Chicken chow mein with the best chow mein sauce

Chow mein, a beloved Chinese-American dish, is a symphony of flavors and textures. This classic stir-fry features crispy noodles, tender vegetables, and succulent protein, all bathed in a rich, savory sauce. In this recipe, we’ll elevate the traditional chicken chow mein by focusing on a homemade chow mein sauce that will take your taste buds on a culinary adventure.

Ingredients:

For the Chow Mein:

• 200g /6 oz chicken breast or thigh fillets, thinly sliced
• 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 1/2 tbsp peanut oil (or other cooking oil)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 200g /6 oz chow mein noodles
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 1/2 cups bean sprouts
• 3 green onions, cut into 5cm/2″ pieces
• 1/4 cup (65 ml) water

For the Chow Mein Sauce:

• 2 tsp cornflour / cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, all-purpose or light
• 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce (sub Hoisin)
• 1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine OR Mirin
• 2 tsp sugar (reduce to 1 tsp if using Mirin)
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• White pepper (sub black)

Instructions:

Preparing the Noodles:

1. Cook the Noodles: Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
2. Crisp the Noodles: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and fry the noodles in batches until they become crispy. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables:

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper.
2. Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat the remaining oil in the wok over high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the garlic to the hot wok and stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the Vegetables: Add the cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts to the wok and stir-fry until softened.

Creating the Chow Mein Sauce:

1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornflour, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine (or Mirin), sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper.
2. Thicken the Sauce: Add the water to the sauce mixture and whisk until smooth.

Assembling the Chow Mein:

1. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and crispy noodles to the wok with the vegetables.
2. Pour the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients and stir to coat everything evenly.
3. Cook Until Thickened: Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles and vegetables.
4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Chow Mein:

• Tenderize the Chicken: For extra tender chicken, marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little oil for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
• Shred the Cabbage Finely: Finely shredding the cabbage ensures it cooks quickly and evenly.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will add a vibrant flavor and crisp texture to your chow mein.
• Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce to your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more sugar. For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Serve Immediately: Chow mein is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it immediately after cooking.

By following these steps and incorporating the tips, you can create a delicious and authentic chicken chow mein that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!