Chow mein is a popular Chinese stir-fried noodle dish, beloved for its crisp-tender vegetables, flavorful noodles, and savory sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a satisfying meal, this homemade chow mein recipe is quick, customizable, and tastes just like your favorite takeout—but even better!
Ingredients
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz chow mein or thin egg noodles
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for tossing noodles)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup julienned carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu)
- 2 green onions, chopped
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wok or large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or spatula
Instructions
- Cook the noodles:
Boil the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside. - Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and broth. Set aside. - Prepare the stir-fry:
Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, stirring until fragrant. - Cook the vegetables:
Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp. - Add the protein and noodles:
Stir in your cooked protein of choice and the pre-cooked noodles. Toss everything together. - Pour in the sauce:
Add the sauce mixture to the wok. Toss everything to coat the noodles and veggies evenly. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through. - Garnish and serve:
Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade chow mein!
Tips
- Customize the veggies: Use broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for variation.
- For crispy noodles: Pan-fry the cooked noodles in a little oil before adding them to the stir-fry.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the oyster sauce and protein, and substitute tofu or extra veggies.
This chow mein recipe brings the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors to your table. With fresh ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a great way to enjoy a takeout classic at home. Customize it to suit your tastes, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Chow Mein Recipe
Make your own delicious and savory chow mein at home with this easy recipe! Packed with stir-fried noodles, veggies, and your choice of protein, it's a classic takeout favorite made fresh.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wok or large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- For the Noodles:
- 8 oz chow mein or thin egg noodles
- 1 tbsp sesame oil for tossing noodles
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion sliced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup julienned carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked protein chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu
- 2 green onions chopped
Instructions
- Cook the noodles:
- Boil the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and broth. Set aside.
- Prepare the stir-fry:
- Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, stirring until fragrant.
- Cook the vegetables:
- Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.
- Add the protein and noodles:
- Stir in your cooked protein of choice and the pre-cooked noodles. Toss everything together.
- Pour in the sauce:
- Add the sauce mixture to the wok. Toss everything to coat the noodles and veggies evenly. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade chow mein!
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