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Crispy Easy Homemade Chow Mein Recipe Perfect for Quick Weeknight Meals

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A quick and easy chow mein recipe featuring crispy noodles, tender vegetables, and a savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and adaptable to various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz (170 g) chow mein or thin egg noodles
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil (for frying noodles)
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 cup julienned carrots
  • 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • Optional protein: cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 6 oz chow mein noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (3-4 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water. Toss with 1 tsp oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth. Set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add drained noodles, spreading evenly. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until bottom is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Add chopped green onions and cook for another minute.
  5. Pour prepared sauce over veggies and stir to coat. Return crispy noodles to pan and gently toss until noodles soak up some sauce but remain crunchy. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
  6. If using, fold in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu and warm through.
  7. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with toasted sesame seeds or chopped cilantro.

Notes

Do not overcook noodles to maintain crispiness. Use enough oil to create a golden crust but avoid greasiness. Let noodles fry undisturbed for best crunch. Prepare sauce ahead to streamline cooking. Reheat leftovers in a skillet to revive crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: chow mein, crispy noodles, quick dinner, stir-fry, easy recipe, homemade chow mein, weeknight meal, Asian noodles

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/crispy-easy-homemade-chow-mein-recipe-perfect-for-quick-weeknight-meals/