Chow Mein is a tasty noodle dish that’s full of crunchy veggies, tender pieces of meat or tofu, and flavorful soy sauce. The noodles get perfectly crispy around the edges while remaining soft in the middle, giving you a great mix of textures in every bite.
I love making Chow Mein because it’s so quick and easy to whip up on a busy night, and it always feels like a little celebration on my plate. I usually toss in whatever vegetables I have on hand—like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas—and the sauce is simple but packs a punch. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftovers and turn them into something exciting.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy Chow Mein is with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a little extra soy sauce on top. It’s delicious on its own, but also pairs well with a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls if you want a fuller meal. This dish always brings back memories of cozy dinners and sharing takeout with friends, and it’s fun to make it right at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chow Mein Noodles: These thin wheat noodles give the dish its signature texture. If unavailable, thin egg noodles or even spaghetti can work well. Just be sure to cook them until tender but not mushy.
Beef & Shrimp: I like sirloin for its tenderness and flavor. You can swap beef for chicken, tofu, or just shrimp if preferred. For extra protein, add more shrimp or tofu to keep it balanced.
Vegetables: Cabbage, carrots, and green onions add crunch and freshness. Feel free to add snap peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms based on your taste or what’s in your fridge.
Sauce: Soy sauce and oyster sauce build flavor while sesame oil adds a nice nutty aroma. For a vegan option, replace oyster sauce with mushroom-flavored sauce or extra soy sauce.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked & Crispy Chow Mein Noodles?
Crispy noodles make Chow Mein special. Here’s what I do:
- Cook noodles just until al dente, then rinse with cold water to stop cooking and remove extra starch.
- Pat noodles dry with a towel to avoid sogginess during stir-frying.
- Use a hot wok and plenty of oil to toss the noodles in. This helps create those slight crispy edges you want.
- Don’t overcrowd your pan—stir in batches if needed to give noodles room to crisp without steaming.
Following these tips helps you get that mix of tender and crisp noodles, which makes your Chow Mein taste just right every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large wok or skillet – I recommend this because it heats quickly and gives you space to stir-fry everything evenly.
- Pot for cooking noodles – a large pot ensures the noodles cook evenly without sticking.
- Whisk or fork – useful for blending the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring spoons and cups – keep your ingredients precise for the best flavor balance.
- Tongs or a slotted spoon – great for tossing noodles and turning ingredients without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken strips or diced tofu instead of beef or shrimp for a different protein twist.
- Add a splash of hoisin sauce or a dash of chili oil for extra sweetness or heat.
- Include vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for more crunch and color.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for a fresh finishing touch.
Classic Chow Mein
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ pound boneless beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cabbage, chopped
- ½ cup carrots, julienned
- 4 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. Most of the time is spent stir-frying the ingredients quickly to keep everything fresh and full of flavor. It’s a perfect quick meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Follow the package instructions to cook the chow mein noodles until just tender. Drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside so they don’t stick together.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, chicken broth (or water), and cornstarch. Set this aside—it will thicken your dish at the end.
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet on medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and stir-fry for about 2 to 3 minutes until browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef and set it aside.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
In the same wok, add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are just done, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside with the beef.
5. Stir-Fry Vegetables and Aromatics:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the cabbage and carrots. Keep stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked beef and shrimp to the wok along with the noodles and green onions. Pour the sauce over everything. Toss everything together quickly and stir-fry a minute or two until the sauce thickens and everything is coated well.
7. Serve:
Remove from heat and plate your delicious chow mein! It’s best enjoyed fresh and hot.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Chow Mein?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly by submerging in cold water in a sealed bag. Pat dry to avoid extra moisture in the stir-fry.
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce or want a vegetarian option, use mushroom sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a little mushroom broth for depth. It won’t be exactly the same but still tasty!
Can I Make this Chow Mein Ahead of Time?
It’s best served fresh for that perfect texture, but you can prep the ingredients and sauce ahead. Cook noodles and veggies separately, then quickly stir everything together at mealtime to keep it fresh.
How Should I Store Leftover Chow Mein?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it feels dry to restore moisture.
