Easy Chinese Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Whether you’re craving something familiar or looking to customize it to your liking, this recipe has you covered. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from sourcing ingredients to perfecting the cooking technique. In this post, we’ll cover the recipe step-by-step and give you valuable insights into sourcing the right ingredients.

The importance of key flavors like Shaoxing wine, and tips for making your chow mein the best it can be. You’ll also find alternatives for ingredients you may not have any tips on storing leftovers. So, if you’re ready to elevate your homemade chow mein game, grab your wok, and let’s get started!

Ingredients Overview for Chicken Chow Mein

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s break down the essential ingredients that make chicken chow mein such a flavorful and satisfying dish. Understanding these ingredients will give you a better grasp of how each contributes to the final result.

Essential Ingredients:

1. Chicken
   • Chicken breasts or thighs are both commonly used in chow mein. Breasts are leaner, while thighs are more tender and flavorful. Choose based on your preference for texture and taste.
   • You can also use leftover chicken for a more convenient and time-saving option.
2. Chow Mein Noodles
   • Traditional chow mein noodles are thin and soft but slightly crispy when stir-fried. They absorb flavors well.
   • If you can’t find chow mein noodles, you can use lo mein noodles or egg noodles as alternatives. Just be sure to cook them according to the instructions on the package to avoid overcooking.
3. Vegetables
   • The vegetables you use can vary based on personal preference, but the traditional ones include cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. These add crunch, color, and freshness to the dish.
   • Onions and scallions (green onions) are often added for extra flavor, with the scallions serving as both a garnish and an ingredient.
   • If you prefer other vegetables, broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms also work wonderfully.
4. Sauces & Seasonings
   • Soy sauce is the base of the sauce, offering that deep umami flavor we all love.
   • Oyster sauce enhances the richness and complexity of the dish.
   • Sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor.
   • Shaoxing cooking wine is another essential ingredient that brings a sweet and slightly tangy undertone to the chow mein. It’s key for authenticity, but dry sherry or mirin can be used as substitutes.
5. Garlic and Ginger
   • Fresh garlic and ginger are sautéed in oil to provide the aromatic base of the dish. They bring bold flavor and zest to the chow mein.

Where to Source Ingredients

While many of these ingredients are available at your local grocery store, for the best flavors, you may want to visit an Asian market. You’ll find more authentic options like Shaoxing wine, fresh chow mein noodles, and specific sauces like oyster sauce and sesame oil.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you may find in an Asian market:

Ingredient	Where to Find It	Common Substitutes
Shaoxing cooking wine	Asian grocery stores or online	Dry sherry, mirin
Chow mein noodles	Asian grocery stores	Lo mein noodles, egg noodles
Oyster sauce	Asian grocery stores	Hoisin sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chicken Chow Mein

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make a mouthwatering chicken chow mein that will rival your favorite takeout.

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Marinate the chicken: Cut the chicken into thin, bite-sized strips. Marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of sugar for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the chicken stay tender and flavorful.
• Chop the vegetables: Slice the carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage into thin strips. Make sure they’re uniform in size for even cooking.

2. Cook the Noodles

• Boil the chow mein noodles in a large pot of water for about 3-5 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside. You can toss them with a little oil to prevent sticking.

3. Stir-fry the Chicken

• Heat vegetable oil or peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until it’s cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.

4. Cook the Vegetables

• In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the garlic and ginger first, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the vegetables stay crisp and colorful.

5. Combine Everything

• Add the cooked noodles and chicken back into the wok. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a splash of Shaoxing cooking wine. Stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the noodles are coated in the savory sauce.
• If the noodles are too dry, you can add a little more soy sauce or a splash of water.

6. Final Touches

• Taste your chow mein and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a bit more soy sauce, a dash of sesame oil, or a pinch of sugar for balance.
• Garnish with fresh scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

FAQs

Where can I find Shaoxing cooking wine?

Shaoxing wine is typically found at Asian grocery stores or online. If you don’t have access to it, you can substitute it with dry sherry or mirin, although they won’t provide the same depth of flavor.

What if I don’t have all the vegetables?

Chow Mein is very flexible! You can substitute vegetables based on availability or personal preference. Broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms work great. You can also use frozen stir-fry vegetables in a pinch.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can skip the marinating and stir-frying steps. Just add it in when combining the noodles and vegetables, allowing it to heat through and absorb the flavors.

How do I store leftovers?

To store leftover chicken chow mein, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent dryness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute gluten-free soy sauce (also known as tamari) and rice noodles for the chow mein noodles. Make sure all sauces are certified gluten-free to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.