Easy Chow Mein
Learn how to make restaurant-quality Chow Mein at home in 35 minutes with whole grains and fresh vegetables. Easy weeknight dinner recipe.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat chow mein noodles or egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced thin
- 2 medium carrots, julienned
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 4 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste, optional
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- 2
Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, white pepper, chicken broth, honey, and sriracha in a small bowl until the cornstarch dissolves completely.
- 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 4
Add the sliced chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until cooked through and lightly golden, about 5 to 7 minutes, then transfer to a clean plate.
- 5
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan and allow it to heat for 30 seconds.
- 6
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 7
Add the carrots, red bell pepper, and shredded cabbage to the wok and cook while stirring constantly for about 3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- 8
Toss in the sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- 9
Return the cooked chicken to the wok and pour in the prepared sauce, stirring everything together until well combined.
- 10
Add the cooked noodles and sesame oil to the wok, tossing continuously until the noodles are evenly coated with sauce, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- 11
Fold in the scallions gently and cook for just 30 seconds to preserve their crunch and fresh flavor.
- 12
Taste the finished chow mein and adjust seasonings with extra soy sauce or white pepper as desired before serving immediately in bowls.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular egg noodles | Whole wheat or brown rice noodles | Whole grains provide more fiber and have a lower glycemic index, supporting steadier blood sugar levels and better digestion. |
| Regular soy sauce | Low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos | Reduces sodium content by up to 40%, lowering blood pressure impact while maintaining umami depth and reducing inflammation markers. |
| Honey as sweetener | Monk fruit sweetener or date paste | Monk fruit and dates have minimal impact on blood sugar and provide antioxidants without the inflammation response of refined sweeteners. |
| Boneless chicken breast | Firm tofu or shrimp | Tofu provides plant-based protein and is easier to digest; shrimp adds iodine and selenium for thyroid and gut health. |
| Sesame oil | Avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil | Avocado and olive oils have higher smoke points and more heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, reducing inflammation markers. |
| Vegetable oil for cooking | Avocado oil or ghee | Both oils have higher smoke points and contain fewer inflammatory compounds; ghee provides butyric acid for gut lining health. |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 485 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 48mg |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Carbohydrates | 64g |
| Fiber | 9g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Protein | 34g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
