Noodles & Ramen

Chinese Chow Mein

Name: Chinese Chow Mein
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 2 cups (200g) thin, stir-fry-style noodles; 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil; 1 onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup (100g) cabbage, shredded; 1 cup (100g) carrots, peeled and grated; 1/2 cup (50g) scallions, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce; 1 tbsp (15ml) oyster sauce; 1 tsp (5g) sesame oil; 1 tsp (5g) grated ginger; Salt and pepper to taste

By Sable Mowbray · June 19, 2026 · Noodles & Ramen

Prep15 min

Cook10 min

Total30 min

Serves4

As a child, I loved ordering Chinese takeout with my family, and one of my favorite dishes was always the Chinese Chow Mein. The combination of stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and savory sauce was absolute perfection. Over the years, I've experimented with different recipes to recreate this dish at home, and I'm excited to share my version with you.

This recipe is a staple in my household, and I love making it for my family and friends. It's easy to customize with your choice of protein and vegetables, and it's ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you're a fan of Chinese takeout or just looking for a quick and delicious meal, this Chinese Chow Mein recipe is sure to become a favorite.

One of the things I love about Chinese cooking is the emphasis on balance and harmony in each dish. In Chinese Chow Mein, you'll find a perfect balance of textures, flavors, and temperatures, all coming together to create a truly satisfying meal. From the crunchy vegetables to the tender noodles and savory sauce, every element of this dish is designed to work together in harmony.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of traditional Chinese ingredients, such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, to create a rich and savory sauce. We'll also be using a variety of colorful vegetables, including cabbage, carrots, and scallions, to add texture and flavor to the dish. And, of course, no Chinese Chow Mein would be complete without the star of the show: the noodles.

So, let's get started and make some delicious Chinese Chow Mein! Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal special equipment. So, grab your wok or large skillet, and let's cook up some Chinese Chow Mein!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal special equipment.
You can customize the dish with your choice of protein and vegetables.
The sauce is made with a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, giving it a rich and savory flavor.
The dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
The combination of textures, flavors, and temperatures creates a truly satisfying meal.
This recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and whole grains.
You can make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Chinese Chow Mein is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the noodles and vegetables quickly over high heat. This helps to preserve the texture and flavor of the ingredients, and creates a dish that is both healthy and delicious.

Another important aspect of Chinese cooking is the use of layers of flavor. In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to create a rich and savory sauce. We'll also be adding aromatics, such as garlic and ginger, to add depth and complexity to the dish.

Finally, the type of noodles used is also important. In this recipe, we'll be using thin, stir-fry-style noodles that are designed to cook quickly and evenly. These noodles have a delicate texture and a mild flavor, making them the perfect choice for Chinese Chow Mein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Chinese Chow Mein, you'll need a variety of ingredients, including noodles, vegetables, protein, and sauce ingredients. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and whole grain noodles, to get the best flavor and texture.

When shopping for ingredients, look for thin, stir-fry-style noodles that are designed to cook quickly and evenly. You'll also want to choose a variety of colorful vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, and scallions, to add texture and flavor to the dish.

1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinlessYou can also use beef, pork, or tofu as a substitute for chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2 cups (200g) thin, stir-fry-style noodlesLook for noodles that are specifically labeled as 'stir-fry' or 'chow mein' noodles. These noodles are designed to cook quickly and evenly.
2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oilYou can also use peanut oil or other neutral-tasting oil as a substitute for vegetable oil.
1 onion, thinly slicedYou can also use shallots or scallions as a substitute for onion.
2 cloves garlic, mincedBe sure to mince the garlic finely so that it cooks evenly and quickly.
1 cup (100g) cabbage, shreddedYou can also use napa cabbage or bok choy as a substitute for regular cabbage.
1 cup (100g) carrots, peeled and gratedYou can also use other colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers or snow peas, as a substitute for carrots.
1/2 cup (50g) scallions, thinly slicedBe sure to slice the scallions thinly so that they cook evenly and quickly.
2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauceYou can also use tamari or other soy sauce substitutes as a substitute for soy sauce.
1 tbsp (15ml) oyster sauceYou can also use hoisin sauce or other savory sauces as a substitute for oyster sauce.
1 tsp (5g) sesame oilBe sure to use high-quality sesame oil that is pure and has a strong nutty flavor.
1 tsp (5g) grated gingerBe sure to grate the ginger finely so that it cooks evenly and quickly.
Salt and pepper to tasteBe sure to taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardColander or strainerMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Chinese Chow Mein

1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Set the sauce aside.
3
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook until they are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Add the cabbage and carrots to the skillet and cook until they are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
6
Add the scallions to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
7
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
8
Add the sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
9
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine with the noodles and sauce.
10
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the chicken is coated in the sauce and the noodles are heated through.
11
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
12
Serve the Chinese Chow Mein hot, garnished with additional scallions and sesame seeds if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and whole grain noodles, to get the best flavor and texture.
Cook the noodles and vegetables quickly over high heat to preserve their texture and flavor.
Use a variety of colorful vegetables to add texture and flavor to the dish.
Don't overcook the noodles or vegetables, as they can become mushy and unappetizing.
Add the sauce to the skillet and stir to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Garnish with additional scallions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Experiment with different protein sources, such as beef or tofu, to change up the flavor and texture of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the noodles or vegetables, resulting in a mushy and unappetizing texture.
Not using high-quality ingredients, resulting in a dish that lacks flavor and texture.
Not cooking the chicken or other protein sources to the correct internal temperature, resulting in foodborne illness.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, resulting in a lack of flavor and texture.
Not using the correct type of noodles, resulting in a dish that is overly sticky or mushy.
Not stirring the sauce and noodles together, resulting in a dish that is dry and flavorless.

Variations and Substitutions

Add other protein sources, such as shrimp or pork, to change up the flavor and texture of the dish.
Use different types of noodles, such as rice noodles or udon noodles, to change up the texture of the dish.
Add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to add texture and flavor to the dish.
Use different seasonings, such as soy sauce or hoisin sauce, to change up the flavor of the dish.
Add nuts or seeds, such as cashews or sesame seeds, to add crunch and texture to the dish.
Use a different type of oil, such as peanut oil or avocado oil, to change up the flavor of the dish.
Add spices, such as cumin or chili flakes, to add heat and flavor to the dish.

What to Serve With Chinese Chow Mein

Serve the Chinese Chow Mein hot, garnished with additional scallions and sesame seeds if desired. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

This dish is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, and it's also great for serving at parties or special occasions. You can customize the dish to suit your tastes and dietary needs, and it's easy to make in large quantities.

Steamed vegetablesGreen saladFried wontonsEgg rollsFortune cookiesChinese tea

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the dish cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. To freeze, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze.

To reheat, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the dish is hot and steaming. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the dish, as it can become dry and unappetizing.

It's also a good idea to label and date the dish, so you can keep track of how long it's been stored. And, as with any leftover dish, be sure to check the dish for signs of spoilage before reheating and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of noodles should I use for Chinese Chow Mein?

You should use thin, stir-fry-style noodles that are designed to cook quickly and evenly. Look for noodles that are specifically labeled as 'stir-fry' or 'chow mein' noodles.

Can I use different protein sources in Chinese Chow Mein?

Yes, you can use different protein sources, such as beef, pork, or tofu, to change up the flavor and texture of the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy or sticky?

To prevent the noodles from becoming mushy or sticky, be sure to cook them quickly over high heat and stir them constantly. You should also use a small amount of oil to prevent the noodles from sticking to the skillet or wok.

Can I make Chinese Chow Mein ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Chinese Chow Mein ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Just be sure to reheat it properly before serving.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making Chinese Chow Mein?

Some common mistakes to avoid when making Chinese Chow Mein include overcooking the noodles or vegetables, not using high-quality ingredients, and not cooking the chicken or other protein sources to the correct internal temperature.

How do I customize Chinese Chow Mein to suit my tastes and dietary needs?

You can customize Chinese Chow Mein by using different protein sources, adding other vegetables, or using different seasonings. You can also make it vegetarian or vegan by using tofu or other plant-based protein sources.

Can I serve Chinese Chow Mein at parties or special occasions?

Yes, Chinese Chow Mein is a great dish to serve at parties or special occasions. It's easy to make in large quantities and can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

How do I store leftover Chinese Chow Mein?

You can store leftover Chinese Chow Mein in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label and date the dish, and check it for signs of spoilage before reheating and serving.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card