How to make chicken chow mein like the takeaway
Are you tired of ordering the same chicken chow mein from the local takeaway? Why not try your hand at making this delicious dish at home? Not only will you save some money, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of creating a meal that tastes just as good (if not better) than the one you usually get from the takeaway.
Chicken chow mein is a popular Chinese dish made with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and chicken. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. The key to making it taste like the takeaway lies in the combination of ingredients and the art of stir-frying. So, if you’re ready to elevate your cooking skills and impress your family and friends, read on to discover our step-by-step guide on how to make chicken chow mein like the takeaway.
First and foremost, it’s important to gather all the ingredients you’ll need for your chicken chow mein. You’ll need chicken breast, chow mein noodles, assorted vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage, and a variety of sauces and spices like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. These ingredients can usually be found in your local supermarket or Asian grocery store. Once you have everything set up, it’s time to get cooking!
Craving Takeout? Make Your Own Delicious Chicken Chow Mein at Home!
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of having a delicious dish from your favorite Chinese takeaway, but why not recreate that experience in your own kitchen? Making chicken chow mein at home can be surprisingly easy, and it allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to suit your taste.
Gather Your Ingredients
The key to making a perfect chicken chow mein is to have all your ingredients ready and easily accessible. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breast or thigh fillets
- Egg noodles
- Fresh vegetables – like bell peppers, carrots, and bean sprouts
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch – to thicken the sauce
- Garlic and ginger – for added flavor
- Green onions – for garnish
Cooking Steps
1. Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are done, drain and set them aside.
2. In a wok or large frying pan, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. In the same pan, add more oil if needed, and stir-fry the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
4. Add the vegetables and cook them until they are tender but still crisp. You can add your preferred vegetables or use a mix of bell peppers, carrots, and bean sprouts.
5. While the vegetables are cooking, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a separate bowl.
6. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly.
7. Finally, add the cooked noodles to the mixture and toss everything together until everything is well combined. Cook for another minute or two until everything is heated through.
8. Serve your delicious homemade chicken chow mein hot and garnish with some sliced green onions for extra flavor.
Enjoy the satisfaction of having your favorite takeout dish that you made yourself! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or add a spicy kick with some chili flakes or sriracha sauce. Homemade chicken chow mein never tasted so good!
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you can start making chicken chow mein, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
For the Chicken Chow Mein:
- 200 grams of chicken breast, sliced
- 250 grams of chow mein noodles
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 100 grams bean sprouts
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure you have everything on this list before you start cooking. It’s important to have all the ingredients prepared and ready to go, as the cooking process for chicken chow mein is fast-paced. Enjoy your homemade chicken chow mein!
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to properly prepare the chicken and vegetables for your homemade chicken chow mein. Follow these simple steps to ensure that the flavors are perfectly mingled:
1. Chicken:
– Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized pieces. This will allow the chicken to cook quickly and evenly.
– Optional: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to enhance its flavor. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes to allow the marinade to penetrate the meat.
– Heat some oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until it is cooked through. Set the cooked chicken aside.
2. Vegetables:
– Prepare a variety of vegetables that you enjoy in your chow mein, such as sliced onions, bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts. Feel free to be creative and add your favorite veggies to enhance the dish.
– Heat some more oil in the same wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions first and stir-fry for a few minutes until they become translucent.
– Add the remaining vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for a few more minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp. Be careful not to overcook them, as vegetables that are too soft will lose their texture.
– Once the vegetables are ready, remove them from the pan and set them aside to be added back later when assembling the chow mein.
Note: For a vegetarian version, you can skip the chicken and focus solely on the vegetables. You can also add tofu or mushrooms as a substitute for the meat.
Cooking the Noodles to Perfection
When it comes to creating the perfect chicken chow mein, cooking the noodles is a crucial step. Follow these simple tips to ensure your noodles are cooked to perfection:
1. Choose the Right Noodles
The first step in creating an authentic chicken chow mein is selecting the right type of noodles. Traditional chow mein noodles are made from wheat flour and egg, giving them a slightly chewy texture. Look for yellow noodles specifically labeled as chow mein noodles at your local Asian grocery store.
2. Boil the Noodles
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once the water is boiling, add the chow mein noodles and cook them according to the instructions on the package. Be sure to stir the noodles occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. Test the noodles for doneness by sampling a strand – they should be cooked al dente, firm but not hard.
3. Drain and Rinse
As soon as the noodles are cooked to perfection, drain them in a colander and rinse them with cold water. Rinsing the noodles helps remove any excess starch, preventing them from becoming clumpy or sticky.
4. Toss with Oil
After rinsing, toss the noodles with a small amount of oil to prevent them from sticking together. Use a neutral oil like vegetable or sesame oil, as this will add a hint of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
By following these simple steps for cooking the noodles, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious chicken chow mein that rivals your favorite takeaway place!
Stir-Frying with the Right Sauces
When it comes to making delicious chicken chow mein, using the right sauces for stir-frying is essential. Not only do sauces add flavor and depth to the dish, but they also help to tenderize the chicken and vegetables, creating a mouthwatering combination of textures and tastes.
Here are some of the key sauces that you should have in your pantry for making chicken chow mein:
- Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce is a rich and savory condiment that adds a depth of umami flavor to your stir-fried chicken. It pairs particularly well with the earthy taste of mushrooms and the sweetness of bell peppers.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a must-have ingredient for any stir-fry, including chicken chow mein. This dark, salty sauce brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables while adding a touch of umami.
- Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet, and tangy sauce that adds a delightful complexity to your chicken chow mein. It pairs well with the mild heat of chili garlic sauce and balances out any spiciness in the dish.
- Chili Garlic Sauce: If you like your chicken chow mein to have a bit of a kick, chili garlic sauce is the perfect addition. This fiery sauce adds a subtle heat and garlicky flavor that complements the crispy chicken and tender vegetables.
It’s important to note that while these sauces are commonly used in chicken chow mein recipes, you can always customize the flavors by adding other sauces or seasonings you prefer. However, keeping a well-stocked pantry of these sauces will ensure you’re ready to whip up a delicious chicken chow mein anytime.
Plating and Serving your Homemade Chow Mein
Once you have prepared your delicious chicken chow mein, it’s time to think about the presentation and how to serve it to your guests or family. The way you plate and present your homemade chow mein can add an extra touch of elegance and make the meal even more enjoyable.
Follow these tips to ensure your plating and serving are top-notch:
1. Choose the right plate
First, select a suitable plate for serving your chow mein. A large, shallow bowl or a wide-rimmed plate works well to hold both the noodles and the toppings. Ensure the plate is large enough to accommodate a generous portion without crowding.
2. Arrange the noodles
Pile a serving of the chicken chow mein noodles as the base of the plate. Create a mound in the center, ensuring the noodles are evenly distributed and not clumped together. This will make it easier for your guests to toss and mix the noodles with the other ingredients.
3. Add the toppings
Next, arrange the cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, and any other toppings you have prepared. Place them neatly on top of the noodles, ensuring an even distribution. You can sprinkle some chopped spring onions or cilantro for added freshness.
4. Drizzle with sauce
Finish off your homemade chow mein by drizzling the sauce over the noodles and toppings. Use a spoon or a ladle to evenly distribute the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. You can also reserve some sauce on the side for those who prefer extra seasoning.
Now, your homemade chow mein is ready to be served! Offer your guests chopsticks and forks for added authenticity and convenience. Don’t forget to provide small bowls for them to enjoy the chow mein, as it can get messy to eat directly from the plate.
With these plating and serving tips, you can create a restaurant-worthy presentation for your homemade chicken chow mein. Take the extra step to impress your guests and make the dining experience even more enjoyable!
Meet Harrison Clayton, a distinguished author and home remodeling enthusiast whose expertise in the realm of renovation is second to none. With a passion for transforming houses into inviting homes, Harrison's writing at https://thehuts-eastbourne.co.uk/ brings a breath of fresh inspiration to the world of home improvement. Whether you're looking to revamp a small corner of your abode or embark on a complete home transformation, Harrison's articles provide the essential expertise and creative flair to turn your visions into reality. So, dive into the captivating world of home remodeling with Harrison Clayton and unlock the full potential of your living space with every word he writes.
