Go Back
Easy Chow Mein Recipe | Better Than Takeout Noodles

Easy Chow Mein Recipe | Better Than Takeout Noodles

This Easy Chow Mein Recipe is quick, tasty and better than takeout. It’s full of fresh vegetables and savory sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g chow mein noodles or spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 small onion sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1 carrot julienned
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 100 g mushrooms sliced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Optional: cooked chicken beef, shrimp or tofu

Instructions
 

Cook the Noodles

  • Boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to prevent sticking.

Heat the Oil

  • Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Sauté Garlic

  • Add minced garlic. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.

Cook Onion and Carrot

  • Add onion and carrot. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly soft.

Add Bell Pepper and Mushrooms

  • Add bell pepper and mushrooms. Cook for 2 minutes, keeping vegetables slightly crisp.

Add Cabbage

  • Add shredded cabbage and green onions. Stir for one minute to soften slightly.

Mix Sauce Ingredients

  • In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar and sesame oil. Stir until sugar dissolves.

Add Noodles

  • Add cooked noodles to the pan. Toss gently to mix with vegetables.

Pour in Sauce

  • Pour sauce over noodles and vegetables. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until everything is coated.

Optional Protein

  • Add cooked chicken, beef, shrimp or tofu. Stir gently to combine and heat through.

Taste and Adjust

  • Taste chow mein. Add more soy sauce or a pinch of sugar if needed for balance.

Serve Hot

  • Transfer chow mein to a serving dish. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • Use high heat for a slightly charred flavor.
  • Swap vegetables based on preference. Broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn work well.
  • Add a splash of rice vinegar for tang.
  • Use hoisin sauce for sweeter flavor.
  • Add chili flakes for spice.
  • Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for quick protein.
  • Stir-fry ingredients in batches for better texture.
  • Sesame seeds and toasted peanuts add crunch.
  • Keep noodles slightly undercooked before stir-frying.
  • Drizzle extra sesame oil at the end for aroma.
Keyword Easy Chow Mein Recipe | Better Than Takeout Noodles