Chowmein

4.8(41 reviews)

Chinese-American chowmein — stir-fried crispy noodles with vegetables and savory sauce. The takeout classic. Different from soft noodles — chowmein has crispy edges.

Prep Time

20 min

🔥

Cook Time

36 min

🍽

Servings

2

Calories

409 cal

Jump to Recipe
Chowmein — homemade International dinner recipe with noodles, carrot, cabbage, 2 servings, ready in 56 minutes
Dinner
Medium

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Smart Servings Scaler

servings
  • Noodles100 g
  • Carrot½ medium
  • Cabbage½
  • Peas¼ cup
  • Spring Onion½
  • Soy Sauce1 tbsp
  • Garlic1 ½ cloves
  • Ginger½ tsp
  • Sesame Oil½

All quantities scaled automatically from 2 servings.

Ingredients

Makes 2 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust

  • Noodles100 g
  • Carrot0.5 medium
  • Cabbage0.5
  • Peas0.25 cup
  • Spring Onion0.5
  • Soy Sauce1 tbsp
  • Garlic1.5 cloves
  • Ginger0.5 tsp
  • Sesame Oil0.5

Instructions

  1. 1

    Boil 8 oz chow mein noodles for 1 minute less than package time. Drain. Spread on a sheet to dry slightly.

  2. 2

    Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok or large skillet over highest heat. Add the noodles in a flat layer. Don't move for 2 minutes — let them crisp on the bottom.

  3. 3

    Flip the noodle mat (use spatula) and let the other side crisp 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate, breaking up slightly.

  4. 4

    In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry 3 cups mixed vegetables (cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, bean sprouts, scallions, mushrooms) for 3 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated ginger. Stir 30 seconds. Add the sauce (3 tablespoons soy + 1 tablespoon oyster + 1 teaspoon sesame oil + 1 tablespoon sugar + ½ cup stock + 1 tablespoon cornstarch + water).

  6. 6

    Return the crispy noodles. Toss for 60 seconds until sauce thickens and coats. Off heat, sprinkle with scallions. Serve immediately.

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💡 Expert Tips

  • 1.Crisp the noodles. The distinguishing feature.
  • 2.Highest heat.
  • 3.Add protein if you like (chicken, shrimp).
  • 4.Eat immediately.

🔬 Why It Works

Chowmein (American-Chinese style) succeeds when the noodles are first crisped (the distinguishing feature) then briefly tossed with the vegetables and sauce. The combination of crispy noodle texture, tender vegetables, and savory sauce creates the takeout classic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chow mein vs lo mein?
Chow mein noodles are crispy (stir-fried hard). Lo mein noodles stay soft. Different textures, same general flavors.
Best noodles?
Chinese chow mein noodles (dried, thin). Substitute: thin egg noodles.
Add protein?
Yes — chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu. Stir-fry first, set aside, return at end.
Vegetarian?
Skip oyster sauce or use mushroom version. Naturally vegetarian.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (recipe makes 2 servings)

Calories409kcal
Protein6g
Carbohydrates25g
Fat29g
Fiber5g
Sugar17g

* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.

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