. Stir fry chicken until cooked through.
- Add onions and garlic; sauté. Add carrots and celery; stir fry. Then cabbage and sprouts until crisp tender.
- Return chicken to the wok. Add cooked noodles.
- Whisk sauce: 1/4 cup chicken broth , 2 tablespoons soy sauce , 1 tablespoon oyster sauce , 1 tablespoon brown sugar , 1 teaspoon sesame oil , and 1 teaspoon cornstarch .
- Pour the sauce over everything!
- Stir fry until the sauce thickens. Garnish with green onions. Voila! Dinner is served!
Pro Tips and Tricks for Amazing Chow Mein
Listen, don't overcrowd the wok! stir frying is best done in batches, or you are likely to end up having watery chinese meals .
I’ve totally done it myself. the best part is just playing with the recipe, if you like noodles try some lo mein recipes , maybe adding new flavors to your own version of this dish.
Avoid overcooking the noodles. nobody likes mushy noodles. for a shortcut, pre-shredded cabbage saves time. you can even prep the veggies the night before.
One mistake to avoid is forgetting to taste as you go. adjust the seasoning to your liking. the sauce might need extra soy sauce or brown sugar.
Honestly, chow mein is so versatile. Get creative! That's what makes Chinese Foods so fun to cook. Enjoy!
Alright, let's dive into some extra notes about our best chow mein recipe ! this isn't just any chow mein recipe , it's a real winner.
Honestly, i’ve made this so many times, i feel like a proper homemade chinese chef!
Recipe Notes: Pro Tips and Tricks
Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Good
Plating is important, you know? think about it! pile that gorgeous chinese chow mein high on a plate. a sprinkle of extra green onions? chef's kiss.
Serve with crispy spring rolls. or, a refreshing glass of iced green tea. it's like you ordered in! this recipe elevates your chinese meals , promise.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? no worries. pop that chow mein in an airtight container. fridge it for up to 3 days. honestly, though, it’s usually gone way before then! for reheating, a quick zap in the microwave works.
Or, stir fry it in a pan. a splash of water keeps the noodles from drying out. freezing isn't ideal but can do it to save it from going to waste.
This homemade chinese food is too good to waste!
Variations: Mix it Up
Want to keep things interesting? try adding some mushrooms. or, bell peppers for extra crunch. for a vegetarian version, swap chicken for tofu.
Use vegetarian oyster sauce. easy peasy! and if you're looking to play around with other oriental flavors, then perhaps explore lo mein recipes .
This chow mein recipe is super adaptable!
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body
Okay, let's talk nutrition. this chow mein has protein from the chicken. it has carbs from the chow mein noodles .
And, veggies packed with vitamins. it's not health food, per se. but, it's way better than takeaway! plus, you control the ingredients.
That’s a win, right? be mindful of salt levels, use low sodium soy sauce.
So, there you have it! Your guide to the Best Chow Mein Recipe ever. Don't be scared to experiment and have fun!
Give it a go and tag me in your pics! You can make your own Chinese Foods at home. Trust me, you’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is chow mein, and how is it different from lo mein?
That's a great question! Chow mein literally means "stir fried noodles" in Chinese, while lo mein means "tossed noodles." The key difference is in the preparation. With chow mein, the noodles are typically stir fried until slightly crispy.
Lo mein noodles are usually boiled and then tossed with sauce and other ingredients, resulting in a softer texture, almost like a delicious noodle stew.
Can I make chicken chow mein ahead of time? I'm a busy bee like that!
You can definitely prep some of the ingredients in advance! Chop your vegetables and marinate the chicken. However, it's best to cook the noodles and stir fry everything right before serving. Chow mein is best enjoyed fresh, as the noodles can become a bit soggy if stored for too long.
Think of it like fish and chips, it's much better when served immediately.
What's the best way to store leftover chicken chow mein, and how long will it last?
Store leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will generally last for 3-4 days. When reheating, you can microwave it, but for best results, stir fry it in a pan with a little bit of oil or broth to rehydrate the noodles and prevent them from drying out.
Think of it as giving it a little spa day before you dig in!
I can't find chow mein noodles anywhere! What can I substitute in this chicken chow mein recipe?
No worries, mate! If you can't find chow mein noodles, egg noodles are a great substitute. You could also use dried spaghetti in a pinch, just cook it al dente. Keep an eye on the salt content when picking your alternative, as this may affect the overall taste.
Is this chow mein recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Chow mein can be a relatively healthy meal, especially when homemade. It contains protein from the chicken and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. To make it even healthier, use low-sodium soy sauce and plenty of fresh vegetables, and be mindful of portion sizes.
You can also lighten it up by using less oil when stir frying.
I'm vegetarian. Can I still enjoy chow mein? What substitutions can I make?
Absolutely! To make vegetarian chow mein, simply substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and opt for a vegetarian oyster sauce (often made from mushrooms) or simply use more soy sauce for flavour.
You could even add some tasty Quorn pieces to the mix, it'll be just like having a proper chicken chow mein!
Chicken Chow Mein Your Ultimate Weeknight Takeaw
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | N/A |
