Delicious Homemade Chow Mein Recipe: Better Than Takeout!
Meta Description: Discover how to make a quick and easy homemade Chow Mein that's tastier and healthier than takeout. This customizable recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and sure to be a family favorite.
Why You'll Love This Homemade Chow Mein
Preparing Chow Mein at home is a game-changer for noodle enthusiasts. Here's why this recipe stands out:
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Ready in just about 20 minutes, making it faster than ordering takeout.
- Customizable Ingredients: Utilize your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand, making it a versatile dish.
- Healthier Option: Control the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences, ensuring a nutritious meal.
- Authentic Flavor: A savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil delivers an authentic taste.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to both kids and adults, simplifying mealtime decisions.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.
Ingredients
- Noodles: 225g dried or fresh egg noodles
- Protein: 100g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, finely shredded
- Vegetables:
- 50g mangetout, finely shredded
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- Aromatics:
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Sauce:
- 2 tsp light soy sauce
- 2 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaohsing rice wine or dry sherry
- ½ tsp freshly ground white pepper
- ½ tsp golden caster sugar
- Marinade:
- 2 tsp light soy sauce
- 2 tsp Shaohsing rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp freshly ground white pepper
- Oils:
- 1 tbsp sesame oil, plus 1 tsp
- 2½ tbsp groundnut oil
Instructions
Stir-Fry the Chicken:
- Heat a wok over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of groundnut oil. When hot and slightly smoking, add the marinated chicken. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Wipe the wok clean and reheat until very hot. Add 1½ tablespoons of groundnut oil. Add the chopped garlic and stir-fry for 10 seconds. Add the shredded mangetout and stir-fry for about 1 minute.
Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked noodles to the wok, followed by light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaohsing rice wine (or dry sherry), white pepper, golden caster sugar, and finely chopped spring onions. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken and any juices to the wok. Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Finish the Dish:
- Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and give the mixture a final stir. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Chow Mein
- Prep Ahead: Have all ingredients chopped and sauces mixed before starting to cook, as the process moves quickly.
- High Heat Cooking: Use high heat to achieve a proper stir-fry, ensuring vegetables remain crisp and flavors are well-sealed.
- Noodle Selection: Fresh egg noodles work best, but if unavailable, dried egg noodles or even spaghetti can be used in a pinch.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to suit your taste.
Enjoy your homemade Chow Mein that's not only delicious but also tailored to your preferences!