Dinner

Classic Chinese Chow Mein Recipe

Name: Classic Chinese Chow Mein Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons canola oil; 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 4 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1/4 head cabbage, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced; 6 ounces bean sprouts (optional); 12 ounces chow mein noodles, cooked a minute shy of package directions; 1 cup water; Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

ByRita Bennet October 28, 2025October 28, 2025

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Introduction

Classic Chinese Chow Mein is a quick and flavorful stir-fried noodle dish packed with tender cabbage, savory sauces, and a satisfying crunch. It’s perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or whenever you crave authentic Chinese flavors at home.

A large white bowl is filled with a heap of glossy, golden-brown stir-fried noodles mixed with light green cabbage pieces. The noodles are thick and slightly twisted, coated evenly with a shiny sauce, and sprinkled on top with small white sesame seeds, giving a bit of texture and contrast. The bowl sits on a woven mat against a softly blurred white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons canola oil
1/4 head cabbage, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced
2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (aka Kecap Manis)*

2 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons oyster sauce

1 cup water
12 ounces chow mein noodles, cooked just under the package instructions
6 ounces bean sprouts (optional)

Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large pan or wok over high heat until very hot.
Step 2: Add the canola oil and then the sliced cabbage. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the cabbage is wilted.

Step 3: Add the crushed garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 4: Pour in the soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 1 minute.
Step 5: Add the cooked chow mein noodles and bean sprouts (if using) to the pan. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.

Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a homemade sweet soy sauce substitute, mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce with 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar or molasses.
Try adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.

Use fresh chow mein noodles when available for the best texture, but dried noodles work well if cooked properly.
Substitute canola oil with peanut or vegetable oil for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with stir-fried noodles turning golden-brown, topped with small sesame seeds scattered across the surface. The noodles have a shiny, slightly oily texture and are mixed with pieces of bright green leafy vegetables and light-colored cabbage. A silver fork is lifting a twist of the noodles from the bowl, showing their smooth, thick strands and some vegetable bits intertwined. The background features a soft focus with a white marbled texture surface under the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of cabbage?

Yes, you can substitute or add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to customize the dish to your liking.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Cook the noodles until just shy of done, rinse them under cold water to stop cooking, and toss with a little oil before adding to the stir-fry.

Rita Bennet