What are Chow Mein Noodles?
Chow mein noodles (炒面) are skinny, yellow noodles, principally comprised of wheat flour, eggs, and water. Generally they’re additionally referred to as egg noodles or pan fried noodles.
‘Chow’ means ‘stir-fried,’ and ‘mein’ interprets to ‘noodles’; basically, they’re used to make the stir-fried noodle dishes you will have most likely eaten in Chinese language eating places. These Asian noodles may be ready in varied methods, both crispy or smooth.
What do Chow Mein Noodles Style Like?
The noodles have a particular crisp exterior and barely chewy inside. Completely different from the thicker and chewier lo mein noodles, chow mein noodles are so much thinner with a fluffy texture. They don’t absorb as a lot sauce as lo mein noodles, however can stand up to excessive warmth with out turning soggy. That’s why they’re generally made into crispy pan fried noodles and served with a saucy topping.
Makes use of for Chow Mein Noodles in Chinese language Cooking
Chow mein noodles are sometimes stir-fried with a mixture of greens, corresponding to cabbage, carrot, pepper, and bean sprouts, plus proteins like rooster and tofu. Contemporary aromatics like ginger, garlic and scallion are closely used for perfume. Every little thing is introduced collectively by a savory sauce.
The sauce will range relying on the recipe, nevertheless it’s usually a harmonious mix of sunshine soy sauce, darkish soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Add a splash of Shaoxing wine, some sesame oil, and possibly a bit of sugar and inventory for a easy sauce bursting with genuine flavors.
The best enchantment of chow mein dishes is their flexibility. You possibly can modify the dish based on the greens and proteins in your fridge to make a one-pan dinner.
Basic Stir-Fried Chow Mein
That is probably the most recognizable stir fry, the place noodles are tossed with greens, like bok choy, onion, bell peppers, and broccoli, and a protein corresponding to rooster breast or pork. The dish is flavored with substances like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and white pepper.
Crispy Pan Fried Noodles
For this one, you pan fry the noodles till golden crispy to create a crunchy texture, then full it with a saucy stir fried topping made with protein and loads of greens.
The right way to Store for Chow Mein Noodles
Search for packaged chow mein noodles in Chinatown, massive Asian markets corresponding to H Mart or Ranch 99, or the Asian aisle of your native grocery store. Contemporary or semi-dried noodles are one of the best if yow will discover them. They’re usually saved within the fridge or freezer part of Asian grocery shops. If not obtainable, dried noodles work as effectively.
Listed here are a few of my favourite kinds of chow mein noodles:
- Twin Marquis Chow Mein Noodles: These are contemporary noodles that present one of the best texture and mouthfeel.
- Pan Fried Noodles: You might even see noodle packages saying Hong Kong Fashion Pan Fried Noodles, or Pan Fried Chow Mein Noodles. They’re made with the identical substances as chow mein.
If not one of the contemporary varieties can be found, check out Wel-Pac Chow Mein Noodles, which yow will discover on Amazon.
The right way to Retailer Chow Mein Noodles
- Dried Noodles: As soon as open, retailer the remaining noodles in an hermetic container or bag in a cool, darkish space. They need to be advantageous in your pantry for a few months.
- Contemporary noodles: Retailer them within the freezer and thaw them in a single day within the fridge if you’re prepared to make use of them. Thawed contemporary noodles final within the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The semi-fresh noodles corresponding to Hong Kong Pan Fried noodles may be saved within the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks if unopened. However I like to recommend utilizing them as quickly as attainable as soon as opened, in any other case they may get moldy fairly shortly.
Substitutions for Chow Mein Noodles
If you’re craving chow mein however don’t have the precise sort of noodles for the basic model, there’s no want to fret—you will have loads of scrumptious alternate options to strive:
- Japanese Fashion Yakisoba Noodles: Yakisoba noodles are made for Chinese language model fried noodles in Japanese cooking. These yellow alkaline noodles don’t comprise egg, however they provide an analogous chewy texture as a result of kansui used within the noodles. They’re tremendous handy as a result of they’re often warmth handled and can be utilized straight within the stir fry with out boiling.
- Ramen noodles: They’re one other unbelievable selection, as they’re additionally alkaline noodles which have a chewy texture. Generally yow will discover contemporary ramen noodles at massive grocery shops corresponding to Entire Meals within the refrigerated part.
- Wheat noodles which might be about 1/16″ (2mm) thick: Lots of wheat noodles are designed for making noodle soup or noodles with sauce. However so long as you parboil them till al dente (I often cook dinner them 2 minutes lower than bundle signifies), they may have a pleasant texture within the stir fry.
- Spaghetti or linguine: They work in a pinch too! Each have a chewy texture they usually maintain up effectively within the stir fry.
Don’t let ingredient variations deter your cooking journey. These substitutes pair effectively with Asian-inspired substances whereas satisfying that chow mein craving.
FAQs
Cooking with chow mein noodles is a wonderful approach to begin making easy and engaging Chinese language dishes. Under are some regularly requested questions on chow mein noodles.
What’s the distinction between chow mein and lo mein?
Chow mein are thinner and have a fluffier texture than lo mein noodles. For cooking, chow mein may contain frying the noodles till barely crispy, whereas lo mein noodles are usually tossed with sauce after boiling for a chewy and tender texture.
What sauces work finest with chow mein?
A brown sauce often works very effectively. It usually makes use of mild soy sauce, darkish soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of white pepper, typical for a savory base. White sauce often works with chow mein and rooster. It’s a rooster inventory based mostly sauce that’s calmly seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.
How can I forestall my noodles from sticking?
Guarantee your pan is scorching, and use a beneficiant quantity of oil so the noodles are correctly coated in oil or sauce throughout cooking.
If utilizing a carbon metal or forged iron wok, be certain that your pan is correctly seasoned. You too can use a nonstick pan to reduce sticking.
