Cantonese style chow mein is a popular Chinese dish containing noodles, vegetables and some type of meat or seafood. It is often served as a side dish at restaurants or takeaway shops. It is also a staple in many households. It is a simple dish to prepare, and it can be made with a variety of ingredients and variations. The name is derived from the Chinese word chao mian (). The dish has become very popular in various parts of the world.
The original chow mein is usually cooked with egg noodles and is stir-fried. The noodles are boiled, then strained and fried in oil until they are lightly browned. The noodles are then tossed with vegetables and sauces. Different regions of China have their own versions of chow mein. For example, in Guangdong, the dish is commonly known as lo mein. This version is created with a combination of thin egg noodles and vegetables. The dish can be served with beef, chicken, pork or shrimp. Some restaurants even serve a vegetarian version of chow mein.
Another common variation of chow mein is the Cantonese-style dry noodle. It uses a thin type of rice noodle and is seasoned with premium soy sauces. The dish is often served in restaurants and is popular for breakfast time. It is a quick and easy meal to make, and it is also a good option for lunch.
It is easy to make Cantonese style chow mein at home. The ingredients are usually found in most grocery stores. The main ingredients include chow mein noodles, bean sprouts, green onions, soy sauce and dark soy sauce. It can be prepared in about 15 minutes with a single pan and requires minimal preparation. The noodles can be bought either dried or frozen. Both types of noodles are available in most Asian supermarkets. The noodles can be replaced with wheat flour noodles or ramen noodles if preferred.
To make the noodles, follow the instructions on the package for boiling. Cook the noodles shorter than instructed to prevent them from sticking. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles. Next, prepare the chow mein sauce. In a bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce and sesame oil. Add a pinch of salt to the mixture and stir to combine.
Finally, add the drained noodles, vegetables and sauce to the wok. Stir everything to combine and then cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender crisp and the sauce is warm. Add the protein, season and sear it to give the noodles that characteristic smoky flavor of chow mein.
To serve, transfer the chow mein to individual plates or bowls and garnish with the green onion strips. This dish can be served hot or cold. It can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack. If served cold, the chow mein should be allowed to cool down before serving so that the noodles don’t become mushy.