Chow Mein Noodles 炒面

Noodles are an essential ingredient and staple in Chinese food. There is a great variety of Chinese noodles, which vary according to their region of production, ingredients, shape and/or width, and way of preparation. Noodles are an important part of most regional cuisines within China, as well as in Taiwan, Singapore, and other Asian nations with big overseas Chinese populations.

There are so many ways to prepare Chinese noodles, stir-fry, pan-fry, boil, blanch, soup, gravy, or dry. Noodles are one of the easiest foods to prepare at home, and the end results are always satisfying.

One of the most popular Chinese noodles in the US is chow mein noodles or literally “fried noodles” in Cantonese dialect. Chow mein noodles is also a favorite Chinese take-out item in U.S. Usually, it includes some shredded vegetables, some chicken, pork, beef, seafood, or combination and chow mein noodles is cheap, filling, and sinfully gratifying. It is a very popular Chinese food, you can cook at home very easily!

How to Make Chow Mein Noodles

Chow mein, also called fried Chinese noodles is one of the classic Chinese dishes. The following is a standard way for cooking Chow Mei noodles.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound fresh noodles
• 2 oz. pork, sliced
• 5 shrimp, shelled
• 1/2 cup cabbage, shredded
• 1/4 cup carrot, shredded
• 2 stalks scallions, cut into 2-inch length
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil, or Corn oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the noodles according to the directions on the noodle package. If no directions are available, cook the noodles in 8 cups of boiling water until they are cooked tender with a bit of resistance in the middle. Be careful, do not over cook the noodles, otherwise, it will be too soft.
2. Remove the noodles with a slotted spoon and place in a colander. Rinse the noodles twice in cold water and drain thoroughly each time.Toss the noodles in 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
3. In a small mixing bowl, mix all the seasoning ingredients. Set aside.
4. Use a non-stick skillet, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil on medium-high heat. Tilt the pan and move it around so that the oil coats the bottom.
5. When the oil is hot, add the pork and shrimp and stir fry until they are half done.
6. Add the shredded cabbage and carrot into the skillet and do a few quick stirs.
7. Add the noodles , the seasoning mixture. Continue to stir until the noodles are well blended with the seasonings and completely cooked through.
8. Add the chopped scallions, do a few final stirs.
9. Dish out and serve hot.

You can add any meat or seafood or any combination of your choice. Chicken chow mein is always safe and inexpensive for most people, but combination with your favorite ingredients makes Chow Mein Noodles more tasty for you.

Chinese Name

炒面(chǎo miàn)