Plain Chow Mein

Plain Chow Mein Noodles topped with extra scallions, served on a white plate with brown chopsticks.

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5 from 1 vote

Make next-level plain chow mein noodles in less than 20 minutes, with perfectly chewy noodles and fresh bean sprouts.

Prep Time15

Cook Time10

Course: Chicken

Cuisine: Chinese

Servings:

Calories: 420kcal

Author: Helen

Equipment

1 wok

Ingredients

Sauce ingredients:

2 tbsp dark soy sauce (Note 1)
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil (toasted)
2 tbsp rice or apple cider vinegar (Note 2)
1 tbsp sugar
½ tsp white pepper

Remaining ingredients:

2 tbsp neutral oil ground nut or vegetable oil
250 g cabbage (optional) finely shredded
4 spring onions/scallions chopped into 2cm or 1-inch pieces + extra to serve
4 cloves garlic crushed
300 g bean sprouts
600 g fresh egg noodles or x 4 portions of dry egg noodles (Note 3)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Mix the sauce ingredients in a small jug or bowl and set aside.
Place a wok or large frying pan on a medium to high heat and add the oil. Add the cabbage (if using) and the whites of the spring onions/scallions and cook for a few minutes until the spring onions/scallions are fragrant and the cabbage has softened.
Add the garlic, bean sprouts and the green parts of the spring onions/scallions and cook for a minute or two until fragrant.
Add the noodles and toss for a minute or so until hot.
Pour on the sauce, toss with the noodles for 30 seconds until incorporated, remove the pan from the heat and serve immediately topped with more spring onions/scallions as desired.

Notes

Dark soy sauce: Regular or light soy sauce will work too. Just remember that they are not as sweet, so you'll probably want to add more sugar to taste.
Vinegar: You can also use white wine vinegar. Just know that it's not as sweet, so you may want to add a tad more sugar.
Noodles: Authentic chow mein noodles, are ideal if you can get your hands on them, otherwise egg noodles are a great substitute. I often use fresh noodles for speed and convenience but dry noodles work too. Just remember to rinse them under cold water after cooking to keep them from sticking together.

Storage instructions:

Chow Mein leftovers taste great the next day. Just cover, leave to cool and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Ensure you reheat thoroughly on the stove or in the microwave before eating.

Nutrition