Plain Chow Mein Chinese Noodles: Your Quick & Delicious Weeknight Go-To
Discover the simplicity and satisfaction of making Plain Chow Mein Chinese Noodles at home with this effortless recipe, perfect for a speedy and flavorful meal. This guide offers a straightforward approach to creating this beloved Chinese takeout staple, proving deliciousness doesn’t need to be complicated.
Key Ingredients for Plain Chow Mein Chinese Noodles
- 8 ounces dried egg noodles (chow mein noodles, lo mein noodles, or even spaghetti can substitute in a pinch)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other neutral cooking oil like canola or peanut oil), divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium is recommended)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
How to Make Plain Chow Mein Chinese Noodles
This Plain Chow Mein Chinese Noodles recipe is your ticket to a delightfully easy yet incredibly satisfying meal. In under 30 minutes, you’ll create noodles glistening with a savory sauce, boasting a pleasing texture that rivals your favorite takeout. The simplicity allows for endless customization, making it a perfect blank canvas for adding your favorite vegetables or protein.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the dried chow mein noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles well and rinse briefly under cold water to prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and chicken broth or water. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Combine and Coat: Add the cooked and drained noodles to the wok or skillet with the garlic and ginger. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the noodles.
- Stir-Fry: Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring each strand of noodle is coated in the sauce. Continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the noodles to heat through. If the noodles seem a bit dry, you can add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to help coat them.
- Serve: Once the noodles are evenly coated and heated through, remove from heat. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Plain Chow Mein Chinese Noodles
You’ll absolutely adore this Plain Chow Mein Chinese Noodles recipe for its incredible versatility and the comforting, familiar flavors it delivers. Unlike more complex noodle dishes, the beauty lies in its beautiful simplicity, allowing the savory soy sauce, a hint of sweetness, and the satisfying chew of the noodles to shine. It’s a fantastic weeknight savior, offering a fraction of the cost of ordering takeout, making it an economical yet indulgent choice for any evening.
Furthermore, the subtle warmth from the ginger and garlic creates a delightful aroma and foundational taste that’s incredibly moreish, a perfect introduction for those new to Chinese cooking or a comforting classic for seasoned fans seeking a simpler version of dishes like Pad Thai. This recipe is your invitation to kitchen confidence – a delicious, budget-friendly meal that feels both special and effortlessly achieved. So gather your ingredients and give this Plain Chow Mein Chinese Noodles a try tonight!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Plain Chow Mein Chinese Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the best method is to gently stir-fry them in a skillet with a little bit of additional vegetable oil or a splash of water or broth over medium heat until heated through. This helps revive the texture of the noodles and prevents them from becoming mushy. Microwaving is also an option, but use short intervals and stir frequently to avoid uneven heating. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled chow mein in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months; reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the oven after thawing.
Final Thoughts
This Plain Chow Mein Chinese Noodles recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create profoundly satisfying meals. We encourage you to give it a go and experience the joy of homemade Chinese comfort food right in your own kitchen. It’s a delightful, budget-friendly dish perfect for any day of the week.
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- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
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Plain Chow Mein Chinese Noodles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the dried chow mein noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles well and rinse briefly under cold water to prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.8 ounces dried egg noodles (chow mein noodles, lo mein noodles, or spaghetti)
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and chicken broth or water. Set this sauce mixture aside.1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other neutral cooking oil), 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Add the cooked and drained noodles to the wok or skillet with the garlic and ginger. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the noodles.8 ounces dried egg noodles (chow mein noodles, lo mein noodles, or spaghetti), 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring each strand of noodle is coated in the sauce. Continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the noodles to heat through. If the noodles seem a bit dry, you can add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to help coat them.2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other neutral cooking oil), 8 ounces dried egg noodles (chow mein noodles, lo mein noodles, or spaghetti)
- Once the noodles are evenly coated and heated through, remove from heat. Serve immediately.