The sizzle of noodles, savory sauce, and an irresistible aroma—Classic Chinese Chow Mein is the ultimate comfort food that brings any table to life! Quick to make yet bursting with authentic flavor, this easy chow mein recipe is just as scrumptious as your favorite takeout, but made fresh in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Weeknight Dinner: This Classic Chinese Chow Mein comes together in just 20 minutes, beating delivery any day!
- Delicious Takeout Flavor: The savory, umami-packed sauce coats every noodle—just like your favorite Chinese restaurant, but fresher.
- Simple, Versatile Ingredients: You only need pantry staples and a handful of veggies, and it’s super easy to customize with your favorites.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Slurpable, saucy, and satisfying, this chow mein is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Classic Chinese Chow Mein is all about letting honest ingredients shine. Each component brings something special—whether it’s flavor, texture, or color—so you’ll want to keep things simple and let these staples do the talking!
- Canola oil: The neutral flavor and high smoke point make it perfect for stir-frying every ingredient to golden perfection.
- Cabbage: Adds a crisp, fresh crunch that soaks up all the savory sauce for satisfying texture in every bite.
- Garlic: A must-have aromatic! Just a little bit brings big flavor and that signature chow mein aroma.
- Sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis): Deeply savory and slightly sweet, this sticky sauce gives the noodles a beautiful caramel color. (See note for homemade hack!)
- Soy sauce: Delivers that classic salty, umami punch every noodle stir-fry needs.
- Oyster sauce: Brings richness, depth, and a glossy finish to your chow mein.
- Water: Loosens up the sauce so it coats every strand of noodle evenly.
- Chow mein noodles: The star of the show! Choose fresh or dried, but don’t overcook—they should remain satisfyingly chewy.
- Bean sprouts (optional): For extra crunch and a fresh, veggie brightness at the end.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle on for a nutty finish and great presentation.
Variations
This Classic Chinese Chow Mein recipe is a blank canvas begging for your personal touch! It’s incredibly easy to tweak, so you can make it meatless, add extra veggies, or experiment with different sauces to create your perfect bowl.
- Protein Power: Toss in thinly sliced chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef at the start for a hearty main dish.
- Veggie Boost: Stir-fry shredded carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms alongside the cabbage for extra color and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add a spoonful of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Gluten-Free: Swap in tamari for soy sauce and use your favorite gluten-free noodles.
How to Make Classic Chinese Chow Mein
Step 1: Prep the Noodles
Begin by cooking your chow mein noodles just a minute shy of the package instructions—this keeps them chewy and stops them from overcooking in the wok later. Drain and set aside so they’re ready to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Heat your wok or a large skillet over high heat, then add the canola oil. Toss in the thinly sliced cabbage and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just wilted. Add the garlic and stir for another 30 seconds—your kitchen will already smell incredible!
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water directly into the pan. Give it a quick stir and let everything come to a bubbling boil for about one minute to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Toss It All Together
Add in your cooked noodles (and bean sprouts if you’re using them) and use tongs to toss everything together. Be sure every strand gets nice and glossy—this is when the chow mein magic happens! Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds for a toasty finish.
Pro Tips for Making Classic Chinese Chow Mein
- Get the Wok Screaming Hot: Stir-frying over high heat gives you that slight smokiness and keeps veggies crisp—not limp!
- Mise en Place is Your Friend: Have all your ingredients chopped and sauces measured before you start—the process goes lightning fast once you begin.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Boil noodles until just shy of done so they stay bouncy when tossed in the sauce.
- Customize Your Crunch: Add bean sprouts at the very end if you love extra texture, or skip them for a softer, more classic bite.
How to Serve Classic Chinese Chow Mein
Garnishes
Finish off your Classic Chinese Chow Mein with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of fresh scallions or chives. For an extra pop, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a few chili threads can turn a simple bowl from “yum” to “wow!”
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside other Asian classics! Pair your chow mein with homemade egg rolls, hot and sour soup, or crisp Asian cucumber salad. And, of course, some steamed dumplings or a simple stir-fried veggie makes for a meal you’ll want to repeat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Classic Chinese Chow Mein piled high in noodle bowls, tucked into cute takeout boxes for a party, or sizzled in a hot skillet tableside for that restaurant wow-factor. For special occasions, top with edible flowers or rainbow veggies for color and lots of smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra Classic Chinese Chow Mein cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for next-day lunches!
Freezing
While chow mein is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in a well-sealed freezer bag or container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, though note that the noodles and veggies might soften a bit.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chow mein in a hot skillet with a splash of water or a drizzle of oil to revive the noodles’ texture and heat everything evenly. Microwave works too in a pinch, but the stove gives best results.
FAQs
-
Can I use spaghetti or another type of noodle for Classic Chinese Chow Mein?
Absolutely! While authentic chow mein noodles have their own unique chew, you can use spaghetti or any thin wheat noodles in a pinch—the key is to keep them slightly undercooked and finish them in the pan with the sauce.
-
Is there a homemade substitute for sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis)?
Yes! Simply simmer 2 tablespoons soy sauce with 1 tablespoon brown sugar or molasses until thick and glossy—voilà, easy Kecap Manis for your Classic Chinese Chow Mein.
-
How do I keep my chow mein noodles from clumping?
After draining, give the noodles a quick rinse with cold water and toss lightly with a teaspoon of oil. This keeps them separated until you’re ready to toss them in the wok with your sauce and veggies.
-
Can I make Classic Chinese Chow Mein vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap the oyster sauce for a vegan stir-fry sauce or mushroom-based “oyster” sauce, and pile on your favorite veggies or plant-based proteins for a meatless delight.
Final Thoughts
If comfort had a flavor, it just might be Classic Chinese Chow Mein. This recipe brings all the best takeout vibes into your own kitchen—fast, fresh, and unbelievably tasty. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your new weeknight staple!
Print
Classic Chinese Chow Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Classic Chinese Chow Mein that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/4 head cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (aka Kecap Manis)* see note for homemade substitute
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 cup water
Additional:
- 12 ounces chow mein noodles, cooked a minute shy of the directions*
- 6 ounces bean sprouts (optional)
- sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large pan or wok on high heat. Add two tablespoons of canola oil to the pan and add the cabbage.
- Cook 2-3 minutes until wilted, add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water and bring to a boil for 1 minute.
- Add in the pasta and bean sprouts and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1240mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
