July 10, 2024

Chow Mein Chicken Recipe

The combination of fresh chow mein noodles, tender chicken, and a variety of crisp vegetables ensures a balanced and nutritious meal. The lemon sauce is the star of this dish, offering a bright and tangy flavor that complements the savory notes of the chicken and vegetables. The use of peanut oil adds a subtle nutty aroma, while garlic and ginger provide depth and warmth.

What is Chow Mein vs Lo Mein

The biggest difference between chow mein and lo mein lies in the translations of their names: chow mein is fried, and lo mein is tossed. Lo mein is a saucy dish that relies on a rich sauce for flavor while chow mein is more of a dry noodle dish with a light sauce or no sauce at all.

Chow Mein vs Chop Suey

Chop suey is made with noodles or rice, while chow mein is made with a crispy noodle with a light crunch. Chop suey has a heavy sauce and is known to have bold flavors, while chow mein is the opposite and has a nice lite sauce which allows the meat and vegetable flavor to shine. Chow mein is one of the signature dishes of Chinese cuisine while chop suey is an American creation using Chinese cooking techniques.

Chop Suey Chicken Lemon Remixing

One of the best things about this chow mein lemon chicken recipe is its flexibility. You can easily alter the recipe to include your favorite vegetables or to use different types of noodles. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Chow Mein Vegetables

Bell Peppers. Add some color and crunch with red, yellow, or green bell peppers. Slice them thinly and stir-fry with the other vegetables.
Broccoli. Cut into small florets and add to the wok along with the cabbage and carrots. Broccoli adds a nice bite and pairs well with the lemon sauce.
Mushrooms. Thinly sliced mushrooms, such as shiitake or button, can enhance the umami flavor of the dish.
Baby Corn. These tiny, tender corn cobs add a delightful texture and sweetness.
Bok Choy. Another type of Chinese cabbage, bok choy can be used in place of or in addition to wombok for a slightly different texture.

Chow Mein Noodles Alternative

While fresh chow mein noodles are ideal for this recipe, you can experiment with different types of noodles to see what you like best:

Rice Noodles. These gluten-free noodles are lighter and have a delicate texture that absorbs the lemon sauce beautifully.
Udon Noodles. Thick and chewy, udon noodles add a hearty element to the dish.
Soba Noodles. Made from buckwheat, soba noodles have a unique flavor and are also a gluten-free option.
Egg Noodles. These are similar to chow mein noodles but slightly thicker and more robust.

Chow Mein Sauce Tips

Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a quick process, and you want to be able to add ingredients swiftly.
High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to quickly cook the ingredients while retaining their texture and flavor. Make sure your wok or pan is hot before adding the oil and ingredients.
Batch Cooking: When cooking the chicken, do it in batches to avoid overcrowding the wok. This ensures the chicken browns evenly and doesn’t steam.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and chicken for the best flavor and texture. Frozen vegetables can be used in a pinch but may release more water and affect the stir-frying process.
Taste and Adjust: Once the dish is combined, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a bit more soy sauce for saltiness or more lemon juice for extra tang.

This chow mein lemon chicken recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The bright and tangy lemon sauce elevates the dish, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or customize it with additional vegetables and different noodles, you’re sure to end up with a delicious dish that will impress your family and friends.

Chow Mein Pork and Other Proteins

If you are looking for a twist on the classic chow mein chicken then pork makes an excellent alternative. Its tender texture and slightly sweet flavor pair wonderfully with the savory sauce and crunchy vegetables. Beef is another great option offering a rich, hearty taste that complements the stir fried noodles. For a lighter option shrimp can be used for a quick and flavorful seafood version. Tofu is perfect for a vegetarian or vegan alternative. All these proteins bring something unique to the dish thus allowing you to tailor your chow mein to your preferences.

Chow Mein Recipe

Print Recipe

Chow Mein Chicken

Prep Time20

Cook Time15

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

10 oz (280g) packet fresh chow mein noodles
1 tbs peanut oil
1.1 lb (500g) chicken breast or thighs cut into bite sized strips
4 oz (120g) Chinese cabbage (wombok) shredded
3.5 oz (100g) carrot shredded
5 oz (150g) snow peas thinly sliced lengthways
2 green onions sliced diagonally
#### Lemon Sauce ####
2 tbs peanut oil
2 garlic cloves finely chopped
2 tsp ginger finely chopped
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
2 tbs Chinese cooking wine
2 tbs light soy sauce
1/4 cup (55g) sugar caster or brown sugar
1 tsp cornstarch or flour

Instructions

**Cook the Noodles**
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the noodles and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Drain and refresh under cold running water. Drain again.
**Make the Lemon Sauce**
Heat the oil in a wok over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds or until aromatic. Add the stock, lemon juice, wine, soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Transfer to a jug. Rinse and dry the wok.
**Cook the Chicken and Veggies**
Heat the oil in the wok over high heat. Cook the chicken in 2 batches, tossing for 3 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a plate.
Add the Chinese cabbage and carrot to the wok and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until the cabbage is wilted.
Add the lemon sauce, noodles, snow peas, chicken, and half the green onions. Use tongs to toss until well combined.
**Serve**
Sprinkle with the remaining green onions and serve immediately.

So next time you are looking for a quick and flavorful dinner idea, give this chow mein lemon chicken a try. It is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic dish with a zesty twist, and it is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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