Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein Recipe - USA | Ingredients & Steps Inside

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 1-2 hours | Cooking time: 30-40 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Chicken Chow Mein is a popular Chinese dish that consists of stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and chicken. It is a flavorful and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.

History

Chow Mein originated in Northern China and is a dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It was introduced to the United States by Chinese immigrants in the 19th century and has since become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) bean sprouts
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 7 to 8 oz (227 g) each

Marinade

1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp soy sauce
salt and pepper, to taste
1 small piece (less than 1 tsp) cornstarch

Sauce

0.25 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 4 tbsp water

Other

0.5 lb (227 g) dry wonton noodles
2 medium ribs celery
1 lb (454 g) bok choy or broccoli
0.5 lb (227 g) fresh mushrooms
1 red bell pepper
0.5 red onion
1 green onion
vegetable oil for frying and stir-frying, as needed
0.25 cup toasted sesame seeds

How to prepare

Rinse the mung bean sprouts 1 or 2 hours before cooking to allow them to drain thoroughly.
Cut the chicken into thin strips.
Combine the marinade ingredients, adding the cornstarch last.
Marinate the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes.
While the chicken is marinating, complete the following 3 steps:

Sauce

Whisk together water or chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Wontons

Soften the noodles by boiling them in salted water.
Plunge the noodles into cold water to stop the cooking process and drain thoroughly.

Vegetables

Wash all the vegetables as needed.
Cut the celery and bok choy into 0.5 inch pieces on the diagonal.
If substituting broccoli for bok choy, peel the stalks until no more strings come out, and slice thinly on the diagonal.
Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and slice them.
Cut the red bell pepper in half, remove the seeds, and cut into chunks.
Peel and chop the onion.
Dice the green onion.

Assembly

Heat a wok or frying pan over medium-high to high heat.
Add 2 tbsp of oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the noodles.
Fry the noodles in batches until golden.
Remove the noodles from the pan.
Heat another 2 tbsp of oil.
Add the onion and the meat.
Let the meat brown briefly, then stir-fry until the redness is gone and the meat is nearly cooked through.
Remove the cooked meat and onion from the pan.
Cook the rest of the vegetables separately, seasoning each with a bit of salt while stir-frying if desired.
When cooking the bok choy or broccoli, add 0.25 cup of water and cover while cooking.
Remove each of the vegetables from the pan when finished stir-frying.
Add more oil as needed.
Give the gravy a quick restir.
Add all the ingredients back into the wok, creating a "well" in the middle for the gravy.
Add the gravy, stirring quickly to thicken.
Mix everything together.
Stir in the green onions.
Pour the cooked vegetable and sauce mixture on top of the noodles.
Garnish the chow mein with toasted sesame seeds.
Serve hot.

Variations

Substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
Add additional vegetables such as carrots, snow peas, or baby corn for extra flavor and nutrients.
Use different types of noodles such as rice noodles or egg noodles for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Fry the noodles in batches to ensure they are crispy and golden brown.

- Cook each vegetable separately to maintain their individual flavors and textures.

- Stir-fry quickly over high heat to retain the freshness and crunch of the vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Chow Mein can be served with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying, boiling, and marinating are the main cooking techniques used in preparing Chicken Chow Mein.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.

- Use different types of mushrooms such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms for a variation in taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the marinade and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Cook the noodles and vegetables just before serving for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Chicken Chow Mein with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or chopped peanuts for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken Chow Mein pairs well with a light and refreshing beverage such as green tea or a crisp white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Chow Mein contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Chow Mein contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Chow Mein contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Chow Mein contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Chow Mein is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, and potassium due to the variety of vegetables used in the dish.

Alergens

Chicken Chow Mein contains soy and oyster sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chicken Chow Mein is a balanced meal that provides carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Chow Mein is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare at home. With a combination of tender chicken, crispy noodles, and fresh vegetables, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this flavorful Chinese classic for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Chicken Chow Mein. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a potluck dinner at my friend Martha's house. As I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of savory spices and sizzling vegetables filled the air. I watched in awe as Martha effortlessly tossed a medley of chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a large wok, creating a tantalizing dish that I had never seen before.

"Chicken Chow Mein," Martha explained with a smile. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly nodded, my curiosity piqued by the exotic flavors and vibrant colors of the dish. Martha handed me a pen and a piece of paper, instructing me to jot down the ingredients and steps as she walked me through the process. I listened intently, scribbling down notes as she shared her family's secret recipe with me.

The key to a flavorful Chicken Chow Mein, Martha explained, lies in the marinade. She revealed a blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil that infuses the chicken with a rich umami flavor. As the chicken marinates, the vegetables are stir-fried to perfection, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that dance on the palate.

I watched as Martha expertly tossed the ingredients in the wok, the sizzle of the vegetables mingling with the intoxicating aroma of the spices. The colors of the dish were a feast for the eyes – vibrant greens, reds, and yellows that hinted at the freshness and variety of the ingredients.

As the dish came together, Martha ladled the Chicken Chow Mein onto a platter, garnishing it with a sprinkle of green onions and a drizzle of sesame seeds. The final touch was a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, adding a zesty brightness to the savory flavors.

I took a bite of the Chicken Chow Mein, savoring the explosion of flavors on my tongue. The tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles melded together in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It was a dish unlike any I had ever tasted – a symphony of flavors that transported me to far-off lands with each bite.

Over the years, I have made Martha's Chicken Chow Mein countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have experimented with different vegetables, spices, and cooking techniques, always striving to perfect the dish and make it my own.

As I stand in my kitchen today, preparing a batch of Chicken Chow Mein for my family, I am reminded of that fateful day when Martha first shared her family recipe with me. The memories flood back – the scent of spices in the air, the colorful array of ingredients on the cutting board, the sizzle of the wok as the dish comes to life.

And as I take a bite of the finished dish, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the culinary journey that has brought me to this moment. The flavors of the Chicken Chow Mein dance on my tongue, a testament to the power of sharing recipes and stories with loved ones.

In the end, it is not just the ingredients and techniques that make a dish special – it is the memories and experiences that are woven into every bite. And for that, I am forever grateful to Martha and her family for sharing their cherished recipe with me.