The Cheapest Noodle Dish Ever (Chicken Chow Mein) | But Cheaper

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to make an incredibly affordable and delicious Chicken Chow Mein at home. This recipe is not only budget-friendly but also packed with flavor, making it a great alternative to takeout. Let's get started on creating this satisfying noodle dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Chow Mein Sauce

To create a flavorful sauce that will coat your noodles perfectly, follow these steps:

1. In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients:
   • 2.5 tablespoons (38g) soy sauce
   • 1.5 tablespoons (22g) rice vinegar
   • 2 tablespoons (40g) hoisin sauce or oyster sauce
   • 1 teaspoon (4g) toasted sesame oil
2. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.
3. Gradually whisk in 2 teaspoons (5g) of cornstarch until the mixture is smooth.
4. Set the sauce aside for later use.

Step 2: Prepare the Noodles

Fresh noodles are key to a great Chow Mein.

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Add 14 oz (400g) of fresh chow mein or stir-fry noodles.
3. Boil for about 10-20 seconds (or according to package instructions).
4. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cooking the chicken properly adds depth to your Chow Mein.

1. Heat 3 tablespoons (42g) of vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Cut 12 oz (340g) of boneless skinless chicken thighs into half-inch cubes.
3. Sear the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until browned and cooked through (about a few minutes).
4. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

The right vegetables will enhance the texture and flavor of your dish.

1. Finely chop 7 cloves of garlic and prepare your vegetables:
   • Cut 2 green onions into one-inch segments.
   • Julienne 1 carrot.
   • Finely dice 2 ribs of celery.
   • Slice 3.5 cups (315g) of Napa cabbage thinly.
2. In the same wok, add the green onions and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until wilted.
3. Add three-quarters of the chopped garlic and stir-fry until it turns golden brown.
4. Add the celery and carrots, stir-frying for 2 minutes until softened.
5. Add the Napa cabbage, turn the heat to high, and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until wilted and slightly charred.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Now we’ll bring everything together to create your Chow Mein.

1. Return the cooked chicken to the wok and stir-fry for about 30 seconds to heat through.
2. Add 1 cup (85g) of bean sprouts and stir to combine.
3. Add the prepared noodles and stir-fry for about 45 seconds.
4. Pour the chow mein sauce over the noodle mixture and toss until evenly coated.
5. Add 2 tablespoons (30g) of water and stir-fry for another minute until the noodles are glossy and well-coated.
6. Turn off the heat and add the remaining garlic, stirring well to combine.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Presentation matters, even for a budget dish.

1. Serve the Chow Mein directly from the pan or plate it individually.
2. Garnish with additional green onions and, if desired, a drizzle of chili oil or a fried egg on top.

Conclusion

You’ve now created a delicious Chicken Chow Mein at home that rivals takeout at a fraction of the cost. This dish can be easily customized with your favorite proteins or vegetables. Enjoy this hearty meal with family and friends, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors next time!