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Easy Chow Mein Recipe

Easy Chow Mein Recipe

This Easy Chow Mein Recipe brings the flavors of your favorite takeout straight to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. Made with tender noodles, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish is perfect for lazy dinners, quick recipes for dinner, or busy weeknights. It’s a simple introduction to homemade Chinese food, using easy-to-find ingredients while delivering restaurant-style results. Whether you serve it on its own or alongside other Asian dishes, this chow mein is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chow Mein:
  • 8 oz chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup julienned carrots
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger optional
  • Optional Protein Add-Ins:
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast sliced
  • Shrimp beef, or tofu (optional)
  • For the Sauce:
  • ¼ cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp water or chicken broth
  • 1 tsp cornstarch

Method
 

  1. Cook the Noodles
  2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth.
  5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add Veggies
  8. Toss in cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  9. Add Protein (Optional)
  10. If using chicken or other protein, add it now and stir until heated through.
  11. Combine Everything
  12. Add cooked noodles to the pan. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss well to coat everything evenly.
  13. Finish & Serve
  14. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in green onions, remove from heat, and serve hot.

Notes

 
Use high heat for authentic chow mein texture
Don’t overcook the noodles—they should stay slightly chewy
Add chili oil or sriracha for heat
This recipe works great for meal prep
Swap noodles for spaghetti in a pinch
Perfect for lazy dinners and fast meals