Ingredients

300 grams dried egg noodles (or 2 servings noodles, see note)

250 grams chicken breast (boneless chicken breast or thigh)

1 onion (thinly sliced)

2-3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)

2-3 spring onions (cut into 2-inch pieces)

1 bell pepper (red or green, thinly sliced)

1 carrot (julienned)

2-3 cabbage leaves (thinly sliced)

2-3 tbsp cooking oil (neutral flavor, add more if needed)

2 tbsp light soy sauce (or regular all-purpose soy sauce)

2 tsp dark soy sauce

4 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp brown sugar (or white sugar)

1 tbsp water

¼ tsp white pepper

1 tbsp light soy sauce (additional for marinade)

1 tbsp cornstarch

¼ tsp baking soda

1 tsp brown sugar (or white sugar, for marinade)

¼ tsp white pepper (for marinade)

2 tsp sesame oil (or cooking oil, for marinade)

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the chicken into thin slices. In a bowl, combine chicken with 1 tbsp light soy sauce, cornstarch, baking soda, ¼ tsp white pepper, 2 tsp sesame oil, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Mix well and set aside to marinate. Prepare all vegetables before cooking.

Step 2: Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside. (Skip if using fresh noodles.)

Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 2 tsp dark soy sauce, 4 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp water, and ¼ tsp white pepper to make the chow mein sauce. Set aside.

Step 4: Heat a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and stir-fry the marinated chicken until cooked through. Remove from wok and set aside.

Step 5: Add more oil to the wok if needed. Sauté garlic and onions until fragrant. Add the harder vegetables such as carrot, bell pepper, and cabbage, and stir-fry briefly until slightly tender.

Step 6: Add the cooked noodles to the wok. Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over the noodles. Return the cooked chicken to the wok.

Step 7: Toss everything together thoroughly to combine and heat through. Finish by adding the spring onions and give a final quick toss before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh noodles if available to save time and improve texture.

Add other vegetables like bean sprouts or mushrooms for more variety.

Adjust the sauce ingredients to taste for more sweetness or saltiness.

For a spicier version, add chili flakes or fresh sliced chili while stir-frying.

If you don’t have baking soda, omit it; the chicken will still be tender.

FAQs

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is thoroughly cooked.

What kind of noodles work best for chow mein?

Egg noodles are traditional and preferred for chow mein due to their texture and flavor, but you can also use thin wheat noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch.