Stir-Fries

Chow Mein Stir Fry

Name: Chow Mein Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 2 cups (200g) Chow Mein noodles; 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil; 1 onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup (120g) mixed bell peppers, sliced; 2 cups (200g) snow peas, trimmed; 2 tablespoons (30g) soy sauce; 1 tablespoon (15g) oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon (5g) sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste

By Quinn Ellery · June 19, 2026 · Stir-Fries

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had Chow Mein Stir Fry at a Chinese restaurant. The combination of savory sauce, tender noodles, and crispy vegetables was love at first bite. Since then, I've been on a mission to recreate this dish at home. After countless experiments, I'm excited to share my recipe with you. This Chow Mein Stir Fry is a staple in my household, and I'm confident it will become one in yours too.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a dish that's both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you're a busy weeknight cook or a weekend meal prep enthusiast, this recipe is perfect for you.

One of the key components of a great Chow Mein Stir Fry is the sauce. I've developed a recipe that combines the perfect balance of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to create a rich and savory flavor profile. You can adjust the sauce to your taste, but I've found that this combination works beautifully.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of chicken, noodles, and vegetables to create a well-rounded and filling meal. You can customize the ingredients to your liking, but I've found that this combination works beautifully. So, let's get started and make some delicious Chow Mein Stir Fry!

Before we begin, I want to note that this recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to add your favorite protein, vegetables, or sauces to make it your own. The most important thing is to have fun and experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
The sauce is customizable to your taste, so you can adjust the level of spiciness or sweetness to your liking
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal prep
You can add your favorite protein, vegetables, or sauces to make it your own
The dish is both flavorful and satisfying, making it a great option for a family dinner or a dinner party
This recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients
The leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen for later use, making it a great option for meal prep

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Chow Mein Stir Fry is the balance of flavors and textures. By combining savory sauce, tender noodles, and crispy vegetables, we create a dish that's both satisfying and delicious. The sauce is the backbone of this recipe, and I've developed a combination that works beautifully.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the cooking technique. By using a hot wok or skillet, we can achieve a nice sear on the protein and vegetables, which adds texture and flavor to the dish. Additionally, cooking the noodles separately and then adding them to the stir-fry helps to prevent them from becoming mushy and overcooked.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in this recipe. By letting the stir-fry rest for a few minutes before serving, we allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken, creating a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing.

Overall, this recipe works because it combines simple ingredients and techniques with a focus on balance and flavor. By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you'll be able to create a delicious Chow Mein Stir Fry that's sure to become a staple in your household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Chow Mein Stir Fry, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key players in this recipe are the noodles, protein, and vegetables, which provide a great balance of texture and flavor. You'll also need a few pantry staples, such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, to create the savory sauce.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. For the protein, you can use chicken, beef, or tofu, depending on your preference. For the vegetables, you can use a combination of bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas, or add your favorite vegetables to the mix.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessYou can use chicken breast or a combination of chicken and pork, depending on your preference. Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before cooking.
2 cups (200g) Chow Mein noodlesYou can find Chow Mein noodles in most Asian grocery stores or online. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions and set them aside before adding them to the stir-fry.
2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oilYou can use peanut oil or avocado oil as a substitute. The oil is used to cook the protein and vegetables, so make sure to choose a high-smoke-point oil that can handle high heat.
1 onion, thinly slicedYou can use a yellow or white onion, depending on your preference. Make sure to slice the onion thinly so that it cooks quickly and evenly.
2 cloves garlic, mincedYou can use 1 clove of garlic if you prefer a milder flavor. Make sure to mince the garlic before adding it to the stir-fry to release its flavor and aroma.
1 cup (120g) mixed bell peppers, slicedYou can use any combination of bell peppers, such as green, red, and yellow. Make sure to slice the bell peppers thinly so that they cook quickly and evenly.
2 cups (200g) snow peas, trimmedYou can use frozen snow peas as a substitute. Make sure to thaw the snow peas before adding them to the stir-fry.
2 tablespoons (30g) soy sauceYou can use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute. The soy sauce is used to create the savory sauce, so make sure to choose a high-quality soy sauce that's low in sodium.
1 tablespoon (15g) oyster sauceYou can use hoisin sauce as a substitute. The oyster sauce is used to add depth and umami flavor to the sauce, so make sure to choose a high-quality oyster sauce that's low in sodium.
1 teaspoon (5g) sesame oilYou can use avocado oil or peanut oil as a substitute. The sesame oil is used to add a nutty flavor to the sauce, so make sure to choose a high-quality sesame oil that's cold-pressed and low in sodium.
Salt and pepper to tasteYou can adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste. Make sure to season the stir-fry with salt and pepper before serving to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardColanderInstant-read thermometerMeasuring cups and spoonsSpatula

How to Make Chow Mein Stir Fry

1
Heat 1 tablespoon (15ml) of vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
2
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it's browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon (15ml) of vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
4
Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
6
Add the mixed bell peppers to the skillet and cook until they're tender, about 2-3 minutes.
7
Add the snow peas to the skillet and cook until they're tender but still crisp, about 1-2 minutes.
8
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to make the savory sauce.
9
Pour the savory sauce into the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables and chicken.
10
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce and vegetables.
11
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and the vegetables are tender.
12
Season the stir-fry with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Make sure to cook the noodles according to the package instructions before adding them to the stir-fry.
Use a high-smoke-point oil, such as peanut oil or avocado oil, to cook the protein and vegetables.
Don't overcook the vegetables, as they can become mushy and unappetizing.
Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce to your taste, depending on how salty you like your food.
Add your favorite protein, vegetables, or sauces to make the dish your own.
Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature before cooking.
Don't overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and affect the texture of the dish.
Let the stir-fry rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the noodles, which can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Not using a high-smoke-point oil, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Adding too much soy sauce or oyster sauce, which can make the dish too salty.
Not cooking the protein and vegetables at the right temperature, which can affect the texture and flavor of the dish.
Not letting the stir-fry rest before serving, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add your favorite protein, such as beef, pork, or tofu, to the stir-fry.
Use different types of vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms, to add variety to the dish.
Add some heat to the dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.
Use different types of noodles, such as rice noodles or udon noodles, to change the texture of the dish.
Add some freshness to the dish by incorporating cilantro, basil, or scallions.
Use different types of oil, such as coconut oil or grapeseed oil, to change the flavor of the dish.
Add some crunch to the dish by incorporating nuts or seeds, such as peanuts or sesame seeds.

What to Serve With Chow Mein Stir Fry

Serve the Chow Mein Stir Fry hot, garnished with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for a well-rounded meal.

Some other serving suggestions include:

Steamed vegetablesSaladFried wontonsEgg rollsDumplingsEdamame

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Chow Mein Stir Fry can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply cook the stir-fry in a skillet or wok over medium heat until it's hot and steaming.

Make sure to store the stir-fry in an airtight container to prevent moisture and other flavors from affecting the dish. You can also add some fresh herbs or spices to the dish before reheating to refresh the flavor.

If you're planning to freeze the stir-fry, make sure to cool it to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. This will help prevent the formation of ice crystals and preserve the texture of the dish.

When reheating the frozen stir-fry, make sure to cook it over low heat and stir frequently to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy or the sauce from separating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of noodles should I use for Chow Mein Stir Fry?

You can use Chow Mein noodles, rice noodles, or udon noodles for this recipe. Make sure to cook the noodles according to the package instructions before adding them to the stir-fry.

Can I use different types of protein for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken, beef, pork, or tofu for this recipe. Make sure to cook the protein according to your preference before adding it to the stir-fry.

How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?

To prevent the noodles from becoming mushy, make sure to cook them according to the package instructions and add them to the stir-fry at the last minute. You can also rinse the noodles with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming overcooked.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Make sure to reheat the stir-fry over low heat and stir frequently to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy or the sauce from separating.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making Chow Mein Stir Fry?

Some common mistakes to avoid when making Chow Mein Stir Fry include overcooking the noodles, not using a high-smoke-point oil, and adding too much soy sauce or oyster sauce. Make sure to cook the noodles according to the package instructions, use a high-smoke-point oil, and adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce to your taste.

How do I store the leftovers?

You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. Make sure to reheat the stir-fry over low heat and stir frequently to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy or the sauce from separating.

Can I customize this recipe to my taste?

Yes, you can customize this recipe to your taste by adding your favorite protein, vegetables, or sauces. Make sure to adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce to your taste and add any additional ingredients at the last minute to prevent them from overcooking.

What are some serving suggestions for Chow Mein Stir Fry?

Some serving suggestions for Chow Mein Stir Fry include serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad, garnishing it with sliced scallions and sesame seeds, or serving it with a side of fried wontons or egg rolls.

The Full Recipe

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