Chow Mein with Chicken and Vegetables
Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal that is quick and easy to make? Look no further than Chow Mein with Chicken and Vegetables! This classic Chinese dish is packed with flavor and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a meat lover or a veggie enthusiast, this dish has something for everyone. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering recipe!
What is Chow Mein?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s first understand what Chow Mein is. Chow Mein is a popular Chinese dish that consists of stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and protein. The noodles are typically pan-fried until crispy, giving them a delightful texture. The vegetables and protein are then added to the noodles, creating a well-balanced and flavorful dish. Chow Mein is often seasoned with soy sauce and other delicious spices to enhance the taste.
Ingredients
Now that you know what Chow Mein is, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this delectable dish:
- Chicken (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
- Assorted vegetables (such as carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage)
- Chow Mein noodles
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Green onions
- Cornstarch
- Water
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to cook up a storm! Here’s how to make Chow Mein with Chicken and Vegetables:
- Start by preparing the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set them aside.
- In a large pan or wok, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chicken (or tofu) and cook until browned.
- Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the assorted vegetables to the pan and stir-fry until they are cooked but still crisp.
- In a separate bowl, mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water to make a sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables and protein in the pan. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together until well combined.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Customizations and Variations
One of the great things about Chow Mein is that you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Swap chicken for shrimp or beef.
- Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bean sprouts.
- Spice it up with some chili flakes or Sriracha sauce.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Now that you know how to make Chow Mein with Chicken and Vegetables, it’s time to get cooking! This versatile dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to impress your taste buds with this delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use different types of noodles for Chow Mein?
A: Absolutely! While Chow Mein traditionally uses wheat-based noodles, you can experiment with different types of noodles like rice noodles or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make Chow Mein in advance?
A: While it’s best to enjoy Chow Mein fresh, you can make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. Reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving to maintain its delicious flavors.
Q: Can I make a vegetarian version of Chow Mein?
A: Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian Chow Mein. You can also add extra vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture.
Q: Can I add extra spices to Chow Mein?
A: Yes! Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to suit your taste. Adding chili flakes, ginger powder, or even a dash of Sriracha sauce can take your Chow Mein to the next level.
Q: Is Chow Mein a healthy dish?
A: Chow Mein can be a healthy dish if you use lean protein, load up on vegetables, and control the amount of oil and sauces you use. It’s a great way to incorporate a variety of nutrients into your meal.
Q: Can I freeze leftover Chow Mein?
A: While you can freeze leftover Chow Mein, the noodles may lose their texture upon thawing. It’s best to consume it within a day or two for the best taste and texture.
Q: Can I add additional toppings to Chow Mein?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Some popular choices include sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or even a drizzle of hoisin sauce.
Q: Is Chow Mein gluten-free?
A: Traditional Chow Mein is not gluten-free due to the use of wheat-based noodles. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles or substituting them with rice noodles.
Chow Mein with Chicken and Vegetables
Ingredients
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp sesame oil
- ½ lb chicken breast , skinless and boneless, cut into strips
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- ¾ tsp white sugar
- ½ lb chow mein noodles
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 heads of bok choy , chopped
- ½ zucchini , diced
- 10 sugar snap peas
- 1 carrot , cut into thin strips
- 2 tbsp chopped green onion
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, corn starch, and sesame oil until smooth.
- Add chicken strips to the bowl and toss them in the mixture to coat them.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 20 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine chicken broth, oyster sauce, and sugar. Set this mixture aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add noodles to the boiling water and cook them over medium heat until they are cooked through but still firm to the bite, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Drain the cooked noodles and rinse them with cold water.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet.
- Cook garlic in the hot oil for 30 seconds, then add the marinated chicken to the skillet.
- Cook and stir the chicken until it is browned and no longer pink in the center, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Remove the chicken mixture from the skillet and place it on a plate.
- Cook and stir bok choy, zucchini, snap peas, and carrot in the hot skillet until they are softened, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Return the noodles and chicken mixture to the skillet.
- Pour the broth mixture into the skillet with the noodles and chicken.
- Cook and stir the mixture until it is warmed through, which should take
