This Chow Mein Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is made in one pan, making it the perfect weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the vegetables or protein to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers! Seriously, who doesn’t love an easy meal that lets you make the most of what you’ve got lying around?
Ingredient Breakdown for Chow Mein
8 oz chow mein noodles: You can use fresh or dry noodles, whichever you can find. If you’re feeling adventurous, substitute it with egg noodles for a different twist!
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil works best here, but if you have sesame oil, that adds a delicious nutty flavor too. Sometimes, I mix it up with a combo!
1 cup cabbage, shredded: Green cabbage is traditional, but feel free to throw in some bok choy or even red cabbage for that pop of color.
1 cup carrots, julienned: These add a nice crunch and sweetness. And yeah, you can slice them however you want shredded, diced, or even in rounds!
1 cup bean sprouts: They’re what give Chow Mein that signature crunch. If you don’t have any on hand, no big deal! Just leave them out or add in some snow peas instead.
3 green onions, chopped: Oh, I can’t stress enough how much they elevate the taste! Use both the green and white parts for maximum flavor.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: The backbone of flavor here! Make it low-sodium if you’re concerned about salt.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: This gives your chow mein a lovely depth of flavor, but it’s optional! You can substitute it for hoisin sauce or just stick to soy sauce.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: It adds that beautiful nutty note, and honestly, no one will judge you for adding more.
Salt and pepper to taste: Just a couple pinches should do the trick, but you know your taste buds best!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions typically, it takes about 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium-high heat, let it get hot before you throw in the veggies!
Add the shredded cabbage and julienned carrots to the pan. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
Next up, stir in the bean sprouts and chopped green onions; cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting those fresh flavors meld together until fragrant!
Now, it’s time to add the cooked noodles to the pan. Toss them in and let them absorb all that goodness.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, then pour this heavenly mixture over the noodles.
Toss everything together, stirring frequently for about another minute, so it all gets nice and cozy in that sauce.
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste! Give it one last toss, and serve hot, trust me, it’ll be hard to resist!
Why I Love This Chow Mein Recipe
This Chow Mein Recipe is my go-to recipe when I need something comforting, quick, and downright delicious. Honestly? I’m a real sucker for one-pan dishes because they make life so much easier! Plus, you can jazz this up however you like, whether you want to include chicken, shrimp, or keep it vegetarian, it’s always a hit around my dinner table!
And the best part is that this dish allows you to use whatever you’ve got on hand. If I open my fridge and see veggies that need using up, this is the recipe I turn to. It’s like a friendly hug from your kitchen, so warm and inviting!
If you loved this Chow Mein recipe, be sure to check out my Korean Beef Bulgogi, my Korean Braised Potatoes, or my Korean Style Pot Roast!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Chow Mein comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy nights when you’re not in the mood to spend hours in the kitchen.
One Pot Magic
Everything is made in just one pan, which means minimal cleanup! Who wants to spend more time washing dishes than actually enjoying their food? Not me!
Budget-Friendly
You probably have most of the ingredients lying around! This recipe is not only delicious but also friendly to your wallet.
Customizable
Feeling adventurous? Add peanut butter for a spicy kick, or go the sweet route with some chopped pineapple. You make the rules!
Comfort Food
This dish is loaded with tons of flavor, and I can confidently say that it brings people together, turning any dinner into a comforting family gathering.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Chow Mein is fantastic on its own, but you can serve it with a side of dumplings, potstickers, or spring rolls to create a delightful meal. You could even whip up a quick side salad for some freshness!
Storage
If for some reason you have leftovers (which I seriously doubt!), this Chow Mein will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Reheating Instructions
The best way to reheat this is by tossing it back in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to revive those flavors and bring back the texture.
Freezer-Friendly
Not recommended for freezing as the noodles can become mushy when thawed. If you do end up freezing it, make sure to consume within 1-2 months, and let it thaw completely before reheating.
Enjoy making this warm, cozy Chow Mein dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Remember, you’re in control of those flavors, and I’m just here for the deliciousness. Happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
