Chewy Chow Mein Noodles Stir Fried

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe captures the classic chewy texture of chow mein noodles combined with crunchy vegetables and a rich, savory sauce. The blend of soy sauces, oyster sauce, and sesame oil creates an authentic, restaurant-style flavor that’s quick to prepare and highly customizable. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for anyone craving a comforting noodle dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Stir Fry

• 1 lb fresh chow mein noodles
• 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)

For the Noodle Sauce

• 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce
• ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir fry sauce)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup low-sodium chicken stock or cold water
• ½ tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the noodle sauce ingredients until smooth and set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions, celery, and cabbage. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
3. Add the fresh chow mein noodles to the skillet, breaking apart gently if needed. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing noodles to heat through and start to brown slightly.
4. Pour the prepared noodle sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
5. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and noodles have a chewy, glossy texture.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
• Include other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas.
• Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free options.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor.
• Add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha for some heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chow mein noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

FAQs

Can I use dried noodles instead of fresh?

Yes, cook dried chow mein noodles according to package instructions, then proceed with the recipe.

What if I don’t have dark soy sauce?

You can substitute with regular soy sauce and a small amount of molasses or brown sugar for color and sweetness.

Is oyster sauce vegetarian?

Traditional oyster sauce is not vegetarian; use vegetarian stir fry sauce as a substitute.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

How do I get the noodles chewy?

Use fresh chow mein noodles and stir fry over high heat without overcrowding the pan.

Can I add eggs to this dish?

Yes, scramble eggs in the pan before adding vegetables for a classic chow mein style.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?

Use enough oil and stir frequently during cooking. Also, toss noodles with a little oil before cooking if they are fresh.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What can I serve with chow mein noodles?

They pair well with egg rolls, steamed dumplings, or your favorite Asian-inspired main dishes.

Can I freeze leftover chow mein?

Freezing is not recommended as noodles may become mushy upon thawing.

Conclusion

Chewy Chow Mein Noodles Stir Fried is a quick, tasty, and satisfying dish that brings restaurant-style flavors to your home kitchen. Loaded with fresh vegetables and coated in a savory sauce, it’s perfect for a comforting meal anytime. Easy to customize and packed with flavor, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

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