Enjoy Chicken Chow Mein, a classic blend of juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and chow mein noodles in a savory homemade sauce. With a hint of sambal oelek for spice, it's perfect for a quick, flavorful meal or a homemade takeout experience. Simple and delicious, it's ideal for any occasion.
Combine chicken with the marination ingredients. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to deeply infuse into the chicken, enhancing its taste and tenderness.
Preparing Chow Mein Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together all the Chow Mein sauce ingredients. This blending of flavors creates a harmonious and rich sauce, which will coat the noodles and chicken evenly during stir-frying. Set it aside for later use.
Cooking and Season Noodles
Begin by filling a wide-bottomed pan or pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once it's boiling, add the Chow Mein noodles.
Gently stir the noodles with tongs to separate them, ensuring they cook evenly. Follow the package instructions for cooking. After cooking, remove and drain the noodles. Then, quickly rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking process.
After draining, season the noodles with a small amount of oil to keep them separate and prevent them from sticking together.
Preparing Chicken Chow Mein
In a hot, oiled wok, lay the marinated chicken in a single layer. Allow it to sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. Then stir and cook the chicken for about 7-10 minutes or until fully cooked. This technique creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Add spring onions, carrots, and cabbage, stirring and cooking for 2-3 minutes. The quick stir-fry retains the vegetables' texture and color.
Introduce the cooked noodles and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the noodles and chicken are well coated with the sauce.
Garnish with additional spring onions before removing from heat, adding a fresh, crunchy element to the dish.
Serving
Serve the dish with your choice of sides to complement its flavors. For more pairing ideas and diverse serving suggestions, refer to the Serving Suggestions section.
Notes
Here are some expert tips for perfecting Chicken Chow Mein:
Ingredient Selection and Preparation:
Select Premium Fresh Ingredients: Freshness is key. Choose the crispest vegetables, the most flavorful sauces, and the freshest chicken to bring out the best in your dish.
Preparation is Essential: Stir-frying moves quickly. Have your sauces mixed, vegetables chopped, and chicken marinated and ready to go. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process.
Maximize Flavor with Aromatics: Fresh ginger and garlic are crucial. Grating them or using them in paste form releases their oils and maximizes their flavor, deeply enriching your dish.
Customize Your Spice Level: Traditional Chow Mein is a balance of sweet and savory, but you can personalize it. Incorporate sambal oelek for heat, adjusting the quantity to match your spice preference.
Cooking Techniques:
Consistent High Heat is Crucial: Keep your stove on high to achieve the characteristic tender-crisp texture of stir-fry. Stir continuously to cook the ingredients evenly and prevent any from burning.
Mind the Space in Your Wok: An overcrowded wok leads to steaming rather than stir-frying. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each ingredient has enough room to fry properly, maintaining the crispness and texture that is signature to Chicken Chow Mein.
The Right Pan Makes a Difference: For the best Chicken Chow Mein, use a high-quality wok or cast iron skillet. These pans ensure even heat distribution for authentic, smoky flavors and, if seasoned, add the coveted "wok hei" – a smoky, charred aroma essential in Asian cooking.
Additional Considerations:
Noodle Preparation: Properly prepare your chow mein noodles. If they're too soft or overcooked, they'll become mushy during stir-frying. Follow the package instructions, and usually, a quick blanch is sufficient.
Sauce Consistency: Adjust the consistency of your sauce to suit your preference. If you like your Chow Mein saucier, consider adding a bit more broth or water. If you prefer it drier, reduce the liquid components slightly.
Ingredient Order Matters: Add ingredients to the wok in the order of their cooking times. Typically, start with the protein, followed by harder vegetables, and end with the softer ones. This ensures everything is perfectly cooked.
Flavor Layering: Build layers of flavor by adding some of the aromatics at the beginning and some towards the end of the cooking process. This technique enhances the overall depth and freshness of the dish.
Balancing Flavors: Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning. The key to a great Chow Mein is the balance between the savory, sweet, and spicy elements.
Resting the Chicken: After marinating the chicken, let it rest for a bit before cooking. This helps the flavors to penetrate more deeply and the meat to cook more evenly.