A Delicious and Healthy Chow Mein Recipe: A Versatile 15-Minute Family Favorite.

Delicious and Healthy Chow Mein

A Delicious and Healthy Chow Mein Recipe: A Versatile 15-Minute Family Favorite

In this week’s recipe, I am delighted to share the best and most versatile way to prepare a delicious and healthy Chow Mein.

Growing up, my family’s version of Chow mein was made with an instant pack of chicken noodle soup. I loved this version & I also enjoyed many nights of instant pack chicken noodle soup when I first lived on my own but….well, I grew up, and I sadly learnt that that packet was loaded with some not-so-good-for-you stuff, including my body weight’s worth of sodium.

This more authentic recipe is good for you and, as I have said…it is a firm family fave. This upgraded version will provide a nourishing and wholesome dinner that the whole family will love.

The All-Star Ingredients

Our revamped Chow Mein recipe features fresh and vibrant ingredients. Crisp vegetables, tender noodles, and a super awesome flavorful sauce are the stars of this show. The best part is that you have the freedom to customize it according to your preferences. Whether you prefer a protein-packed version with succulent chicken or a lighter vegetarian-friendly option, this recipe is yours to customise.

Preparation Made Easy

One of the most appealing aspects of this Chow Mein recipe is its quick and straightforward preparation. In just 15 minutes, you can have a steaming hot and healthy meal on your table. This is ideal for all of us on those busy weeknights when time is of the essence; this dish will (hopefully) soon become a go-to dinner option.

Delicious and Family-Approved

As you may already know (or not, and that’s okay), half of my immediate family are vegetarian, and the other half are not. My tribe all really love this recipe as it is very customisable.

I am providing a version below using chicken mince. However, you might also have vegetarians’ mouths to feed, and if so, you can skip the meat entirely and leave it with the vegetables and noodles or add in some pan-fried tofu for added protein in lieu of the chicken.

A few handy tips before you get going: 

• • My versatile stir fry sauce is awesome to have on hand for dishes like this one or for quick mid-week stir fries and more. Make more than the quantity I suggest if you would like to stash some of this and reap the rewards of your efforts another night.
  • Chow mein noodles can be sold from major supermarkets, as well as, of course, Asian grocers. They are thin-ish and are usually yellow in colour as they contain eggs. You could substitute for Ramen noodles if you need to.
  • Be sure to check the cooking directions for the noodles you buy before you commence the recipe.
  • Bean sprouts are a wonderful inclusion if you would like to add a large handful in. Add them towards the end of the cooking time as they don’t take long to cook.

To make this vegetarian-friendly:

• Skip the chicken mince to keep this Delicious and Healthy Chow Mein recipe vegetarian-friendly.
• Adding pan-fried tofu, instead is a great addition and a good protein addition.

How to prepare tofu for this recipe:

• Cube the tofu. Press the tofu really well to remove as much liquid as possible. In a medium-sized bowl, place the pressed and cubed tofu. Add some of the versatile stir-fry sauce to coat. Combine well to ensure all the pieces are coated, and let the tofu sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes (and up to 2 days). In a pan over medium-high heat, add some oil. Once hot, scoop your tofu out of the marinade (do not toss your marinade) and add to the pan. Crisp up your tofu on each side for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until all sides are crisped. Add the reserved marinade.
• This is a handy link to explore marinating & cooking tofu if you would love to explore this.

Make Ahead and Storing:

Delicious and Healthy Chow Mein

A Delicious and Healthy Chow Mein Recipe: A Versatile 15-Minute Family Favorite.

No ratings yet

Print Pin Rate

Course: Lunch, Dinner

Cuisine: Chinese

Diet: Vegetarian

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 694kcal

Author: Nellie Kerrison | Relish Mama

Cost: 20

Equipment

• 1 Wok or frying pan
• 1 pot to cook the noodles
• 1 jar or small bowl to mix the dressing

Ingredients

Versatile stir fry sauce

• 50 ml soy sauce
• 50 ml oyster sauce
• 50 ml Chinese rice vinegar or use mirin or dry sherry
• 20 g cornflour
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 20 ml sesame oil
• 10 ml fish sauce
• Freshly ground black pepper – approx. 6 twists

A healthier chow mein

• 500 g free range chicken mince
• 400 g chow mein noodles
• 1-2 tablespoons oil
• 1 red onion finely sliced
• 2 cloves garlic crushed
• 3 cups of wombok or use savoy green cabbage if this is what you have, very finely shredded
• 1 carrot very finely grated
• 1 red capsicum diced
• 3 Spring onions finely sliced, to serve

Instructions

• Combine the ingredients for versatile stir fry sauce in a jar and shake to combine.
• Prepare your noodles (according to your packet directions). Drain.
• Place chicken in a dish and add 1 tablespoons stir fry sauce. Set aside for 5-10 minutes.
• Heat the oil in a heavy based frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the onion and stir always for approx. 3-4minutes.
• Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds or so. Be very careful to not let it burn.
• Add the chicken to the pan. Toss / stir often, for a few minutes or so, until the chicken is no longer pink.
• Add the cabbage, carrot and capsicum. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often. Add the noodles and stir fry sauce. Combine well.
• Serve topped with Spring onions, finely sliced, to serve.

Notes

Note:

• Increase quantities for the versatile sauce if you would like to stash some away.
  It stores for many weeks in the fridge. Shake to combine well before using each time.
  My versatile stir fry sauce is awesome to have on hand for dishes like this one or for quick mid-week stir fries and more. Make more than the quantity I suggest if you would like to stash some of this and reap the rewards of your efforts another night.
• Chow mein noodles can be sold from major supermarkets, as well as, of course, Asian grocers. They are thin-ish and are usually yellow in colour as they contain eggs. You could substitute for Ramen noodles if you need to.
  Be sure to check the cooking directions for the noodles you buy before you commence the recipe.
• Bean sprouts are a wonderful inclusion if you would like to add a large handful. Add them towards the end of the cooking time as they don't take long to cook.
• To make this vegetarian-friendly:
  Skip the chicken mince to keep this Delicious and Healthy Chow Mein recipe vegetarian-friendly.
  Adding pan-fried tofu, instead is a great addition and a good protein addition.

Nutrition

Calories: 694kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 1933mg | Potassium: 1015mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 3751IU | Vitamin C: 59mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 5mg