Chow Mein

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Chow Mein

Chow Mein is a delightful stir-fried noodle dish that hails from Chinese cuisine, beloved for its crispy noodles and savory flavors. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet simple. With a medley of fresh vegetables, your choice of protein, and a tangy sauce, you’ll see why this dish deserves a spot in your dinner rotation. With this step-by-step recipe, you can whip up a delicious Chow Mein in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chow Mein stands out not only for its mouthwatering taste but also for its incredible versatility and ease of preparation. This dish allows you to customize ingredients based on your preference or what you have on hand, making it family-friendly and budget-conscious. The combination of vegetables provides a nutritious punch, while the noodles offer comfort and satisfaction. Plus, it can be made in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for any busy night.

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious Chow Mein, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 8 oz Chow Mein noodles
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snow peas)
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 cup protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)
• 1 tsp brown sugar

With these ingredients at hand, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying a fabulous meal!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare All Ingredients

First things first: take the time to chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces and slice your chosen protein into uniform pieces for even cooking.

2. Cook Chow Mein Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your Chow Mein noodles and cook until they are al dente, about 4-5 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.

3. Heat the Wok

Grab a large wok or sauté pan and add the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until they are fragrant.

4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Now it’s time to add those colorful mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they’re tender-crisp, retaining some of their vibrant color and crunch.

5. Add the Protein

Push the vegetables to the side of the wok to create a space for your protein. Add the chicken, shrimp, or tofu and cook until fully cooked through, which should take about 3-5 minutes, depending on what you choose.

6. Combine Everything

Once your protein is ready, mix everything in the wok. Add in the cooked Chow Mein noodles, soy sauce, cornstarch-water mixture, brown sugar, and rice vinegar for an extra zing. Toss continuously for 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

7. Finishing Touch

For a delicious finishing touch, drizzle a little more sesame oil over your Chow Mein right before serving it hot. This will enhance the flavors with a rich aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, use pre-cut vegetables or frozen mixed veggies.
• Experiment with different proteins or omit them altogether for a vegetarian version.
• Adjust the soy sauce to your taste preference or use tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or green onions on top for extra flavor and presentation.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Chow Mein is delicious on its own but can also be paired with a side of spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or a fresh cucumber salad. It’s great with a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick or a side of sweet and sour sauce for dipping.

Nutritional Information

While nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients used, one serving of Chow Mein generally includes:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g

This dish provides a fantastic blend of nourishment, protein, and energy.

Storing Tips & Variations for Chow Mein

Store any leftover Chow Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water or broth to help steam the noodles in a pan or microwave.

You can also vary your Chow Mein by adding different seasonings, such as hoisin sauce or chili oil, or switch up vegetables based on the season.

Conclusion for Chow Mein

Chow Mein is not just a food; it’s an experience you can whip up in under 30 minutes. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, it’s sure to please family members and guests alike. So why not try making it tonight? You’ll be thankful you did!

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of noodle for Chow Mein?
Yes! While Chow Mein noodles are traditional, you can use other noodles such as linguine or spaghetti in a pinch.

2. Is Chow Mein healthy?
When prepared with plenty of vegetables and lean protein, Chow Mein can be a balanced meal. You can also control sodium levels by using low-sodium soy sauce.

3. Can I make Chow Mein vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the protein for tofu and ensure that the soy sauce is vegetarian.

4. How can I make my Chow Mein spicier?
For added heat, incorporate sliced jalapeños, sriracha, or red pepper flakes during the cooking process.

5. What can I do with any leftovers?
Leftover Chow Mein can be used in a salad or as a filling for wraps or lettuce cups for a tasty next-day meal!

Chow Mein

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A delightful stir-fried noodle dish from Chinese cuisine, featuring crispy noodles and savory flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Vegetarian option available

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz Chow Mein noodles
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snow peas)
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 cup protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)
• 1 tsp brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients by chopping vegetables and slicing the protein.
2. Cook Chow Mein noodles in boiling water for 4-5 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse.
3. Heat sesame oil in a wok over medium-high heat and sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
4. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. Push vegetables to the side and add protein, cooking until fully cooked through (3-5 minutes).
6. Combine everything in the wok, adding noodles, soy sauce, cornstarch-water mixture, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Toss for 2-3 minutes until combined.
7. Drizzle more sesame oil before serving hot.

Notes

To save time, use pre-cut vegetables or frozen mixed veggies. Experiment with different proteins or omit them for a vegetarian version.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

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