Description
Cantonese Chow Mein is a classic stir-fried noodle dish featuring thin fresh Hong-Kong style egg noodles crisped in a wok and tossed with a savory blend of soy-based sauces, crunchy bean sprouts, and aromatic onions. This quick and flavorful dish offers a perfect balance of textures and umami flavors, making it a beloved staple of Cantonese cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles and Vegetables
- 12 oz chow mein egg noodles (thin fresh noodles, Hong-Kong style)
- ½ small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 5 stalks green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces (whites and greens divided)
- 2 cups bean sprouts
Oils
- 3 tablespoons corn oil or any neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (to finish)
Stir Fry Sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Pour boiling water over the noodles and soak for 30 seconds to 1 minute until softened. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine dark soy sauce, regular soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon corn oil in a wok over medium-high heat until hot. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then remove and set aside.
- Pan-Fry the Noodles: Heat 1 tablespoon corn oil in the wok over medium-high heat until hot (about 2 minutes). Add the noodles and spread them into a thin layer to allow them to crisp up, cooking for about 2 minutes. Flip the noodles, add another tablespoon of oil around the pan’s edges, and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Add Vegetables and Sauce: Return the sautéed onions to the wok along with the remaining green parts of the green onions, bean sprouts, and the prepared sauce. Gently toss everything together to combine evenly, cooking for 1-2 minutes to heat through and meld flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Remove from heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and toss once more to coat the noodles. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh Hong-Kong style chow mein egg noodles for authentic texture and flavor.
- Soaking the noodles briefly in boiling water prevents overcooking and ensures a chewy bite.
- Spreading noodles into a thin layer helps develop the signature crispy texture.
- Adjust soy sauce and sugar to taste depending on your preferred balance of salty and sweet.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture; leftovers may lose crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/2 recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
