Chinese Chow Mein Recipe: Better Than Takeout!

This easy, Chinese-inspired Chow Mein recipe combines tender noodles, crisp vegetables, and savory chicken tossed in a simple homemade sauce. It’s a healthy, quick, and flavorful meal you can whip up right in your own kitchen.

Love takeout-style meals at home? Be sure to try these next: Lo Mein Noodles, Angel Hair Pasta Recipe, Homemade Pappardelle, Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe, Easy Spaghetti Recipe

Why This Chinese Chow Mein Recipe Works (Highlights & Benefits)

Hello, noodle enthusiasts! Olivia here, your dedicated noodle guide. Today, we’re making Chinese Chow Mein – a takeout favorite that’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for home. This recipe brings joy and flavor without the fuss, embodying my belief that noodles connect us.

Here’s why you’ll love making this Chinese Chow Mein at home:

• 30-Minute Meal: Get this fresh, flavorful Chinese Chow Mein on the table fast, ideal for busy weeknights.
• Fresh & Wholesome: This easy Chinese Chow Mein recipe is packed with vibrant vegetables and lean protein, offering a healthier alternative to takeout.
• Easy to Customize: Adapt this Chinese Chow Mein recipe with your favorite veggies and proteins, making it perfect for using up fridge staples.

What is Chinese Chow Mein?

Chow mein (炒面), which literally means “stir-fried noodles” in Mandarin, is a classic Chinese dish that involves stir-frying cooked noodles with vegetables and a savory sauce, often including protein like chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu. It’s a cornerstone of Chinese-American cuisine and a staple in takeout menus.

While the dish has its roots in Cantonese cuisine, its adaptation across cultures has led to countless variations, each with its unique flavor profile and ingredients.

Essential Ingredients in Chow Mein

Ingredients

To craft your perfect homemade Chinese Chow Mein, gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients. Exact quantities for some items are based on common recipe standards to provide a complete guide.

For the Chow Mein Sauce:

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce/hoisin for a vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color and deeper flavor, optional)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

For the Chow Mein Noodles & Stir-Fry:

• 1 pound fresh or dried Chow Mein noodles (or Yakisoba noodles, discarding their seasoning packet; see notes for other noodle options)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other high smoke point oil), divided
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced (or protein of choice like beef, shrimp, tofu)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (for chicken)
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
• 1 cup fresh bean sprouts (optional, for added crunch)

Equipment

To effortlessly create this delicious homemade Chinese Chow Mein, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Large Pot: For boiling the noodles.
• Large Wok or Skillet: A wok is ideal for stir-frying, as its sloped sides allow for quick and even cooking. If you don’t have a wok, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven will work well.
• Whisk: For easily combining the Chow Mein sauce ingredients until smooth.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For preparing your protein and vegetables efficiently.
• Tongs: Indispensable for tossing the noodles and ingredients together in the wok or skillet, ensuring everything is perfectly coated in the sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements, especially for the sauce.

How to Make Chinese Chow Mein (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Get ready to create a truly irresistible Chinese Chow Mein dish! Follow these clear, detailed steps for perfect results every time. Remember, mise en place (having all your ingredients prepped and ready) is key for stir-frying success!

1. Prepare the Chow Mein Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and sesame oil. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry to the main sauce mixture and whisk until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
2. Cook Chicken (or Protein): Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your large wok or skillet over high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add to the hot pan. Sauté until cooked through and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add another 1 tablespoon of oil to the hot wok. Once hot, add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced celery, and the white parts of the chopped green onion. Stir-fry over high heat for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove all vegetables to the plate with the chicken.
4. Cook the Chow Mein Noodles: Add the last 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the Chow Mein noodles (if using fresh or pre-boiled dry noodles) and cook for 1 minute, tossing to separate. If using dry noodles that need boiling first (like standard lo mein noodles or dry wonton noodles), cook them according to package instructions until al dente, drain very well, and remove excess moisture before adding them to the wok.
5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked vegetables and chicken to the pan with the noodles. Give the prepared Chow Mein sauce a quick whisk again (as cornstarch can settle) and pour it over the ingredients in the wok.
6. Toss & Serve: Cook, tossing vigorously with tongs to coat all the noodles, chicken, and vegetables evenly with the glossy sauce. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the fresh bean sprouts (if using) during the last 30 seconds of tossing. Remove from heat. Garnish with the green parts of the green onions. Serve your homemade Chinese Chow Mein immediately, hot and fresh!

1- Prepare the Chow Mein Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and sesame oil. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry to the main sauce mixture and whisk until well combined and smooth. Set aside.

2- Cook Chicken (or Protein): Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your large wok or skillet over high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add to the hot pan. Sauté until cooked through and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

3- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add another 1 tablespoon of oil to the hot wok. Once hot, add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced celery, and the white parts of the chopped green onion. Stir-fry over high heat for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove all vegetables to the plate with the chicken.

4- Cook the Chow Mein Noodles: Add the last 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the Chow Mein noodles (if using fresh or pre-boiled dry noodles) and cook for 1 minute, tossing to separate. If using dry noodles that need boiling first (like standard lo mein noodles or dry wonton noodles), cook them according to package instructions until al dente, drain very well, and remove excess moisture before adding them to the wok.

5- Combine Everything: Return the cooked vegetables and chicken to the pan with the noodles. Give the prepared Chow Mein sauce a quick whisk again (as cornstarch can settle) and pour it over the ingredients in the wok.

6- Toss & Serve: Cook, tossing vigorously with tongs to coat all the noodles, chicken, and vegetables evenly with the glossy sauce. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the fresh bean sprouts (if using) during the last 30 seconds of tossing. Remove from heat. Garnish with the green parts of the green onions. Serve your homemade Chinese Chow Mein immediately, hot and fresh!

Nutrition Information

(Approximate values per serving, based on 4 servings. These are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and additions like protein or extra vegetables. They provide a helpful guide for health-conscious readers.)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	~580 kcal	Approximate total based on typical ingredients
Fat	~28 g	Includes oil used for stir-frying
Saturated Fat	~5 g	Mostly from protein and stir-fry oil
Carbohydrates	~65 g	Comes from noodles and sauce
Fiber	~6 g	From vegetables like cabbage and carrots
Protein	~30 g	Varies with protein (chicken, tofu, shrimp)
Sugar	~9 g	From sauce and natural sugars in veggies
Sodium	~1300 mg	Can vary with soy sauce; use low-sodium options to reduce intake
Cholesterol	~80 mg	Higher with meat/shrimp, lower with tofu or plant-based proteins

Serving Suggestions

Your freshly made Chinese Chow Mein is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few complementary dishes to create a full Asian-inspired feast!

• Classic Appetizers: Serve crisp egg rolls or fresh spring rolls alongside your Chinese Chow Mein for delightful textural contrast. These appetizers are perfect with Chinese Chow Mein.
• Savory Sides: Steamed dumplings or potstickers make excellent additions, offering another delicious savory bite to complement your Chinese Chow Mein.
• Light Soups: A simple hot and sour soup or a comforting egg drop soup can be a refreshing contrast to the richness of your Chinese Chow Mein. This soup pairs well with Chinese Chow Mein.
• Refreshing Salads: A tangy Asian cucumber salad provides a cool, crisp palate cleanser after enjoying your flavorful Chinese Chow Mein. This salad is a great addition to any Chinese Chow Mein meal.
• More Protein: If you want to expand your meal, consider pairing your Chinese Chow Mein with other takeout-inspired dishes like Kung Pao Shrimp or General Tso’s Chicken. More protein with your Chinese Chow Mein makes for a heartier meal.
• Beverages: A cold beer, green tea, or iced tea perfectly complements the flavors of this Chinese Chow Mein recipe. Enjoy your Chinese Chow Mein with your favorite drink.
• Savor every bite of your delicious homemade Chinese Chow Mein! This Chinese Chow Mein is truly a delight.

Variations and Customizations

Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free Options

• Vegetarian: Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh.
• Vegan: Use hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use rice noodles and gluten-free soy sauce.

Regional and International Adaptations

• American-Chinese Chow Mein: Softer, saucier.
• Cantonese Style: Pan-fried noodles, crispy.
• Filipino Pancit Canton: Similar technique, different spices.

Craving creamy noodles? Don’t miss our Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe for a comfort classic.

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Explore More Noodle Recipes

Loved mastering homemade Chinese Chow Mein? As your noodle guide, I invite you to continue your culinary journey and explore more delicious noodle recipes from around the world right here on Easy Noodle Recipes!

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• Deep Dive into Noodles:
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