This Chow Mein Recipe is a beloved classic takeaway dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
This homemade version features fresh wheat noodles tossed in a savory sauce crafted from brown sugar, sesame oil, oyster sauce, shaoxing wine, and dark soy sauce.
Stir-fried with fragrant garlic, onion, and scallions, and enhanced with crunchy bean sprouts, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with chicken, beef, or prawns.
Nutritional Attributes:
This homemade Chow Mein offers not only incredible taste but also health benefits.
Bean sprouts are rich in nutrients like vitamins C and K, as well as fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.
By using fresh ingredients and controlling the sauce, you can customize the dish to suit your dietary preferences, ensuring a wholesome and satisfying dining experience.
Plus, with minimal added oils and sugars, it’s a healthier alternative to takeout.
How to make Chow Mein:
- Prepare Noodles: Cook fresh wheat noodles until al dente, then rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Combine brown sugar, sesame oil, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and dark soy sauce in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Stir-fry Aromatics: Heat oil in a wok or frying pan. Stir-fry minced garlic, sliced onion, and white parts of scallions until fragrant.
- Add Bean Sprouts: Add bean sprouts to the wok and stir-fry until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Combine Noodles: Add cooked noodles to the wok and toss with aromatics and bean sprouts until well combined.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss until evenly coated. Add remaining sliced green parts of scallions.
- Finish Cooking: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until noodles are heated through and sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot.
Ingredients & Alternatives:
With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a delicious batch of Chow Mein in no time.
By following the step-by-step guide, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready to enjoy in just a few easy steps.
- Noodles: Fresh wheat noodles serve as the foundation of this dish, providing a chewy and satisfying base. Cook them according to package instructions until al dente, then rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. However any other types of wheat noodles will do the trick.
- Aromatics: Garlic, onions, and scallions form the aromatic backbone of this dish, infusing it with rich flavor. Mince the garlic, slice the onions, and separate the white and green parts of the scallions for added dimension.
- Bean Sprouts: Crunchy bean sprouts add texture and freshness to the Chow Mein. Stir-fry them briefly to maintain their crispness while allowing them to absorb the flavors of the dish.
- Sauce: The sauce combines brown sugar, sesame oil, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and dark soy sauce for a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors.
- Recommendations and Alternatives: For a personalized touch, consider adding your favorite proteins such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. Cook them separately before incorporating them into the stir-fried noodles for a heartier meal.
Tips & Tricks:
- To enhance efficiency, prepare all ingredients before starting to cook.
- Adjust the flavors of the sauce to suit your taste preferences by tweaking the proportions of the ingredients.
- Customize the recipe by incorporating additional vegetables or spices for added depth of flavor.
- Feel free to taste the noodles and adjust the seasoning to your liking!
FAQ:
Can I use dried noodles instead of fresh ones?
While fresh wheat noodles add a great texture, you can substitute dried noodles if needed.
Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
A: If you prefer a spicier Chow Mein, add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick of heat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While Chow Mein is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble them just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Chow Mein
Ingredients
- 500 g Fresh wheat noodles
- 5 cloves Garlic minced
- 200 g Bean sprouts
- 1 Onion sliced
- 2 Scallions whites and greens separated, sliced
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- 2 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 2 tbsp Dark soy sauce
Instructions
- Cook the fresh wheat noodles according to package instructions until they are just al dente.Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, sesame oil, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and dark soy sauce until well combined. Set aside.
- Heat some oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.Add the minced garlic, sliced onion, and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions are translucent.
- Add the bean sprouts to the wok and continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp.
- Add the cooked noodles to the wok, tossing them with the aromatics and bean sprouts until well combined.Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce. Add the remaining sliced green parts of the scallions. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Once the noodles are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the wok from the heat.Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade Chow Mein!