Easy Homemade Chow Mein Noodles (Better Than Takeout!)

If you love Chow Mein Noodles, then you’ll fall in love with this super easy recipe! This recipe uses Chuka Soba noodles, a variety of fresh vegetables, and a medley of seasonings to create a dish that’s bursting with flavors in less than 30 minutes! It's loaded with veggies and is healthier and tastier than takeout!

Chow Mein Noodles is a popular Chinese dish known for its savory taste and pleasing textures. It’s a great dish to make at home because it’s relatively quick and easy to prepare, and it can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re a fan of veggies, meat, or both, you can add your favorite ingredients to this versatile dish.

This Chow Mein Noodles recipe stands out due to its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and its attention to detail in the cooking process. The noodles are prepared just right, the vegetables are crisp, and the seasonings are perfectly balanced. You’ll end up with delicious chow mein noodles that taste even better and healthier than takeout!

Want to learn how to make this chow mein noodles recipe? Then keep on reading. 

Table of Contents

• What are Chow Mein Noodles?
• What Makes This Chow Mein Noodles Recipe Special?
• What You Need to Make Chow Mein Noodles at Home
• How to Make Chow Mein Noodles (Step-by-Step)
• Tips for Making the Best Chow Mein Noodles Ever
• Serving Suggestions for Chow Mein Noodles
• Recipe Variation Ideas for Chow Mein Noodles
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to Store Leftover Chow Mein Noodles
• Similar Noodle Recipes You'll Love
• Recipe Card
• Easy Homemade Chow Mein Noodles (Better Than Takeout!)
• Comments

What are Chow Mein Noodles?

Chow Mein noodles are a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, known for their satisfying crunch and ability to absorb flavorings. They are typically made from wheat flour and eggs, resulting in a golden, curly noodle that is both delicious and versatile. Chow Mein noodles can be found in many grocery stores and are a staple in dishes ranging from stir fries to hearty noodle soups.

The cooking process for this dish is simple yet rewarding. After preparing the veggies, you cook the noodles according to the package instructions, drain, and rinse with cold water. The noodles are then tossed with toasted sesame oil and set aside. 

In a large skillet, the vegetables are stir-fried until just tender and the seasonings are added. The soy sauce and cooked noodles are added last, and everything is tossed to combine and ensure each ingredient is well-coated in the flavorful sauce.

The result is a comforting, flavorful dish that is both satisfying and wholesome. The varying textures of the noodles, vegetables, and seasonings create a pleasing mouthfeel, while the blend of flavors ensures each bite is a delight. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese takeout food or just looking to try something new, this Chow Mein noodles recipe is sure to bring joy to your kitchen and your dining table.

What Makes This Chow Mein Noodles Recipe Special?

Easy to Make: The beauty of this Chow Mein Noodles recipe lies in its simplicity. It only requires a few straightforward steps, from preparing the vegetables to frying and tossing them with noodles. You can make this delicious meal in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknight dinners.

Versatile: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. It’s easy to adjust the dish to your liking, whether you prefer to add traditional vegetables like red bell peppers and sprouts, or want to experiment with other veggies. Moreover, you can also include proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu for a complete meal, making it a versatile option that caters to various dietary preferences.

Delicious: The combination of chow mein noodles, fresh vegetables, soy sauce, and the perfect blend of spices creates a mouth-watering dish. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite, thanks to the addition of garlic, toasted sesame oil, and the savory kick from Mrs. Dash seasoning.

Crowd Pleaser: This Chow Mein Noodles recipe is a definite hit at any gathering. Its delicious taste, combined with its appealing appearance, makes it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s palate.

Healthier Option: This recipe offers a healthier alternative to the standard chow mein found in most restaurants or grocery stores. It’s loaded with veggies like cabbage, carrots, and peas, providing a good source of vitamins and fiber. Plus, the use of olive oil and reduced sodium organic soy sauce ensures the dish is lower in fat and sodium. 

What You Need to Make Chow Mein Noodles at Home

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this chow mein noodles recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

• Chuka Soba noodles: These noodles will provide the base for our dish, absorbing the flavors of the other ingredients and adding a satisfying chewiness.

• Shredded green cabbage: The cabbage will add a crunchy texture and a refreshing taste to the dish, complementing the more robust flavors.
• Carrot: Carrot will add a bright pop of color and a sweet crunch to the chow mein, enhancing the overall taste and appeal of the dish.
• Garlic cloves: Garlic will infuse the chow mein with a warm, pungent flavor that enhances the taste of the other ingredients.
• Green peas: You’ll be needing some fresh or frozen green peas to make this recipe. The peas will add a sweet burst of flavor and an inviting green color to the dish.

• Ground black pepper & red pepper flakes: We’ll also need some ground black pepper and red pepper flakes. These spices will add a touch of heat to our chow mein, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Reduced sodium organic soy sauce: It will add a savory umami flavor to the dish, balancing out the sweetness of the vegetables.
• Olive oil & toasted sesame oil: We’ll also need some olive oil and toasted sesame oil. These oils will be used in the frying process, adding a subtle flavor and ensuring that the veggies and noodles don’t stick to the pan.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar will add a touch of sweetness to the dish, balancing out the savory and spicy notes.

Other Additions:

Vegetable variations: We’ll also need some of your preferred vegetables. These veggies will add more nutritional value and flavor to your chow mein. You can add traditional veggies like bell pepper and bean sprouts, or others as per your preference.

Chicken: You’ll be needing some chicken to make this recipe. Adding chicken will make this a complete meal, providing protein and adding a hearty element to the chow mein. 

How to Make Chow Mein Noodles (Step-by-Step)

Making this incredible chow mein noodles is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

How to Prep Ingredients

Let’s start making our chow mein noodles by preparing all the necessary vegetables. It’s important to rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Once they are clean, shred the cabbage into thin strips. 

Meanwhile, peel and cut the carrots into thin slices or julienne them for a more authentic look. Onion should be finely chopped and garlic needs to be pressed or minced. 

How to Cook Noodles

Next, you’ll need to cook the chow mein noodles. Follow the instructions provided on the package of the noodles you bought from the grocery store. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly to remove all the excess water. 

Rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and to ensure they don’t stick together. Sprinkle some toasted sesame oil over the noodles and toss them gently to coat evenly. 

The sesame oil not only prevents them from sticking but also adds a wonderful, subtle flavor to the noodles. Set these aside until you’re ready to add them to the wok.

How to Cook Chow Mein Noodles

Now, it’s time to heat up your large skillet or wok. Set it over high heat and add olive oil, or any other oil of your choice. 

Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and sliced carrots into the skillet or wok. Fry these vegetables for about 2-3 minutes, stirring them constantly to ensure even cooking and to prevent them from burning.

After frying the initial veggies, reduce the heat to medium/high and add the shredded cabbage. Stir fry the cabbage for about 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds or so to ensure it cooks evenly. Next, add the peas and continue to stir fry for another minute or so.

Next, add all the seasonings, including the pepper, pepper flakes, Mrs. Dash, and brown sugar. These flavorings will spice up the stir-fried noodles and vegetables, making them even more delicious.

Finally, pour in the soy sauce. In this recipe, we’ve used half a cup, but you can adjust to your taste. The soy sauce adds a salty, umami flavor that’s characteristic of chow mein. 

Add the previously cooked chow mein noodles to the wok or large skillet. Stir and toss everything together using a wooden spoon or silicon spatula, and tongs for about a minute. This ensures that all the ingredients, flavors, and sauces are well combined.

Once everything is well combined, remove your chow mein from the stove. It’s best to serve it immediately while it’s still hot.

Your delicious Chow Mein Noodles are ready to serve!

Tips for Making the Best Chow Mein Noodles Ever

Choosing the Right Noodles: Noodles are the star of the show in any chow mein recipe, so choose wisely. Traditional chow mein Chuka Soba noodles work best, but you can also experiment with wheat noodles or gluten-free rice noodles depending on your dietary preferences.

Prepping the Veggies: This dish calls for a variety of veggies - cabbage, carrots, onion, and peas. Make sure to rinse and prepare all these vegetables before starting the cooking process. 

Cooking the Noodles: Follow the package instructions closely when cooking your noodles. After they’re cooked, drain and rinse them with cold water. Sprinkling them with toasted sesame oil and toss to coat will enhance their flavor and prevent them from sticking together.

Stir Frying the Vegetables: Remember to heat your large skillet over high heat before adding your vegetables. Stir fry your garlic, carrots, and onion for 2-3 minutes, then add the cabbage and peas. Stirring constantly ensures even frying and prevents your veggies from burning.

Seasoning Matters: Don’t skimp on the seasonings! Ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, Mrs. Dash, and brown sugar all add a depth of flavor to your dish. And don’t forget the soy sauce - it’s the key to that authentic chow mein taste.

Toss It Up: After adding your soy sauce and cooked noodles to the pan, stir and toss to combine everything using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. This ensures that every noodle and every vegetable gets coated with the delicious seasonings and sauces.

Variations: The beauty of this chow mein noodles dish is its versatility. You can add traditional vegetables like red bell pepper and bean sprouts, or even proteins like chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make it a complete meal. Tailor it to your family’s preferences for a dish they’ll love every time.

Serving Suggestions for Chow Mein Noodles

• A vibrant Asian salad would complement this chow mein noodles recipe beautifully. Something like a Thai Green Papaya Salad or even a simple cucumber and carrot salad with a light sesame oil and soy sauce dressing would add crunch and freshness to balance out the rich flavors of the chow mein.
• A side of dumplings or potstickers could be a great addition to this meal. These are available in most grocery stores and can be quickly steamed or pan-fried. The soft, juicy dumplings would provide a pleasing texture contrast to the stir-fried noodles.
• Try serving this chow mein with a side of steamed bok choy or broccoli. The slight bitterness of these green veggies would offer a perfect counterpoint to the savory noodles. Plus, they are quick to prepare and packed with nutrients.
• For a heartier meal, consider adding a protein like chicken, beef, tofu, or shrimp to the dish. Simply stir fry your chosen protein in the same pan before adding the vegetables, then toss it all together with the noodles and sauce for a complete one-pan meal.
• Another great option would be to serve this chow mein alongside a bowl of hot and sour or egg drop soup. These traditional Chinese soups would add warmth and extra flavor to the meal, making it even more satisfying

Recipe Variation Ideas for Chow Mein Noodles

This delicious chow mein noodles recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

Vegetable Chow Mein: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, this variation is perfect for you. Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, bok choy, and snow peas. The added veggies not only increase the nutritional value of the dish but also give it a variety of textures and tastes.

Gluten-Free Chow Mein: For those with dietary restrictions, this variation is a must. Replace the chow mein noodles with rice noodles or a gluten-free spaghetti. With this variation, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of chow mein, without the gluten.

Spicy Chow Mein: If you like a bit of heat, this variation is for you. Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dish. This will give your chow mein a spicy kick that complements the soy sauce and garlic flavors.

Panda Express Style Chow Mein: If you’re a fan of Panda Express, this variation will be right up your alley. Add a tablespoon of oyster sauce and a sprinkle of hoisin sauce. This will give your chow mein that familiar, savory flavor of your favorite takeout. Don’t forget to top your dish with some chopped green onions for an authentic touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Leftover Chow Mein Noodles

To store leftovers in the fridge, first allow the chow mein noodles to cool to room temperature. This step is important to prevent condensation, which can make the noodles soggy. Once cooled, transfer your leftovers to an airtight container. Proper storage in the fridge can keep your chow mein noodles fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating your chow mein is also a breeze. Simply transfer the desired portion to a pan or large skillet over medium heat. Alternatively, you can reheat your noodles in the microwave. Just be sure to cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate to keep the moisture in and prevent the noodles from drying out.

Thawing is not usually necessary for refrigerator-stored chow mein noodles as they should remain soft and pliable. However, if you find the noodles have become a bit stiff, a brief session in the microwave or a quick toss in a hot pan should restore them to their original texture.

Freezing chow mein noodles is possible, but not generally recommended. The freezing process can alter the texture of the noodles, making them mushy when reheated. 

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This recipe was originally posted on January 25, 2018, and updated for a better user experience. The post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.