Restaurant-Style Chicken Chow Mein

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Craving that Chinese food recipes takeout taste? Honestly, who isn't? This Chicken Chow Mein Recipe will hit the spot. It's savoury, satisfying and packed with that amazing umami flavour we all adore.

Brief Overview

Chow mein, a beloved staple of asian cooking , originated in china and has become a worldwide favourite. this is a pretty easy recipe.

It takes about 45 minutes to make. this recipe makes 4 servings .

Main Benefits

One of the best things? this recipe is way healthier than your average takeout. it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

What makes it special? well, it tastes just like the restaurant style chow mein you love.

Why You'll Love This Chow Mein

Okay, so, like, i used to always order chow mein. honestly, it was my go-to comfort food. but, you know, sometimes it was a bit.

.. greasy. this homemade version is so much better. it's fresh, flavourful, and you know exactly what's in it.

Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make your own homemade chow mein . don’t be intimidated, even if you are not familiar with chinese cooking .

My friend sarah once said it was easier than boiling pasta! (okay, maybe not that easy. still, you get the idea.

) you can throw it together with whatever veggies you have in the fridge. leftover cabbage stir fry ? perfect.

And, if you are looking for stir fry recipes easy , this one is definitely a winner. no fancy techniques required.

And by doing some easy replacements you can adapt it and create great cabbage recipes

Ingredients & Equipment

Hey guys! let's talk shop about what you'll need for some proper chinese cooking . this ain’t your typical takeaway muck, mind you.

We're going for authentic flavours, innit? here’s what you need to make brilliant chinese food recipes .

Main Ingredients

Alright, listen up! Getting the right ingredients is like having the right tools in a toolbox. No point in trying to build a shed with just a hammer, yeah?

• Chicken Marinade :
  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast. Key is freshness; it shouldn’t smell funky.
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) cornstarch
  • 1 tsp (5ml) sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) white pepper
• Noodles :
  • 1 lb (450g) chow mein noodles. Fresh is best, but dried works too.
• Sauce :
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Shaoxing wine. Dry sherry is a shout if you haven’t got any Shaoxing wine.
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) cornstarch
  • 1 tsp (5ml) sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
• Stir Fry :
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 inch ginger
  • 1/2 cup (75g) carrots
  • 1/2 cup (75g) celery
  • 1 cup (150g) onion
  • 1 cup (75g) cabbage
  • 1 cup (75g) bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup (50g) mushrooms
  • 2 green onions

Seasoning Notes

Seasoning is where the magic happens, right? You need to get those flavour combinations just right.

• Essential spice combos: Ginger and garlic, naturally. Gotta have it!
• Flavour enhancers: Oyster sauce adds a deep umami flavour, and it makes amazing cabbage stir fry!
• Substitutions: Hoisin sauce works if you're out of oyster sauce. Honestly, it's fine.

Equipment Needed

Right, so you don't need a fancy kitchen for this. Just the basics!

• Wok or large frying pan. Wok is better, obvs.
• Chopping board and knife. Dull knives are the devil, so get them sharpened!
• Measuring cups and spoons. Eyeballing it works too if you're feeling brave. Making homemade chow mein is a game, not a chore.

These stir fry recipes easy methods are simple, trust me! You will have awesome and yummy Chinese food recipes at home.

Cooking Method: Wok Skills 101

Alright, you fancy trying some chinese food recipes eh? let's get into the heart of it: wok cooking ! honestly, it sounds intimidating, but it's easier than perfectly poaching an egg trust me, i've been there.

And it's central to many forms of chinese cooking .

Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Mate

First, mise en place it's not just a fancy term chefs use. it means getting everything ready. chop all your veggies carrots, celery, cabbage before you even think about turning on the hob for some cabbage stir fry .

It’s like getting your ducks in a row before the race starts.

Time saving tip : Chop extra veg on Sunday ready to go for the week.

Safety first, obviously! remember sharp knives and hot oil don't mix well with rushing. be mindful of your surroundings and keep kids (and tipsy friends!) away from the kitchen during the intense part.

step-by-step Process: Wok It Like You Mean It

1. Heat your wok or large frying pan until it's smoking hot. High heat is crucial .
2. Add about 2 tbsp of oil. You want a shimmering, almost dancing effect.
3. Toss in your garlic and ginger. Stir fry for around 30 seconds .
4. Add the chicken, pre-marinated of course, and cook it for about 4- 5 minutes until it's cooked. Don't overcrowd the pan!
5. Chuck in the veggies. Give it around 2- 3 minutes to start softening up. Then add the cabbage.
6. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1- 2 minutes .
7. Finally, toss in the noodles. Give it a good stir for another 1- 2 minutes .
8. Boom! You're done! Serve and garnish and you're good to go for some homemade chow mein !

Pro Tips: Secret Restaurant Magic

Wok hei is all about a hot wok and fast cooking. that smoky flavour you get in restaurants. this takes practice, but don't be afraid of a little char! one of the essential asian cooking skill to know.

Don't overcrowd the wok! It lowers the temperature and you end up steaming instead of stir frying.

Common mistake? Soggy noodles! Tossing the noodles in sesame oil after cooking helps prevent sticking. And remember, dry noodles get a little oily to keep that authentic restaurant style chow mein !

Now You're a Wok Star!

So there you have it. stir fry recipes easy enough for a weeknight. once you get the hang of it, you'll be creating your own crazy flavour combinations in no time.

And who knows? you might even perfect a few extra chinese noodle recipes on the way! and remember, this chicken chow mein recipe is just the start.

Experiment, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy the food!

Recipe Notes That'll Level Up Your Chow Mein

Right, so you're ready to tackle some chinese cooking and master this chicken chow mein recipe . before you get going, let's have a quick chat about some handy bits.

These are the kinda things i've learned over countless attempts. honest truth, they make a world of difference.

Serving Suggestions - Show Off Your Skills!

Presentation matters, innit? dish up your homemade chow mein in a nice bowl. scatter a few extra sliced green onions on top.

It just looks fancier. for a complete meal, think about serving it with some classic spring rolls. or even some crispy wontons.

Maybe a cheeky chinese beer, you know? whatever floats your boat.

Storing Leftovers Don't Waste a Bite!

Got leftovers? lucky you! store your chinese food recipes treasure in an airtight container. pop it in the fridge within two hours of cooking.

It will happily last for up to three days. reheating is easy. microwave it, or stir fry it in a pan until heated through.

I wouldn’t freeze it though, the noodles can get a bit weird.

Variations Get Creative with your Cabbage Recipes !

Fancy a change? easy peasy. for a veggie version, ditch the chicken. load up on extra veg. broccoli, peppers, whatever you fancy.

Making stir fry recipes easy is all about making it your own. gluten-free? use tamari instead of soy sauce. and make sure your noodles are gluten-free.

Boom!

Nutrition Basics Feel Good About Your Food

Okay, so this isn't exactly a salad. but it’s got way more goodness than takeout. loads of protein from the chicken.

Plus, loads of veg. and when you make it yourself, you control the salt and oil. win-win. this is a great recipe when you start your journey in asian cooking .

Look, even if you've never tried restaurant style chow mein at home, don’t stress it! i bet the first person to try this kind of cabbage stir fry wasn't perfect at cooking either.

Give it a go. have some fun and enjoy the process of making these chinese noodle recipes . it’s proper therapeutic, like.

You might surprise yourself. and hey, even if it's a bit wonky the first time, it'll still taste amazing!