Homemade Chow Mein Recipe is the perfect way to get that takeout-style dinner at home, fast. With chewy noodles, crisp-tender veggies, and a savory-sweet sauce, it is a simple skillet meal that always hits the spot. And one the whole family LOVES!
What makes this version so doable is the quick sauce and the short cook time. Everything comes together in one pan, and you can keep it veggie-packed or add chicken, shrimp, or leftover pork if you want to bulk it up.
Serve Chow Mein Noodles alongside Sweet and Sour Pork, Orange Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken, and Beef and Broccoli.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- So simple. It is an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like takeout, but made at home.
- Low cost. It is a budget-friendly way to use up veggies you already have in the fridge.
- One pan. Everything cooks quickly in one skillet or wok for easy cleanup.
- Customize! It is easy to customize for picky eaters by swapping veggies or adding protein.
Chow Mein Ingredients
- Chow mein noodles or Ramen noodle packages (3 (3.6-ounce) packages chow mein noodles or 3 (3-ounce) Ramen noodle packages): These give you that classic chewy noodle base, and Ramen works in a pinch for an easy shortcut.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps stir-fry the veggies and noodles so everything cooks evenly and does not stick.
- Cabbage, shredded (2 cups): Adds crunch and volume, and it softens quickly for that classic chow mein texture.
- Large carrot, peeled and julienned (1): Adds a little sweetness, color, and crisp-tender bite.
- Bean sprouts (1 cup): Adds light crunch and that familiar takeout-style texture.
- Minced garlic (2 teaspoons): Adds savory flavor and makes the whole dish taste extra fresh.
- Green onions, for garnish (green onions for garnish): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pretty finishing touch.
- Hoisin sauce (4 tablespoons): Gives the sauce a rich, savory-sweet base with lots of flavor built in. Oyster sauce can also be used.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Adds salt and umami, balancing the sweetness of the hoisin.
- Sesame oil (½ tablespoon): Adds that toasty, takeout-style aroma, a little goes a long way.
- Chicken broth (⅓ cup): Thins the sauce so it coats evenly and helps everything simmer together.
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Thickens the sauce so it clings to the noodles instead of pooling at the bottom.
- Sugar (½ tablespoon): Balances the salty soy sauce and helps the sauce taste like classic chow mein.
- Garlic salt with parsley (garlic salt with parsley): Adds quick seasoning at the end, and you can adjust it to taste.
How to Make Chow Mein
SAUCE. Make Chow Mein Sauce in a small mixing bowl by whisking the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sugar together.
NOODLES. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse and set aside.
VEGGIES. Add olive oil to a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add cabbage, carrots, sprouts, and minced garlic. Saute for 2-3 minutes or until the cabbage is limp.
COOK. Reduce heat to medium, add noodles to the pan along with the sauce, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes.
ENJOY! Top with garlic salt (to taste) and green onions. Serve warm.
Kristyn’s Homemade Chow Mein Tips
- Rinse the cooked noodles with cold water so they do not clump while you cook the veggies.
- Cut veggies into similar sizes so they cook evenly and stay crisp-tender.
- Whisk the sauce well so the cornstarch fully dissolves, then pour it in and stir right away.
- Do not overcook the sprouts, add them with the other veggies but keep the sauté short for the best crunch.
- Veggies. Use your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, celery, broccoli florets, snow peas, green onions, or bok choy.
- Add some protein. Slice the beef chicken or pork and saute in a pan with oil until just cooked. Add in the veggies and continue with the recipe. You can also add in shrimp or tofu.
Easy Chow Mein Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 3 (3.6-ounce) packages chow mein noodles or 3 (3-ounce) Ramen noodle packages
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cabbage shredded
- 1 large carrot peeled and julienned
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- green onions for garnish
Chow Mein Sauce
- 4 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tbsp sesame oil
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tbsp sugar
- garlic salt with parsley
Instructions
- Make sauce in a small mixing bowl by whisking together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sugar.
- Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse and set aside.
- Add olive oil to a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add cabbage, carrots, sprouts, and minced garlic. Saute for 2-3 minutes or until the cabbage is limp.
- Reduce heat to medium and add noodles to the pan along with the sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes.
- Top with garlic salt to taste. Add green onions and serve warm.
Notes
- Rinse the cooked noodles with cold water so they do not clump while you cook the veggies.
- Cut veggies into similar sizes so they cook evenly and stay crisp-tender.
- Whisk the sauce well so the cornstarch fully dissolves, then pour it in and stir right away.
- Do not overcook the sprouts, add them with the other veggies but keep the sauté short for the best crunch.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Chow mein translates to “stir-fried noodles” and is made from freshly made, or dried, thin noodles. Lo mein translates to “tossed noodles” that are freshly made, thick and chewy. Additionally, chow mein usually has a very light sauce, whereas lo mein is a very saucy dish with a rich flavor.
STORE. Divide Chow Mein Noodles into individual serving sizes and store them in an airtight container. The Chow Mein will keep in the fridge for about 4 days.
FREEZE. Store in the freezer for 3-4 months.
REHEAT. Thaw, if applicable, and reheat in the microwave or stovetop.
Complete The Meal
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This recipe was first shared May, 2023.
Excellent and so simple
Add grilled chicken to round it out also some red pepper flakes. Always appreciate your variation suggestions.
Chinese is such a favorite in our home. This chow mein recipe is perfect for a quick meal.
Thank you for sharing this recipe!! This was so delicious, everyone in my house loved it!
Chow mein is my favorite!! I pick it over rice most times. Loving this homemade version!! I hadn’t really known how to make it taste like the restaurants, but this recipe sure does!
Just delicious! No need for takeout anymore- it’s way better! Thanks so much!
I had some leftover cabbage, so I gave this a try. It was a hit with everyone, but especially my daughter! Some of us added a few red pepper flakes for a bit of spice, and that’s also tasty!