National Dish China: Chow Mein (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Chow Mein, one of China’s most beloved noodle dishes and a firm favourite the world over! This savoury stir-fry brings together springy noodles, crisp vegetables and tender pieces of meat or tofu, all tossed in fragrant soy sauce. It is quick to put together, endlessly adaptable and packed with contrasting textures and flavours. Bring a taste of the wok-fired street stalls of China straight into your own kitchen.
About Chow Mein
Chow Mein is a true highlight of Chinese cooking and enjoys enormous popularity across the globe. This savoury noodle dish combines a variety of textures and flavours, which is what makes it such an absolute treat. The foundation is built on wheat noodles — or spelt noodles, if you prefer — prepared to suit your taste. Alongside them come fresh vegetables, tender pieces of meat or tofu, all of which deepen the flavour even further. Like the springy strands in a bowl of Biang Biang Noodles, the noodles are the heart of the dish.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g chow mein noodles
- 150 g chicken breast or tofu
- 1 carrot
- 1 pepper
- 100 g broccoli
- 2 spring onions
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
To get your chow mein just right, it is worth paying attention to the quality of the ingredients. Fresh vegetables are key here, as they not only improve the flavour but also lend the dish an appealing crunch. Many of these ingredients are easy to find in your local supermarket or at the weekly market. If you need any special Asian items, it is well worth a trip to an Asian grocery shop, where you can also pick up authentic noodles and sauces.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking, it is a good idea to prep all the ingredients first. Cut the vegetables into even-sized pieces so they cook through at the same rate. Likewise, slice the meat or tofu into thin strips. Taking your time over the prep means the cooking itself comes together far more quickly, which matters with a fast stir-fry like this one.
Step-by-step instructions
- Cook the chow mein noodles in salted water according to the packet instructions.
- Heat the sesame oil in a pan and fry the garlic until fragrant.
- Add the meat or tofu and fry well until cooked through.
- Add the chopped vegetables and stir-fry briefly so they stay crisp.
- Tip in the cooked noodles and season everything with soy sauce, salt and pepper.
- Toss the dish together thoroughly and fry for a further 2–3 minutes.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version you can use rice noodles or special gluten-free chow mein noodles. These are available in many supermarkets and Asian grocery shops. When buying, take care to check that all the other ingredients are gluten-free too. There is no lactose in this recipe, but if you serve it with any extra sauces, do make sure those are lactose-free as well.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of chow mein, plant-based protein sources such as tofu, tempeh or seitan work beautifully. You can also vary the vegetables, reaching for seasonal produce to make the dish more nourishing and interesting. Be sure the soy sauce is vegan too, as some brands may contain fish sauce. With these simple swaps the flavour is not only preserved but actually enhanced.
More tips and tricks
A few simple tips can make your chow mein even tastier. Adding spices such as ginger or chilli, for example, gives the dish more depth. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice just before serving brings the aromas into sharper focus. It is also worth trying different kinds of soy sauce until you find the flavour that suits you best.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
One of the greatest advantages of chow mein is just how adaptable it is. You can tailor the ingredients to suit every member of the family or any guests at the table. If someone does not care for broccoli, swap in courgette instead, or enrich the dish with a generous handful of mushrooms. Experiment with different combinations until you land on your favourite version.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have certain ingredients to hand, or simply do not like them, there are plenty of alternatives. In place of chicken you could use beef, prawns or an extra portion of vegetables — the prawns work just as well here as they do in Longjing Shrimp. For a gluten-free soy sauce, reach for tamari, which is every bit as delicious. Be creative, and do not forget to shape the dish around what you enjoy most.
Drink pairing ideas
A delicious bowl of chow mein pairs wonderfully with the right drinks. Green tea or jasmine tea make ideal companions, underlining the Asian character of the meal. For something more refreshing you could serve a homemade lemonade or a fruity cocktail. Have a little experiment to find the perfect match.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of your chow mein can be lifted enormously with just a few simple touches. Serve the dish in large, shallow bowls and garnish it with fresh herbs such as coriander or freshly sliced spring onions. A colourful arrangement with plenty of varied vegetables not only looks appetising but truly appeals to the senses. Your guests will be impressed by both the look and the flavour of the dish.
A bit of history
Chow Mein has a fascinating history and is closely bound up with Chinese culture. The dish originally comes from rural farmers in China, who put their leftover rice and vegetables to good use. As people emigrated to Western countries, they adapted the dish to local tastes, giving rise to many different versions — much as happened with Yangzhou Fried Rice. Today chow mein is a popular dish not only in China but has also made a name for itself across the world, a fine ambassador for Chinese cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Chow Mein
Chow mein is a versatile and delicious noodle dish that captures the flavours of Chinese cooking perfectly. With fresh vegetables and good-quality protein you can create a whole spectrum of tastes and textures. Whether as a quick weeknight supper or for a special celebration, chow mein is always a fine choice. Let this recipe inspire you and enjoy the authentic flavour of Asian cooking right at home.
