chou mein
Making homemade chow mein is a great way to enjoy this popular Chinese dish with fresh ingredients and customized to your taste. Here’s a step-by-step recipe to help you create a delicious chow mein at home:
### Ingredients:
#### For the Noodles:
- **Chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles**: 200-250 grams (7-9 oz)
- **Water**: for boiling the noodles
- **Salt**: 1 teaspoon
- **Oil**: 1 tablespoon (to prevent sticking)
#### For the Stir-Fry:
- **Vegetable oil**: 2 tablespoons
- **Garlic**: 3 cloves, minced
- **Ginger**: 1-inch piece, minced
- **Onion**: 1 medium, thinly sliced
- **Bell peppers**: 1-2, thinly sliced
- **Carrots**: 1-2, julienned
- **Cabbage**: 1 cup, shredded
- **Bean sprouts**: 1 cup (optional)
- **Green onions**: 2, sliced
#### For the Sauce:
- **Soy sauce**: 3 tablespoons
- **Oyster sauce**: 2 tablespoons
- **Hoisin sauce**: 1 tablespoon
- **Sesame oil**: 1 teaspoon
- **Sugar**: 1 teaspoon
- **Pepper**: to taste
#### Optional Protein (choose one):
- **Chicken breast or thigh**: 200 grams (7 oz), thinly sliced
- **Beef or pork**: 200 grams (7 oz), thinly sliced
- **Shrimp**: 200 grams (7 oz), peeled and deveined
- **Tofu**: 200 grams (7 oz), cubed
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Noodles**:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and the chow mein noodles.
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Toss the noodles with a little oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. **Prepare the Sauce**:
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and pepper. Set aside.
3. **Cook the Protein** (if using):
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the protein of your choice (chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu) and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. **Stir-Fry the Vegetables**:
- In the same skillet or wok, add another tablespoon of oil.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the shredded cabbage and bean sprouts (if using). Stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
5. **Combine and Cook**:
- Add the cooked noodles and protein back to the skillet or wok.
- Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
6. **Serve**:
- Garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chow mein!
### Tips:
- **Noodles**: Ensure the noodles are cooked al dente, as they will cook a bit more when stir-fried.
- **Vegetables**: Feel free to use any vegetables you like or have on hand, such as broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini.
- **Sauce**: Adjust the quantities of the sauces to suit your taste preferences. You can add a bit of chili sauce if you like it spicy.
- **Protein**: If using tofu, press it to remove excess moisture before cubing and stir-frying.
Enjoy your homemade chow mein!
