Easy Chow Mein Meal Prep: Can You Make It Ahead of Time?
Chow mein, a beloved Chinese dish, is known for its savory noodles, tender vegetables, and flavorful sauce. While it’s a popular choice for takeout, many home cooks wonder if they can prepare chow mein ahead of time to save time and effort. In this blog post, we delve into the question of “Can you make chow mein in advance?” and provide step-by-step instructions for successful advance preparation.
Benefits of Making Chow Mein in Advance
- Convenience: Prepare a large batch of chow mein on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Time-saving: Avoid the hassle of cooking a meal from scratch on busy weeknights.
- Meal planning: Make chow mein a part of your weekly meal plan by preparing it in advance.
- Reduced stress: Eliminate the last-minute rush to cook dinner.
How to Make Chow Mein in Advance
Ingredients:
- Noodles: Choose chow mein noodles or spaghetti.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, snap peas, baby corn, and bell peppers are common choices.
- Protein: Chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu.
- Sauce: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to the package directions and drain.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and blanch them for 2-3 minutes in boiling water.
3. Cook the Protein: Season and cook the protein in a separate pan until done.
4. Make the Sauce: Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well mixed.
5. Assemble the Chow Mein: In a large pan or wok, heat a little oil and add the noodles. Cook until heated through.
6. Add the Vegetables and Protein: Stir in the blanched vegetables and cooked protein.
7. Pour the Sauce: Add the sauce to the pan and stir to coat all the ingredients.
8. Cook Until Heated Through: Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce is thickened and the chow mein is heated through.
Storage Guidelines
- Refrigerator: Store the chow mein in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the chow mein for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Chow Mein
- Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan and add the chow mein. Cook until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place the chow mein in a microwave-safe container and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Don’t overcook the noodles or vegetables.
- Adjust the sauce ingredients to your taste preferences.
- Add other vegetables or protein to your liking.
- Serve the chow mein with rice or noodles.
Variations
- Cantonese Chow Mein: A classic version with a brown sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Szechuan Chow Mein: A spicy version with a red sauce made from chili oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Vegetable Chow Mein: A vegetarian version with a variety of vegetables and a lighter sauce.
Wrap-Up: The Art of Advance Chow Mein
Making chow mein in advance is a practical and convenient way to enjoy this delicious dish without the last-minute rush. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can prepare a batch of chow mein and enjoy it throughout the week. With its versatility and ease of preparation, chow mein is a perfect addition to your meal planning routine.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I use any type of noodles for chow mein?
A: Yes, you can use chow mein noodles, spaghetti, or other types of noodles.
Q: How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
A: Toss the cooked noodles with a little oil to prevent them from sticking.
Q: Can I freeze chow mein with the sauce?
A: Yes, you can freeze chow mein with the sauce. However, the sauce may separate upon freezing. Reheat the chow mein and stir well before serving.