Stir-fried noodles

stir-fried_noodles

Chinese Stir-fried noodles or chow mein is a staple dish in Chinese cuisine. It is a quick and easy dish to prepare, making it a popular choice for busy households. Chow Mein is a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit individual tastes with different meats, vegetables or sauces. It is also an excellent way to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge.

Chow Mein is a dish that originated in Northern China, with the name ‘chow mein’ being derived from the Taishan dialect of Cantonese, meaning ‘stir-fried noodles.’ It is a dish that has spread worldwide and is enjoyed by millions of people every day. The dish is typically made with fresh egg noodles and stir-fried with vegetables or meat, and various sauces are added to enhance the flavor.

Preparing Chow Mein is a straightforward process. The first step is to cook the fresh noodles in boiling water for a few minutes, after which they are rinsed with cold water and drained. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the noodles from becoming too soft.

The vegetables and meat are then stir-fried in a wok with oil until they are evenly cooked. The vegetables typically used in Chow Mein include bok choy, bean sprouts, carrots, bell peppers, and onions. The meat can be any of your choice, such as chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp.

Once the vegetables and meat have been cooked, the noodles are added to the wok and are stir-fried until they are evenly coated with the sauce and the vegetables and meat. The sauce used in Chow Mein is usually a soy sauce-based mixture, which can be adjusted to suit individual tastes. Other popular sauces include oyster sauce, hoisin sauce or chili sauce. Some cooks may also add a dash of vinegar and sugar to balance the flavors.

Chinese Stir-fried noodles is not only a tasty dish but is also a healthy option. The vegetables used in the dish are nutrient-dense and provide many health benefits. Bean sprouts, for example, are a good source of protein, vitamin C, and folate. Bok choy is high in vitamin A, C and K, and calcium. Bell pepper is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber.

Chow Mein can be served as a main dish or as a side dish to complement other dishes, such as stir-fried vegetables, fried rice or dumplings. It can also be a great option for a potluck or as a meal prep option for individuals who need a quick and easy meal on the go.

In conclusion, Chinese Stir-fried noodles, also known as Chow Mein, is a popular dish that is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit individual tastes. It is a healthy option that can provide many nutrients and is suitable for a main dish or a side dish. Experiment with different vegetables, meats, and sauces to discover your favorite combination of flavors. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. Chinese egg noodles
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and grated
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 stalks of spring onion, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 4 oz. sliced mushrooms
  • 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

  2. In a wok or large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Add sliced red and green bell peppers, onion, spring onions, and mushrooms, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.

  4. Add cooked noodles into the wok and stir well to combine.

  5. Add soy sauce and hoisin sauce, stirring well to make the noodles well coated.

  6. Season with salt and pepper according to taste. Drizzle sesame oil over the top of the noodles, then stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.

  7. Serve hot, garnish with spring onion greens, and enjoy!