Here’s a simple, delicious, takeout-style Chow Mein recipe you can make at home in under 20 minutes. It’s flexible — use any veggies or protein you like!
🍜 Classic Chow Mein
Serves: 4
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Ingredients
Noodles & Veggies
- 12 oz chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles / ramen without seasoning)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2–3 green onions, chopped
- Optional: bean sprouts
Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, sweeter)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ginger (fresh or powder)
Optional Protein
- Chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu — about 1 lb, sliced thin
🔥 Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
- Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions.
- Rinse with cold water and drain well.
2. Cook the Protein (Optional)
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet or wok.
- Sauté chicken/beef/shrimp until cooked through.
- Remove and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Veggies
- Add remaining oil to the pan.
- Add onions, carrots, and cabbage.
- Stir-fry 3–4 minutes until softened but still crisp.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook 30 seconds.
4. Add Noodles + Sauce
- Add the cooked noodles to the pan.
- Pour sauce ingredients directly into the skillet.
- Toss everything together until well coated.
5. Finish
- Add green onions and protein (if using).
- Stir 1–2 minutes to heat everything through.
- Serve hot!
⭐ Variations
Chicken Chow Mein
Use sliced chicken breast; add a splash of rice vinegar.
Beef Chow Mein
Use thinly sliced flank or sirloin.
Shrimp Chow Mein
Add shrimp at the end to prevent overcooking.
Veggie Chow Mein
Add mushrooms, bell pepper, broccoli, or snap peas.
Spicy Version
Add 1–2 tsp chili-garlic paste or sriracha.
Want Panda Express–style Chow Mein, Cantonese-style crispy Chow Mein, or Chicken Lo Mein next?
