How to Make Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken chow mein is a classic Chinese dish.

One of the most popular dishes in Chinese cuisine, chicken chow mein has many variations. The noodles can be steamed or fried, cooked in a pan or a wok. Also, any number of seasonings and vegetables can be added to the mix. At its heart, however, it is a simple stir-fry with complex flavors, multiple textures, and comforting aromas. It is a dish meant to inspire improvisation and imagination from chefs all over the world. Does this Spark an idea?

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Large pot
8 ounces thin chow mein noodles, or thin spaghetti
Small bowl
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. oyster sauce
1 tbsp. rice wine
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 tbsp. cornstarch
Large wok
2 tbsp. peanut or vegetable oil
Two chicken breasts, sliced into strips
Three cloves minced garlic
2 tsp. fresh ginger, grated
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
1/4 cup sliced scallions
1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

- 1
  
  Heat a pot of water over high heat until it boils.
- 2
  
  Add noodles and cook for two to three minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water and set aside.
- 3
  
  Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, sugar, and cornstarch in a small bowl and set aside.
- 4
  
  Heat peanut oil in wok over high heat.
- 5
  
  Add chicken and stir-fry for one to two minutes until browned.
- 6
  
  Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring constantly, for one minute.
- 7
  
  Add carrots and cabbage and continue stirring for two minutes.
- 8
  
  Add noodles, broth, and the soy sauce mixture and cook stirring constantly for four to five minutes, or until sauce is thickened.
- 9
  
  Remove from heat and add scallions.
- 10
  
  Toss to combine and serve.

Tips & Warnings

Chow mein can be garnished with crushed red pepper or spicy sesame oil to add more heat.
As in all wok cooking, continuous stirring is important so that the food cooks evenly.
Make sure there is always a good amount of oil or liquid in the wok so that the food does not stick.