Lucas Delgado
Chicken chow mein is a popular dish that can be made in a variety of ways, depending on personal preference and cultural context. The dish typically consists of stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and a protein source, most commonly chicken. The versatility of this dish is reflected in the diverse ingredients that can be used, allowing for customization to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. While chicken is a favorite choice, alternatives such as beef, shrimp, pork, or tofu can also be used as protein substitutes. The vegetables commonly used include cabbage, carrots, celery, and green onions, but the dish can be adapted to include a range of other vegetables as well. The noodles, which are typically fried to achieve a crispy texture, can be substituted with boiled lo mein, yakisoba, or even spaghetti. The sauce, a key component of chicken chow mein, is a flavorful blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and other seasonings, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty notes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken Part | Chicken breast, thigh fillets or tenderloins |
| Chicken Preparation | Sliced, bite-sized strips, thinly sliced, cubed |
| Chicken Cooking Method | Stir-fried, pan-fried, sautéed, deep-fried |
| Chicken Weight | 200g/6 oz |
| Marinade | Soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, chicken broth |
| Noodles | Chow mein, lo mein, yakisoba, ramen, spaghetti, egg noodles |
| Noodle Cooking Method | Boiled, blanched, stir-fried, deep-fried |
| Vegetables | Cabbage, celery, carrots, scallions, garlic, onions, mushrooms, bean sprouts |
| Sauce | Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, black vinegar, chicken broth, cornstarch |
| Garnish | Green onions, crispy noodles |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken chow mein recipe
Chicken chow mein is a Chinese dish that has evolved over the years and differs depending on the recipe and where you are in the world. The term "chow mein" simply means "stir-fried noodles", which are usually tossed with vegetables and sometimes meat or tofu.
Chicken chow mein typically includes chicken, vegetables, and classic chow mein noodles. The chicken is typically sliced into strips and can be tenderised using a Chinese technique with baking soda (bi-carb) to make it juicier. The vegetables typically include onions, celery, cabbage, carrots, and scallions. The noodles are typically soft, stir-fried-style noodles, although some recipes call for crunchy, deep-fried noodles.
To make chicken chow mein, you will need to prepare the following ingredients:
- Chicken breast or thigh fillets, thinly sliced
- Green cabbage, finely shredded
- Carrots
- Scallions
- Garlic
- Noodles of choice
- Oil
- Cornstarch
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sesame oil
- Chicken broth or water
First, marinate the chicken by pouring soy sauce over the chicken, mixing to coat, and setting it aside to marinate for 10 minutes. Next, boil the noodles according to the package instructions and set them aside. Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and cook until just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and add the remaining oil to the pan. Add the vegetables and cook until softened and starting to brown. Add the noodles, chicken, and sauce, and stir-fry until well combined and the noodles have absorbed the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.
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Types of noodles used
Chicken chow mein is a versatile dish that has evolved over time, with different variations depending on the region and recipe. The type of noodles used in chicken chow mein can vary, and the choice of noodles can influence the overall texture and taste of the dish. Here are some of the most commonly used noodles:
Stir-fried Noodles:
The term "chow mein" translates to "stir-fried noodles," so it's no surprise that stir-fried noodles are a popular choice for this dish. These noodles are soft and flexible, making them ideal for tossing and mixing with other ingredients. You can use dedicated chow mein noodles or opt for other varieties like yakisoba noodles, ramen, or even thin spaghetti.
Hong Kong-style Pan-fried Noodles:
For a more authentic Hong Kong-style chicken chow mein, you can use pan-fried or "hong kong" noodles. These noodles are typically par-boiled and then added directly to the pan, creating a contrast of textures in the dish. They can be found at local Asian food markets or specialty grocery stores.
Thin Egg Noodles:
Thin egg noodles are another popular choice for chicken chow mein. They add a rich, savoury flavour to the dish and are often used in gluten-free variations of the recipe. These noodles can be purchased at most supermarkets or Asian grocery stores.
Crispy Noodles:
While not as common for the base of the dish, crispy deep-fried noodles are sometimes used as a garnish or topping for chicken chow mein. This style is more reminiscent of the Americanized takeout version of the dish, where crispy noodles are served over rice with cooked vegetables and chicken.
Lo Mein Noodles:
Lo Mein Noodles are thicker than those typically used in chow mein. However, they can still be used in a pinch. Just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions and drain off any excess moisture before adding them to your stir-fry.
Ultimately, the type of noodles you choose for your chicken chow mein depends on your personal preference and the specific style of chow mein you are aiming to create. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of noodles to find the perfect match for your taste buds!
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Vegetables used
Chicken chow mein is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. While the specific vegetables used in chicken chow mein may vary depending on the recipe and cultural influences, here are some of the commonly used vegetables:
Cabbage is almost always present in chicken chow mein. It is typically finely shredded or chopped and stir-fried until wilted or slightly translucent. Cabbage adds a crunchy texture and a mild, earthy flavour to the dish.
Bean sprouts are another popular choice. They provide a crisp and refreshing contrast to the other ingredients, offering a slight crunch without overwhelming the dish.
Carrots are often included in chicken chow mein. They can be cut into thin strips or small pieces, adding a burst of colour and a sweet, slightly earthy flavour to the dish.
Onions are commonly used in chicken chow mein, adding a savoury depth of flavour and a subtle sweetness when stir-fried.
Celery is also a popular choice, providing a refreshing crunch and a subtle, slightly salty flavour to the dish.
In addition to these staples, chicken chow mein can be customised with various other vegetables. Mushrooms, for example, can add a hearty and earthy flavour, while bamboo shoots, bok choy, water chestnuts, and green vegetables like choy sum are also used in some recipes. The versatility of chicken chow mein allows for personalisation, ensuring a dish that suits individual tastes and dietary needs.
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Chicken preparation
Chicken chow mein is a Chinese dish that typically includes chicken, vegetables, and noodles. The chicken is usually prepared by slicing chicken breasts or thighs into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. If using chicken breasts, it is recommended to tenderize the meat using a Chinese restaurant technique with baking soda (bicarb) or by velvetizing the chicken.
To cook the chicken, heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium to high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it is golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. The chicken is then added back to the pan later, along with the cooked noodles and sauce, to finish the dish.
For the sauce, a combination of oyster sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch is typically used. Some recipes also include granulated sugar in the sauce mixture. The sauce is prepared by whisking the ingredients together in a small mixing bowl and setting it aside until needed.
It is important to have all the ingredients ready before starting to cook, as the dish comes together quickly. Chicken chow mein is a versatile dish that can be adapted to personal preferences and is often healthier than ordering takeout.
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Sauce ingredients
Chicken chow mein is a dish that has evolved over time and varies depending on the region and the chef preparing it. The ingredients used in the sauce for chicken chow mein can vary, but there are some common elements.
The base of the sauce is typically a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. These ingredients provide a balance of salty, savoury, and nutty flavours. Soy sauce is a key ingredient, adding savoury depth to the dish. Oyster sauce is known for its rich, sweet-savoury flavour, and sesame oil lends a distinct nutty taste and aroma.
To thicken the sauce and ensure a desirable consistency, cornstarch or cornflour is often added. This ingredient also helps the chicken achieve a desirable golden-brown colour during cooking. Chicken bouillon or broth can be included to enhance the savoury flavour profile, and water is used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
Some recipes call for the addition of sugar to balance the savoury notes and add a touch of sweetness. Chinese cooking wine or Shaoxing wine is another common ingredient, adding depth of flavour and authenticity to the dish. A small amount of oil is sometimes incorporated into the sauce to keep the chicken moist and juicy.
While these ingredients form the foundation of a typical chicken chow mein sauce, variations exist, and chefs may add or omit ingredients to suit their taste preferences and the availability of ingredients.
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