Classic Chicken Chow Mein

Classic Chicken Chow Mein is a beloved dish featuring tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce. This recipe offers a homemade twist on the traditional takeout favorite, allowing you to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.

Why Make Classic Chicken Chow Mein

Making Chicken Chow Mein at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the dish to your taste preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without the need for takeout.

How to Make Classic Chicken Chow Mein

1. Cook the Lean Ground Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced bell pepper, sliced onion, grated ginger, and finely chopped garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cornstarch, light soy sauce, light brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha sauce until well combined.
4. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Add the matchstick-cut carrots and diced broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring to combine.
5. Cook the Noodles: Meanwhile, cook the instant ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain them and set them aside.
6. Assemble the Chow Mein: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Chicken Chow Mein to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired, and enjoy the delicious flavors!

Serving Suggestions

Classic Chicken Chow Mein is a satisfying meal on its own but can also be paired with steamed rice or a side of stir-fried vegetables for a more substantial feast.

Storage Info

Store any leftover Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain its flavors and textures.

Techniques or Tips

• For added depth of flavor, you can marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before cooking.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Snow peas, bean sprouts, or mushrooms would also be delicious additions.
• Adjust the amount of Sriracha sauce according to your desired level of spiciness.

Variation

• Swap the lean ground beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or shrimp for a different protein option.
• Use different types of noodles such as lo mein noodles or udon noodles for variety.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and double up on the vegetables or add tofu for protein.

FAQs about Classic Chicken Chow Mein

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the components of the dish ahead of time and assemble it just before serving. However, the noodles may become soggy if left in the sauce for too long, so it’s best to cook them fresh if possible.
2. Can I use fresh noodles instead of instant ramen noodles? Absolutely! Fresh noodles will work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh noodles may cook faster than instant ones.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of Chicken Chow Mein by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables or tofu for protein.

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