Chicken Chao Mein is a popular dish in Oriental cuisine that combines the goodness of tender chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and aromatic spices. This delectable recipe is perfect for those who crave a satisfying and flavorful meal. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a delightful dinner, Chicken Chao Mein is a recipe that won’t disappoint.
What is Chicken Chao mein?
Chicken Chao Mein, also known as Chicken Chow Mein, is a popular Chinese dish that originated in the Cantonese cuisine. It is a stir-fried noodle dish made with tender chicken, vegetables, and a savory sauce. The term “Chao Mein” translates to “fried noodles” in Chinese, which perfectly describes the dish.
In Chicken Chao Mein, thin egg noodles are cooked separately and then stir-fried with a combination of marinated chicken, vegetables such as onions, carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, and bean sprouts. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other spices to enhance the flavors. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal that offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500 grams boneless chicken, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Chao Mein:
- 250 grams egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
| Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes |
| Rest time: none | Serving: 4 |
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix well to ensure all the chicken slices are coated in the marinade. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Heat a wok or a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and allow it to heat up.
- Add the marinated chicken to the hot pan, and stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Then, add sliced onions and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the sliced red bell pepper, shredded cabbage, and bean sprouts to the pan. Continue stir-frying for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the cooked egg noodles to the other side. Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce (if desired) over the noodles. Toss the noodles gently to coat them with the sauces.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the noodles and vegetables. Mix everything together and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Adjust the seasoning or sauces if needed.
- Once the Chicken Chao Min is cooked and the flavors are well incorporated, remove from heat.
- Serve the Chicken Chao Min hot, garnished with chopped spring onions for an extra burst of freshness.
Which noodles can be used for Chicken Chao mien?
Chicken Chao Min traditionally uses egg noodles as the base. Egg noodles have a soft and chewy texture that pairs well with the stir-fried chicken and vegetables in the dish. You can typically find egg noodles in the Asian section of your local grocery store or at an Asian market.
If you can’t find egg noodles, you can use other types of noodles as substitutes. Here are a few options:
- Lo Mein Noodles: Lo Mein noodles are a close alternative to egg noodles and can be used interchangeably. They have a similar texture and are made from wheat flour and eggs.
- Hokkien Noodles: Hokkien noodles are thick, yellow wheat noodles that work well in Chicken Chao Min. They have a similar texture to egg noodles and can absorb the flavors of the dish.
- Ramen Noodles: If you’re unable to find specific Chinese noodles, instant ramen noodles can be used as a substitute. Discard the seasoning packet and cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. They will have a slightly different texture but can still be delicious in the dish.
- Rice Noodles: If you prefer a gluten-free option or enjoy a lighter texture, rice noodles can be used in Chicken Chao Min. Thin rice vermicelli noodles or wider rice noodles, such as pad Thai noodles, can be soaked in hot water until they are soft and then added to the stir-fry.
When using different noodle varieties, be mindful of their cooking times as they may vary. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the noodles are cooked to your desired level of tenderness.