Elevate Your Home Cooking: How to Make Chicken Chow Mein That Rivals Takeout

Craving the tantalizing flavors of takeaway chicken chow mein? With our comprehensive guide, you can now recreate this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen. Follow our step-by-step instructions and delve into the secrets of making authentic chicken chow mein that rivals your favorite takeaway spot.

Gather Your Ingredients

To create a delectable chicken chow mein, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Chow mein noodles: Fresh or dried Chinese egg noodles
• Vegetables: A mix of your favorites, such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, and broccoli
• Sauce: A combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and Chinese rice wine
• Other: Garlic, ginger, green onions, vegetable oil

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chow mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add a drizzle of vegetable oil and sauté the marinated chicken until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Add a bit more vegetable oil to the wok and stir-fry the vegetables until tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine the Noodles and Vegetables

Return the cooked chicken to the wok and add the noodles. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes to combine.

Step 6: Add the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, Chinese rice wine, and any other desired seasonings. Pour the sauce over the chicken and noodles and stir to coat.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the chicken chow mein with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice or egg rolls.

Tips for Takeaway-Style Chow Mein

• Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of your chow mein.
• Don’t overcook the noodles: Chow mein noodles should be tender but still have a slight chew to them.
• Season to taste: Adjust the seasonings to your preference, adding more soy sauce, oyster sauce, or sesame oil as needed.
• Use a large wok or skillet: A large cooking surface will help you achieve even cooking and prevent the noodles from sticking.
• Stir-fry on high heat: High heat will help to develop the authentic wok-hei flavor.

The Secret to the Takeaway Flavor

The key to replicating the takeaway flavor lies in the use of authentic ingredients and a high-heat cooking method. By following our instructions and using the right ingredients, you can create a chicken chow mein that will transport you to your favorite Chinese restaurant.

Elevate Your Chow Mein

• Add extra vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, such as baby corn, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots.
• Use different proteins: Instead of chicken, try using beef, shrimp, or tofu.
• Add a spicy kick: Add some chili oil or Sriracha to the sauce for a fiery twist.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use extra vegetables and tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Chow Mein Variations

• Cantonese-style: Uses a lighter sauce and typically includes bean sprouts.
• Szechuan-style: Features a spicy and flavorful sauce made with chili oil.
• Shanghai-style: Uses a dark soy sauce-based sauce and often includes bamboo shoots.
• American-style: A sweeter and less spicy version that is commonly served in American Chinese restaurants.

Final Thoughts

With a little practice and the right ingredients, you can master the art of making chicken chow mein like the takeaway. By following our step-by-step guide and experimenting with different variations, you’ll be able to create a delicious and authentic dish that will satisfy your cravings. So grab your wok and get cooking!

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chow mein noodles?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chow mein noodles. Thaw them completely before cooking.

Q: What if I don’t have a wok?
A: You can use a large skillet or Dutch oven instead.

Q: How do I store leftover chicken chow mein?
A: Store leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.