What are the main ingredients in chicken chow mein?

Chicken chow mein typically includes thinly sliced chicken, chow mein noodles, vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts, and a savory chow mein sauce made from oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth. This combination creates a flavorful and balanced dish that can be customized with different proteins or vegetables.

How can I make chow mein noodles at home?

Homemade chow mein noodles can be made by mixing wheat flour and eggs to create a dough, rolling it thin, then cutting it into thin strips. For convenience, many cooks use pre-made fresh or dried chow mein noodles available in Asian markets or grocery stores.

What are good substitutes for oyster sauce in chow mein?

If you cannot use oyster sauce, mushroom stir-fry sauce, hoisin sauce, or a mix of soy sauce and a small amount of sugar serve as good substitutes. These alternatives provide similar umami flavors and are suitable for vegetarians or those with shellfish allergies.

What’s the difference between chow mein and lo mein?

Chow mein noodles are typically fried to add a crispy texture to the dish, whereas lo mein noodles are boiled and remain soft throughout. This results in a textural difference: chow mein has a mix of crispy and soft noodles, while lo mein features softer, saucier noodles.

Chicken Chow Mein Recipe with Savory Sauce

Description

🍜 Enjoy a comforting bowl of Chicken Chow Mein that’s perfect for a quick meal.
🍜 Packed with vegetables and flavors, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine or dry cooking sherry (optional)
12 oz uncooked chow mein noodles or 8 oz fresh thin Hong-Kong-Style noodles
3 tablespoons olive oil or neutral cooking oil
2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
1 large carrot, julienned
1 ½ cups bean sprouts
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 green onions, chopped into 2-inch pieces
Optional: 2 teaspoons finely julienned ginger, ⅔ cup fresh mushrooms, 1 cup snap peas
6 tablespoons oyster sauce
3 tablespoons light sesame oil (not toasted)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust based on preference)
White or black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the chicken slices with oyster sauce, cornstarch, and Shaoxing wine. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. For fresh noodles, boil briefly in water and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sugar until well combined.
4. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken until browned and about 80% cooked. Remove and set aside.
5. Stir-fry Vegetables: Using the same pan, add remaining oil. Stir-fry garlic (and ginger, if using) for a few seconds. Add cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms (if using) and sauté until cabbage is translucent.
6. Combine and Finish: Add cooked noodles, chicken, and sauce to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for about 2 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated. Add bean sprouts and green onions, and cook for an additional minute until bean sprouts are just wilted.
7. Serve Hot: Garnish with additional green onions if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

🥢 For softer noodles, use thin egg noodles or spaghetti in place of chow mein noodles.
🥢 Shaoxing wine can be replaced with mirin or dry sherry, and for a non-alcoholic version, use chicken broth.
🥢 Experiment with different vegetables like snap peas or snow peas for added variety and nutrition.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinade Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 340-432
Sugar: 3-5 g
Sodium: 914-945 mg
Fat: 13-19 g
Saturated Fat: 2-3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11-16 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 36-39 g
Fiber: 3-4 g
Protein: 19-26 g
Cholesterol: 45-55 mg