Craving the irresistible flavors of authentic Chicken Chow Mein? Get ready to unleash your inner chef with a recipe that guarantees perfectly tender chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and a luscious sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that's both simple and sensational!
Ingredients
Let's gather what you'll need—it's all about getting organized before the fun really starts! You'll want 200g of chicken breast or thigh fillets – thinly sliced, please!
Next, grab 4 cups of shredded green cabbage. Don't skimp! Then, you gotta have 1 1/2 tablespoons of peanut oil (or whatever cooking oil you've got hanging around). And don't forget 2 cloves of garlic – finely chopped, of course.
Now, for the noodles: 200g of chow mein noodles are the star! A carrot, julienned, adds some color and crunch. And 1 1/2 cups of bean sprouts for that classic Chow Mein vibe! Soy sauce is another pantry staple needed for this recipe.
Finally, 3 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces, and 1/4 cup of water. Did ya think I forgot the green onions?
For the sauce, it's 2 tsp cornflour, 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, oyster or Hoisin sauce (same amount), Chinese cooking wine OR Mirin(again same amount). Add 2 tsp sugar (but only 1 if you're using Mirin). Finally, 1/2 tsp sesame oil and white pepper.
Instructions
Now, I'll walk you through how to make this awesome chow mein. First, whisk together 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 1/2 tablespoons of soy sauce, then mix in the other sauce ingredients – easy peasy!
Next, toss your sliced chicken with one tablespoon of the sauce – let it marinate for, like, ten minutes. While that sits – prepare your noodles as the package tells you. Mine need a quick soak in hot water. Just like with cashew chicken, the simplicity of this step is key.
Alright, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a wok or big pan over high heat. Fry 2 finely chopped cloves of garlic for just ten seconds – watch out, they'll burn fast!
Stir-fry the chicken for about a minute until it barely browns. Toss in 4 cups of shredded cabbage, 1 julienned carrot, and the white parts of your green onions. Stir-fry it all for a minute and a half.
Finally, add your noodles, sauce, and ¼ cup of water. Stir away for a minute! Then, toss in 1 1/2 cups of bean sprouts, the green parts of your scallions and you are done!
Recipe Notes
I've got some essential pointers that will make your chow mein a total success, including tips for different ingredients and potential swaps (because, let's be real, sometimes you're missing something!).
For the chicken, thigh's my fave — juicier, you know? But breast works too; just tenderize it! Other proteins? Go wild! Pork, beef, shrimp—even ground meat. Just marinate 'em, and you're golden!
Noodle-wise, chow mein noodles are the key. Asian stores usually have them; otherwise, supermarkets may carry them. Cabbage? Any green kind's fine — or even purple! Once cooked, the differences virtually disappear.
Soy sauce: aim for all-purpose, or light soy sauce. Dark or sweet won't cut it and aren't the tastes to look for! For Chinese cooking wine, it's essential! If you can't use alcohol, chicken broth — it works well to use!
Nutrition Information
Switching gears, let's peek at the nutrition facts—what's inside this yummy bowl! Each serving (a hefty 428g!) clocks in at 554 calories! That's 28% of your daily intake.
I'm not gonna lie, it's pretty filling! You'll get 46.5g of carbs—fuel for your adventures—and a solid 28g of protein, which is over half your daily needs. Gotta get those muscles strong!
Now, about fat—31.2g, with 5.2g saturated. Keep an eye on that saturated fat, okay? There's also 76mg of cholesterol, some sodium (1089mg), 5.4g of fiber (yay for digestion!), and a touch of sugar (9.2g)! Remember, it's a guide; adjust to your needs!
Short Recipe Version
Chicken Chow Mein (Concise Recipe)
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 8 oz chow mein noodles
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup sliced cabbage
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced celery
- 1/2 cup sliced onion
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch for 10 minutes.
- Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add cabbage, carrots, celery, and onion. Stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add noodles and chicken broth. Toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information (approximate per serving):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g