Introduction
Chicken chow mein is a beloved Chinese-American dish that many of us crave from our favorite takeout joints. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, all mixed with pan-fried noodles, makes it an irresistible meal. If you’re wondering how to recreate the magic of chicken chow mein at home that’s just as good as your local takeaway, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to making delicious chicken chow mein in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- For the Chow Mein:
- 8 ounces (225g) chow mein or egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 2 green onions, sliced
Optional: sliced mushrooms, baby corn, or water chestnuts
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if you have more time, marinating for 30 minutes or longer will enhance the flavor.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In another bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Set the sauce aside.
3. Cook the Noodles:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the chow mein or egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are just tender. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss them with a bit of oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Chicken:
Heat a large wok or a deep skillet over high heat. Add one tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the wok. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until it’s cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced bell pepper, julienned carrot, broccoli florets, snap peas, and any other vegetables you’d like to include. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender but still have a slight crispness.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything in the wok. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
7. Add the Noodles:
Add the cooked and drained noodles to the wok. Toss everything together gently, making sure the noodles are well coated with the sauce and the ingredients are evenly distributed. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your chicken chow mein with sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and texture.
9. Serve Immediately:
Chicken chow mein is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the wok. Serve it in bowls and savor the combination of flavors and textures.
Conclusion
Making chicken chow mein like the takeaway at home is both satisfying and delicious. With the right ingredients and a little bit of practice, you can create a mouthwatering dish that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant. Experiment with different vegetables and adjust the sauce to your taste preferences to make it truly your own. Enjoy the satisfaction of cooking this classic Chinese-American dish in your kitchen, and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!