Speedy Chicken Chow Mein
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a cracking Chinese takeaway but can't be bothered to leave the house? Me too, mate! This Speedy Chicken Chow Mein recipe is your answer. It's quick, easy, and tastes blummin' amazing.
Quick Hook
Been craving some Chinese Cooking Recipes ? This easy chow mein recipe is your new best friend. Get that delicious takeaway flavour in minutes with this fast dinner recipes .
Brief Overview
Chow mein, meaning "stir fried noodles," originates from northern china. it's a dish that's become a global sensation. this recipe is super easy.
It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. this chicken chow mein recipe easy serves four hungry souls.
Main Benefits
This dish is packed with protein and veg. plus, it's way healthier than your average takeaway. this homemade chinese food is perfect for a busy weeknight.
This recipe is special because it is fully customizable. you can use whatever veggies you have in the fridge. you know? no need to pop down to tesco to grab ingredients!.
This is not just another recipe. it's like a warm hug in a bowl. honestly, after a stressful day, there's nothing better than a plate of steaming chow mein.
I will always remember the first time i made this. i was like, “oh my gosh! how have i not been doing this all my life?"
Alright, let's get to the ingredients for this quick Chinese recipes .
Speedy Chicken Chow Mein: Ingredients & Equipment Sorted
Alright, let's dive into the heart of this fantastic chinese cooking recipe the bits and bobs you'll need. don't worry, we're keeping it simple.
This chinese cooking isn’t about fancy gadgets, it's about banging flavors. it's time to learn how to make homemade chinese food ! i remember the first time i attempted chinese takeaway recipes at home.
Disaster! noodles stuck together, veg was soggy. but now? i’m a chow mein champion , and you will be too!
Main Players: Key Ingredients for Your Chow Mein
Time to get down to what you need to get your Authentic Chinese Noodle Recipes perfect. This will become your go-to Fast Dinner Recipes .
Chicken & Marinade:
- 1 pound (450g) chicken breasts. Look for chicken that's nice and pink, not pale.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) soy sauce.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Shaoxing rice wine.
- 1 tsp (5ml) cornstarch.
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) sesame oil.
- Pinch of white pepper.
Noodles & Veggies:
- 1 pound (450g) chow mein noodles. I love the dried ones!
- 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil.
- 1 inch (2.5cm) ginger.
- 2 garlic cloves.
- 1 medium onion.
- 1 red bell pepper.
- 1 carrot.
- 4 ounces (115g) mushrooms.
- 4 ounces (115g) bean sprouts.
- 2 green onions.
Sauce Magic:
- 3 tbsp (45ml) soy sauce.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) oyster sauce.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) dark soy sauce.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) sesame oil.
- 1 tsp (5ml) sugar.
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) white pepper.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) water or chicken broth.
Spice Up Your Life: Seasoning Notes
A cracking stir fry sauce recipes is the key to great asian cooking . soy sauce is the base, but don’t skip the sesame oil! it adds that irresistible flavour.
Oyster sauce gives it depth. don’t have oyster sauce? use mushroom stir fry sauce. for that authentic aroma, ginger and garlic are essential.
Honestly, don't skimp on these!
Gear Up: Equipment You'll Need
You don't need fancy kit. a wok is ideal, but any large non-stick frying pan works. a big pot for the noodles, a chopping board, and a decent knife.
If you’re using a wok, get it screaming hot!
You know? i used a cast iron skillet once. the edges got extra crispy, which was a win! adapt and conquer, my friend!.
This chicken chow mein recipe easy is so easy you can't make a mistake!
Speedy Chicken Chow Mein: Your Weeknight Noodle Fix
Fancy some homemade chinese food ? this speedy chicken chow mein recipe brings the chinese takeaway recipes experience right into your kitchen.
It's way fresher and healthier. plus, it’s ready faster than you can say "sweet and sour." think of it as wagamama-at-home without the dreadful queue!.
We are looking at authentic chinese noodle recipes here.
This dish is packed with tender chicken, crunchy veg, and noodles, all swimming in a lush sauce. Perfect after a long day.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place
First things first, mise en place , my friends! it means "everything in its place". get all your ingredients chopped and measured before you even think about turning on the hob.
Honestly, this is the biggest time saver ever. i learned this the hard way, trying to chop garlic while chicken was burning.
Never again!.
Time Saving Tip: Chop the veggies while the chicken marinates. It’s like killing two birds with one stone.
Stir Frying Like a Boss
Time to get cooking! This is where the magic happens.
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the chicken strips with the soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, sesame oil, and white pepper in a bowl. Mix it well. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes .
- Noodle Time: Cook the noodles according to the package. Aim for al dente – they shouldn’t be mushy. Drain them well and toss them with a smidge of sesame oil to stop them sticking together.
- Sauce It Up: Whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and water in a bowl. Set this aside.
- Chicken Action: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in your wok over high heat. Add the chicken. Stir fry until it's cooked through and lightly browned. Take it out and keep it warm.
- Veggie Power: Add the rest of the oil to the wok. Toss in the ginger and garlic. Stir fry until you can smell it (about 30 seconds ). Add the onion, pepper, and carrot. Stir fry until they start to soften. Add mushrooms and bean sprouts. Stir fry for another minute.
- All Together Now: Add the chicken and noodles back to the wok. Pour in that lovely sauce. Stir fry everything together until it's all coated.
- Serve & Enjoy: Chuck on some green onions for garnish. Serve it up piping hot!
Pro Tips for Chow Mein Glory
High heat is key, key , key ! you want that authentic stir fry flavour. don't crowd the wok. it lowers the temperature and steams the ingredients instead of searing.
Prep is crucial, chop everything beforehand. stir frying is fast. this recipe is great if you are looking for fast dinner recipes and also suitable for quick chinese recipes too.
Also check for more chinese recipes . and chinese cooking recipes
Common Mistake: Overcooking the noodles. No one likes mushy noodles. Don't!
make-ahead Option: You can make the sauce and chop the veggies a day ahead. Saves time on a busy weeknight.
Alright, let's talk about nailing this speedy chicken chow mein . honestly, even the best chinese recipes need a little tlc to make them truly yours .
So, listen up, here are some extra tips from my kitchen to yours.
Recipe Notes
Serving It Up Right: Plating & Presentation
Presentation matters, right? a good ol' chow mein tastes even better when it looks the part! try serving it in a shallow bowl.
Garnish with those lovely sliced green onions. a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice touch too. want to get fancy? add a few sprigs of fresh coriander.
It's all about the vibes , innit? on the side, a bit of chilli oil.
Complementary bits : A crisp side salad balances the richness of the noodles. A cold Tsingtao beer is always a good shout. Or even some Jasmine tea if you're after something calmer.
Storage for Later (If There Are Any Leftovers!)
Refrigeration : let your chow mein cool completely first. then pop it into an airtight container. it'll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Honestly though? it's best eaten fresh.
Freezing : I wouldn't really recommend freezing cooked noodles. They can go a bit mushy when thawed. But, if you must , use a freezer safe container. Eat within 1 month.
Reheating : microwave it 'til it's piping hot. you can also reheat it in a wok or pan with a splash of water to keep it moist.
I can tell you there are tons of quick chinese recipes to try but i suggest sticking to fresh!
Tweaks & Twists for Your Taste Buds: Variations
Dietary adaptations : fancy a gluten-free version? use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles. boom! vegetarian? ditch the chicken. add extra veggies like tofu.
Make sure to use a vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom stir fry sauce recipes . this asian cooking can be adopted easily for many needs.
Seasonal ingredient swaps : feel free to swap out veggies depending on what's in season. asparagus in the spring? perfect! butternut squash in the autumn? why not? it's your kitchen, your rules! you can be creative with those homemade chinese food .
Nutrition Basics: A Quick Look
Okay, so let's talk numbers: it's important to know that our chicken chow mein recipe easy contains roughly 450 calories per serving.
You also get a good dose of protein (around 35g). also contains a good amount of carbs (about 50g) for energy.
It's all in the name of fast dinner recipes ! remember, these are estimates though! this chinese takeaway recipes are a great way to keep the takeout flavour you like, with more balance.
Here's my take: this speedy chicken chow mein is more than just a recipe. it's a chance to have a bit of fun.
Don't stress too much about being perfect. just get stuck in and enjoy the process! this could also be a good start to try more authentic chinese noodle recipes .
I'm sure you'll be making a delicious dish to try. you've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My noodles are sticking together. What am I doing wrong?
Noodle stickiness is a common issue, a bit like trying to wrangle unruly Doctor Who storylines! Make sure you don't overcook them they should be al dente. Also, tossing them with a little sesame oil after draining and before adding them to the wok is key.
This creates a barrier that prevents them from clumping up during the stir fry.
Can I make this Speedy Chicken Chow Mein vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swapping out the chicken is easy peasy. Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like bok choy, snow peas, or firm tofu. Be sure to use a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative, such as mushroom stir fry sauce, to keep the dish meat free. It's a delightful vegetarian alternative that's full of flavour.
What's the best way to store leftovers, and how long will they last?
Leftover chow mein can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out, especially if you're using a microwave. It will taste just as yummy for lunch the next day!
I'm looking for authentic chinese recipes, is this one of them?
While this Speedy Chicken Chow Mein recipe is inspired by authentic Chinese flavors and techniques, it's designed for quick and easy preparation at home. It's more of a "Chinese inspired" dish tailored for busy weeknights rather than a strictly traditional recipe.
For more authentic chinese recipes you could try a local chinese restaurant.
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe? I have some bits and bobs in the fridge I need to use up!
Of course! One of the great things about stir fries is how adaptable they are, like Mary Berry adapting to a technical challenge! Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand broccoli florets, snap peas, cabbage, or even some chopped spinach would work well.
Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding the harder veggies first so they have time to soften.
I don't have Shaoxing rice wine. Is there a good substitute for the marinade?
Not a problem at all! Shaoxing rice wine adds a subtle complexity, but a good dry sherry works perfectly well as a substitute, giving a similar depth of flavour. If you don't have sherry either, you can simply omit it.
The soy sauce and sesame oil in the marinade will still provide plenty of flavour to the chicken, and its not worth going to the shop for just one ingredient!
Speedy Chicken Chow Mein
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 5g |