Introduction
Chow Mein is a beloved dish celebrated for its delightful combination of flavors and textures. Originating from Chinese cuisine, this stir-fried noodle dish is typically made with thin egg noodles, fresh vegetables, and protein of choice, often served in a savory sauce. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making a delicious beef chow mein that’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chow Mein:
– 200g (7 oz) chow mein noodles or other thin yellow egg noodles
– 1½ tablespoons canola oil
– 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
– 200g (7 oz) beef mince (ground beef)
– 3 green onion stems, cut into 5cm (2-inch) lengths, white and green parts separated
– 1 egg
– 2 cups green cabbage, finely sliced (or Chinese cabbage)
– 1 carrot, peeled and cut into thin batons
– 1 heaped cup bean sprouts (approximately 75g or 2½ oz)
Chow Mein Sauce:
– 1½ tablespoons light soy sauce or all-purpose soy sauce
– 1½ teaspoons dark soy sauce
– 1½ tablespoons oyster sauce
– 1½ tablespoons Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
– 1½ teaspoons white sugar
– Pinch of white pepper
Sauce Thickener:
– 1½ teaspoons cornflour (cornstarch)
– 3 tablespoons water
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 2-3
Prepare your kitchen and get ready to whip up a delicious batch of chow mein that will satisfy your cravings. Follow the steps to experience the perfect blend of flavors and enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine all the Chow Mein Sauce ingredients: light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine, white sugar, and white pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Thickener
In a separate small bowl, mix the cornflour and water until smooth. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Cook the Noodles
Prepare the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside.
Cook the Beef
Heat the canola oil in a large non-stick pan over high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 10 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the beef mince and cook until it is no longer pink in color. Incorporate 1½ tablespoons of the prepared sauce and the white parts of the green onions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the beef is nicely caramelized.
Add the Egg
Push the beef to one side of the pan. Crack the egg into the pan and scramble it, mixing it thoroughly with the beef as it cooks.
Add Vegetables
When the egg is mostly cooked, add the sliced carrot and cabbage to the pan. Stir and cook for about 1 minute, or until the cabbage starts to wilt.
Combine Noodles and Sauce
Give the sauce thickener a quick stir and add it to the pan along with the bean sprouts and the cooked noodles. Toss everything together for about 1 minute until the sauce is evenly distributed. Finally, add the green parts of the green onions and toss again for another minute.
Serve
Divide the chow mein into individual bowls and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure to prepare all ingredients before starting to cook, as the cooking process is quick. Adjust the quantities of vegetables based on personal preference or availability. If you prefer a spicier version, consider adding chili sauce or fresh chilies during cooking.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Sauce
Combine the soy sauces, oyster sauce, cooking wine, sugar, and white pepper in a small bowl to create a well-balanced flavor base for the chow mein.
Thickening the Sauce
Mix cornflour with water in a separate bowl until smooth. This will be added later to achieve the desired texture of the sauce once heated.
Cooking the Noodles
Follow the package instructions to cook the chow mein noodles or egg noodles, ensuring they are al dente before draining and setting aside.
Cooking the Beef
Heat canola oil in a large non-stick pan over high heat, adding minced garlic first for flavor. Cook beef mince until browned, then incorporate part of the sauce and the white parts of green onions to create depth in flavor.
Incorporating the Egg
After cooking the beef, create a space in the pan and scramble the egg, mixing it with the beef to enhance protein content and richness.
Adding Vegetables
Introduce thinly sliced carrots and cabbage to the pan when the egg is mostly set, allowing them to wilt slightly and absorb flavors from the other ingredients.
Combining Noodles and Sauce
Add the sauce thickener, bean sprouts, and cooked noodles to the pan, tossing well to ensure that every ingredient is evenly coated with the sauce.
Serving the Dish
Portion the chow mein into bowls and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor combination.
FAQ
Can I use other proteins besides beef?
Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu depending on your preference.
What can I use instead of chow mein noodles?
You can use other types of thin noodles such as egg noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch.
Is there a vegetarian version of this chow mein?
Absolutely! Replace the beef with mushrooms or tofu and omit the oyster sauce or use a vegetarian alternative.
Can I meal prep chow mein?
Yes, you can prepare chow mein in advance, but it is best to store the noodles and vegetables separately from the sauce to prevent them from becoming soggy.
How do I reheat leftover chow mein?
Reheat the chow mein in a pan on low heat or in a microwave, adding a splash of water or sauce to help retain moisture.
Conclusion
The homemade chow mein is a delightful and versatile dish that can be customized to suit various tastes. With its savory flavors, crisp vegetables, and tender noodles, it’s perfect for any mealtime. Enjoy this quick and tasty dish that brings a bit of Asian cuisine to your kitchen.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Chow Mein
Replace the beef mince with tofu or additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini for a plant-based version.
Shrimp Chow Mein
Substitute the beef with shrimp for a seafood variation that adds a delicious touch to your chow mein.
Chicken Chow Mein
Use diced chicken breast instead of beef for a classic chicken chow mein that is just as appealing.
Spicy Chow Mein
Add sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili sauce to the dish for those who enjoy a spicier kick.
Additional Vegetables
Incorporate more vegetables such as snow peas, broccoli, or baby corn to enhance the nutritional profile.
Fried Rice Combination
Serve with fried rice on the side, combining both dishes for a more substantial meal experience.
Nutty Flavor Twist
Add a handful of toasted peanuts or cashews for an extra nutty flavor and delightful crunch.
