Chow Mein Recipe (15 Minutes!) - Lauren's Latest (2024)

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Make amazing Chow Mein in 15 minutes! These noodles are highly adaptable and you can make them sweet or spicy, however you like! I originally wrote this recipe way back in 2015 and since then it has become one of my consistently top recipes. It won’t take you long to realize why. I love this recipe along with the rest of my Asian-inspired recipes!

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Quick and Easy Chow Mein!

I definitely have my favorite take-out dishes from various places and the chow mein is usually just fine. But when I make them myself, I can add in as much flavor as I want and eat a whole pan of them for maybe $2. I’m a cheap date, ya’ll. Also, I’m all about quick and easy recipes and this one does not disappoint. You can make these Asian-y inspired noodles as salty, sweet, spicy, or gingery as you’d like…and all in 15 minutes!

But First, What is Chow Mein?

Chow Mein is made up of stir-fried noodles with vegetables and/or meat. It’s a popular dish in most American Chinese restaurants and now in your home too!

I made this recipe so it could be a customizable base for your dinner needs; add meat, different vegetables, and even a different type of noodle if you want.

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Chow Mein Ingredients

  1. Chow Mein Noodles: Made with wheat and egg, traditional chow mein noodles have a distinctive bite to them that reminds me of classic Italian pasta noodles. You will get dried chow mein noodles in the Asian aisle in nearly every grocery store. Some markets also have pre-cooked fresh noodles in the refrigerated section that you can simply throw straight into your pan with the veggies.
  1. Vegetables: Some classic vegetables used for chow mein include green onions, carrots, cabbage, or bean sprouts. However, you can get creative with your selection of veggies and use bok choy, water chestnuts, broccoli, spinach, kale, celery, corn, bamboo shoots or snap peas. If you have any leftover veggies in your fridge, making chow mein will be an excellent way to use them up.
  1. Meat: Any type of good quality meat will work well as a source of protein for your chow mein. Opt for chicken breast or thighs, beef, pork, or shrimp – they will make your dish not only delicious but also filling.

Are you vegetarian or vegan? You can enjoy your chow mein in its plant-based version by using vegetable stock and replacing meat with tofu or tempeh. Incredible taste guaranteed!

How to Make Chow Mein

When I say this is a super easy Chow Mein recipe, I mean it! For full recipe details, check out the recipe card below! Here is what you can expect when making this recipe:

Cook Chow Mein Noodles

Cook ramen noodles in boiling water until chewy and *just* cooked. Drain and set aside.

*Chow Mein Noodles* – AKA ramen noodles. I used the cheap packaged ramen that comes with little seasoning packets. However, you are welcome to buy and use store-bought fresh ramen or yaki soba noodles.

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Sauté Cabbage, Onions + Ginger

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Sauté onion, shredded green cabbage, salt, pepper, and fresh ginger together until tender.

Toss Together with Flavorings

In a small bowl combine sugar, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil together. Pour over cooked noodles and toss until heated through. Serve hot!

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Storing Chow Mein

Any leftover Chow Mein can be stored in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. After that, things start to get a little too mushy!

Freezing Instructions

Chow Mein actually freezes really well! Let cool then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months!

To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight then do a quick stir fry to warm things up!

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Side Dish Ideas

If you feel like you need some protein with this meal check out my Korean Beef Recipe orBetter Than Take-Out Crispy Sesame Beef. Chicken thighs or shrimp would be super good too.

You could also serve this alongside some extra veggies, pot stickers, or crab rangoon!

Here are 30+ more ideas for What Serve with Chow Mein.

Chow Mein Recipe FAQs

What is Chow Mein?

Chow mein is a Chinese dish made with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and meat or seafood. The name “chow mein” comes from the Taishanese word for “fried noodles”.

What Kind of Noodles Are Used in a Chow Mein Recipe?

Chow mein noodles are typically made from wheat flour and eggs. They can be found fresh or dried in Asian markets and some grocery stores. If you can’t find chow mein noodles, you can substitute them with ramen noodles or other long noodles, even thin spaghetti noodles.

Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in Chow Mein?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in chow mein. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking and drain any excess water. I typically prefer using fresh ingredients for this recipe, but I know that’s not always an option or convenient.

How Do I Prevent the Noodles From Sticking Together?

Be sure to cook the noodles in a large pot of boiling water and stir frequently. After cooking, rinse the noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.

Can I Make This Chow Mein Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, chow mein can be made ahead of time and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just be sure to store the noodles and vegetables separately from the sauce to prevent them from getting soggy.

What Sauces Pair Well With Homemade Chow Mein?

Basically any asian inspired, savory sauce you enjoy would be tasty on chow mein! Dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, Hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, etc. are all great options.

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More Asian-Inspired Recipes to Try!

  • Ramen Stir Fry
  • Sesame Noodle Salad
  • Kung Pao Chicken (Family Favorite!)
  • Chicken Pad Thai
  • Bang Bang Chicken
  • Easy Fried Rice

More from Lauren’s Latest

  • Pretzel Dogs
  • Crab Rangoon Recipe
  • Smoked Corned Beef

I hope you love this homemade chow mein recipe! It’s so easy and and great way to use up some veggies! Give this Chow Mein Recipe a try tonight and see if you like them as much as my family does.

Printable recipe card is below! Enjoy, friends.

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you wouldgive it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

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4.26 from 79 votes

Chow Mein Recipe

Make amazing Chow Mein in 15 minutes! These noodles are highly adaptable and you can make them sweet or spicy, however, you like! Love this recipe.

servings 4 servings

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 4 packages ramen noodles* or yakisoba noodles
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 small onion diced
  • 10 oz shredded cabbage
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger or grate in a little fresh ginger
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Cook ramen noodles in boiling water until chewy and *just* cooked. Drain and set aside.

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onion, cabbage, salt, pepper, ginger together until tender.

  • Toss together with cooked noodles, sugar, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil until heated through.

  • Serve hot.

Video

Notes

*You are welcome to use fresh ramen or yakisoba noodles in place of the cheap ramen.

Nutrition

Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 844mg | Potassium: 190mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 0.8mg

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Keyword: Chow Mein, Chow Mein Noodles, Chow Mein Recipe

Chow Mein Recipe (15 Minutes!) - Lauren's Latest (2024)

FAQs

Chow Mein Recipe (15 Minutes!) - Lauren's Latest? ›

Chow mein typically features crunchy noodles. These noodles are often fried or deep-fried until they become crispy, giving them a unique texture and flavor. Chow mein noodles can be served on the side or as a base for the dish, with stir-fried ingredients and sauce poured over them.

What are the little crunchy things in chow mein? ›

Chow mein typically features crunchy noodles. These noodles are often fried or deep-fried until they become crispy, giving them a unique texture and flavor. Chow mein noodles can be served on the side or as a base for the dish, with stir-fried ingredients and sauce poured over them.

What is the difference between chow mein and lo mein Chinese takeout? ›

The biggest difference between chow mein and lo mein lies in the translations of their names: chow mein is fried, and lo mein is tossed. The experience is somewhat different between the two. Lo mein tends to be saucier and more toothsome, with a texture some describe as “slippery” because of the noodles' softness.

What makes lo mein taste so good? ›

The defining feature of any lo mein dish is the sauce, so make sure you take the time to get it right. Using dark soy sauce will give the lo mein color and a bolder taste while adding light soy sauce will give the dish some extra saltiness and flavor without staining the noodles darker.

What kind of noodles do you use for chow mein? ›

Chow mein noodles: I make chow mein with dried Chinese egg noodles, which are usually labeled “chow mein noodles,” “stir-fry noodles” or “lo mein noodles” in American grocery stores.

What is the difference between chow mein and crispy chow mein? ›

Crispy chow mein is usually topped with a thick brown sauce, while steamed chow mein is mixed with soy sauce before being served. There is a regional difference in the US between the East and West Coast use of the term "chow mein". On the East Coast, "chow mein" is always the crispy kind.

What is the crunchy vegetable in chow mein? ›

Toss in the scallions and the mung bean sprouts, and stir fry for another 30-60 seconds, or until the bean sprouts are just cooked but still crunchy. Plate and serve your vegetable chow mein with your favorite hot chili oil!

What tastes better lo mein or chow mein? ›

Largely this is a matter of personal taste since both dishes can be made to your preference. If you prefer lightly sauced noodles with some crunch and vegetables with some snap, chow mein might be the way to go. If you like a more comforting noodle with richly flavored sauce, lo mein may be the better option.

What does lo mein mean in Chinese food? ›

Etymology. The term lo mein comes from the Cantonese lou1 min6 (撈麵), meaning "stirred noodles".

What is chow mein sauce made of? ›

Combine soy sauce, light sesame oil, oyster sauce, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth to make the signature sweet and savory sauce that makes chow mein taste authentic.

What is inside hoisin sauce? ›

Though regional variations exist, most modern hoisin sauce recipes contain some combination of the following ingredients: fermented soybeans, five-spice powder, garlic, red chili peppers, and sugar. "Hoisin" comes from the Cantonese word for seafood, though it's not commonly associated with seafood dishes.

Can you use spaghetti noodles as lo mein? ›

15 Minute Lo Mein! Made with just soy sauce, sesame oil, a pinch of sugar, ramen noodles or spaghetti noodles, and any veggies or protein you like. SO YUMMY!

What is in Panda Express chow mein? ›

Ingredients: cabbage, wheat flour, celery, carrots, water, mung bean vermicelli, green onions, modified corn starch, contains less than 2% of: ginger & garlic oil, sesame oil, salt, sugar, dehydrated soy sauce, onion powder, natural stir-fry flavor, spices, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate, soybean oil, sodium ...

What are the two types of chow mein? ›

There are actually two kinds of chow mein: a crispy version and a saucy version. Calling one crispy is kind of confusing because both versions should be crispy, but the main difference is how the sauce is incorporated into the dish.

What's the difference between chow mein and chop suey? ›

With chow mein, you cook noodles and add them to your wok of other ingredients, cooking everything together in one pan. However, with a chop suey recipe, you will cook the noodles or rice and other ingredients separately before combining them in a bowl, serving up the noodles or rice with the sauce served over the top.

What are the crunchy things in Chinese noodles? ›

They're basically deep-fried egg noodles (or fried wonton wrappers or egg roll wrappers). Golden brown and crunchy, they're often served in little wooden bowls as a restaurant appetizer with duck sauce and Chinese hot mustard on the side.

What are the crunchy noodles in chow mein called? ›

Mein gon (面干 miàn-gān), informally referred to as crunchy noodles or crunchy chow mein, are a type of noodle-shaped cracker (or dried biscuit) used in American Chinese cuisine.

What are the round white crunchy things in stir fry? ›

Water chestnuts are commonly added to stir fry dishes, and like bamboo shoots, can often be found tinned in supermarkets in the UK. They are crunchy and have a slightly nutty taste.

What are the white crunchy noodles in Chinese food? ›

At my local Chinese, they call this Crispy Chow Mein Noodles. It's a Hong Kong / Cantonese style dish, and there are a lot of variations but the core of it is a bed of deep fried crunchy noodles topped with a saucy stir fry.

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