Description
This classic Chow Mein recipe features Hong Kong-style egg noodles stir-fried to crispy perfection with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce blend of soy, oyster, and fish sauces. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired stir-fry perfect for a satisfying meal for two.
Ingredients
Noodles and Vegetables
- 12 oz chow mein egg noodles (thin fresh noodles, Hong-Kong style)
- 1/2 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 5 stalks green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces (whites and greens divided)
- 2 cups bean sprouts
Oils and Sauces
- 3 tablespoons corn oil (or any neutral oil), divided
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (to finish)
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Pour boiling water over the noodles and soak them for 30 seconds to 1 minute until softened. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine dark soy sauce, regular soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of corn oil in a wok over medium-high heat until hot. Add the yellow onion and the white parts of the green onions, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant and slightly softened. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- Pan-fry the noodles: Add another tablespoon of corn oil to the wok and heat over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the drained noodles, spreading them into a thin, even layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to crisp up on the bottom. Flip the noodles, add the remaining tablespoon of oil around the pan’s perimeter, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to crisp the opposite side.
- Add vegetables and sauce: Return the sautéed onions, add the remaining green onion pieces and bean sprouts, then pour in the sauce. Gently mix everything together, cooking for 1-2 minutes until heated through and flavors are well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Remove the wok from heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and toss to combine evenly. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your crispy, flavorful chow mein.
Notes
- Using fresh Hong Kong-style chow mein noodles is best for authentic texture and flavor.
- Soaking noodles briefly in boiling water softens them without overcooking.
- Spreading noodles thin for frying creates the signature crispy texture.
- Feel free to add protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu if desired.
- Adjust the amount of soy and oyster sauce based on your preferred saltiness.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the noodles at their crispiest.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese