Classic Homemade Chowmein Recipe

Ingredients

200 grams of Chowmein Noodles
2 tablespoons of Cooking Oil
1 large Onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves of Garlic, finely chopped
1 medium Carrot, julienned
1 medium Bell Pepper, julienned
2 medium Green Chilies, finely chopped
200 grams of Boneless Chicken, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons of Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon of Vinegar
1 teaspoon of Salt
1 teaspoon of Black Pepper
2 Spring Onions, chopped for garnish
1 tablespoon of Sesame Oil

Steps and instructions

Boil the chowmein noodles according to the instructions on the package, then drain and set aside.
Heat the cooking oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium heat.
Add the thinly sliced onion and finely chopped garlic to the pan and sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.
Add the julienned carrot and bell pepper to the pan, along with the finely chopped green chilies, and stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add the thinly sliced chicken to the pan and cook until it is no longer pink and is fully cooked through.
Stir in the soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and black pepper, and mix well to combine.
Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss well to combine with the other ingredients.
Cook for a few more minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Turn off the heat and drizzle the sesame oil over the noodles, then toss again to combine.
Garnish with the chopped spring onions before serving.

Tools for making

Wok or Frying Pan - Used for stir-frying the ingredients.
Pot - Used for boiling the noodles.
Strainer - Used for draining the boiled noodles.
Chopping Board - Used for chopping the vegetables and garlic.
Knife - Used for slicing the onions, julienning the carrots and bell peppers, and chopping the garlic.
Spatula - Used for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the pan.
Measuring Spoons - Used for measuring the soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and replace it with tofu or your choice of vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or snow peas.
Seafood Chowmein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, squid, or a combination of seafood.
Spicy Chowmein: Increase the amount of green chilies or add some chili flakes or Sriracha sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Egg Chowmein: Beat a couple of eggs and scramble them separately. Add the scrambled eggs to the noodles along with the vegetables.
Teriyaki Chowmein: Instead of using soy sauce and vinegar, marinate the chicken with teriyaki sauce before cooking and use it in the recipe.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace the chowmein noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti.
Beef Chowmein: Substitute the chicken with thinly sliced beef or beef strips for a meatier variation.
Curry Chowmein: Add your favorite curry powder or curry paste to the dish for a flavorful twist.
Nutty Chowmein: Sprinkle some crushed peanuts or cashews on top of the finished dish for added crunch and nuttiness.

Recipe overview

Discover the delight of homemade Chowmein with this easy and flavorful recipe. Chowmein is a popular Chinese dish that has been widely adopted around the world. This version of the recipe features stir-fried noodles tossed with tender vegetables and succulent pieces of chicken, all coated in a delicious blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. The result is a tasty and satisfying meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available, making it an excellent choice for those new to Chinese cooking. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds, but also a colorful and aromatic treat that's sure to impress. Enjoy the process of creating this dish, and even more, enjoy every bite of your homemade Chowmein!

Common questions

Can I use other types of noodles instead of chowmein noodles? Yes, you can substitute chowmein noodles with other types of noodles like spaghetti or linguine if you don't have them available.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, cabbage, or broccoli to make it a delicious vegetarian chowmein.
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken? Yes, you can use other proteins like beef, shrimp, or tofu as a substitute for chicken in this recipe.
How spicy is this dish? The spiciness of the dish can be adjusted according to your preference. You can reduce or omit the green chilies if you prefer a milder taste or add more if you like it spicier.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy chowmein fresh and hot, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and keep them refrigerated separately. Then, you can quickly stir-fry everything together when you're ready to serve.
What can I serve with chowmein? Chowmein is often enjoyed as a standalone dish, but you can also serve it with a side of hot and sour soup, spring rolls, or a refreshing salad.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like snow peas, bean sprouts, or baby corn to customize the dish to your liking.

Serving dishes and utensils

Wok - A large, deep cooking pan with high, sloping sides, perfect for stir-frying the chowmein.
Frying Pan - Alternatively, a frying pan can be used if you don't have a wok.
Pot - For boiling the chowmein noodles.
Strainer - To drain the boiled noodles.
Chef's Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the onion, garlic, and chicken.
Cutting Board - To provide a stable surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
Spatula - A utensil used for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the pan.
Tongs - Useful for tossing and turning the noodles while stir-frying.
Measuring Spoons - To accurately measure the soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
Garnish Bowl - A small bowl to hold the chopped spring onions for garnishing.

Origin stories

Chow Mein, often known as the epitome of Chinese fast food, has a rich history intertwined with the worldwide Chinese diaspora. This dish, which translates to "stir-fried noodles," originated in the Guangdong province of China. Notably, it evolved differently in various parts of the world, absorbing influences from local cuisines and cultures. In North America, for instance, Chow Mein typically features celery and bean sprouts, while in India, it often includes vibrant spices and hot chilies. This cross-cultural evolution is a testament to the dish's universal appeal and adaptability, making it a global favorite.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.