Chow Mein, a classic Chinese dish, is a delightful combination of stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and protein, seasoned with a savory sauce. This popular comfort food can be easily prepared at home, providing a flavorful and satisfying meal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make delicious Chow Mein in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Noodles: Use either fresh or dried egg noodles. If using dried noodles, cook them according to package instructions before stir-frying.
- Protein: Choose from sliced chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, tofu, or a combination. Marinate the protein in soy sauce and a bit of cornstarch for added flavor and tenderness.
- Vegetables: Opt for a colorful mix of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, bok choy, and snap peas. Slice or chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Garlic and Ginger: Mince or grate these aromatic ingredients for added flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Provides the essential umami flavor. You can use light or dark soy sauce depending on your preference.
- Oyster Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness.
- Sesame Oil: Used for both cooking and flavoring, sesame oil imparts a rich, nutty taste.
- Vegetable Oil: A high-heat oil like vegetable or peanut oil is ideal for stir-frying.
- Green Onions (Scallions): Chopped green onions add a fresh, aromatic element to the dish.
Steps to Make Delicious Chow Mein:
- Preparation:
- If using dried noodles, cook them according to package instructions, then rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss them with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Marinating the Protein:
- Mix the protein of your choice with soy sauce and a teaspoon of cornstarch. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Stir-Frying:
- Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated protein and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry:
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and ginger and continue to stir-fry for another minute.
- Adding Noodles:
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the cooked noodles to the empty space. Toss them to combine with the vegetables.
- Sauce and Flavoring:
- Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a splash of sesame oil over the noodles. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Final Touch:
- Add the cooked protein back into the pan and toss to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped green onions over the Chow Mein for a burst of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
With this simple guide, you can now whip up a delicious plate of homemade Chow Mein. Experiment with different protein and vegetable combinations to suit your taste preferences. Embrace the versatility of this dish and make it your own. Enjoy your culinary journey!
For Further Reading: https://www.norfolkexpress.co.uk/food-blog/the-story-behind-chow-mein-a-brief-history/
This blog has been provided by OSA Digital on behalf of Norfolk Express
