Are you tired of ordering take-out and yearning to create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home? Look no further because we have the perfect recipe for you: Cooking Classy Chicken Chow Mein.
This fan-favorite dish comes with a mouthwatering combination of stir-fried noodles, tender chicken, and a medley of colorful vegetables all tossed in a rich, savory sauce.
In this blog post, we will guide you step by step through the process of selecting fresh ingredients, prepping the vegetables, and mastering the art of stir-frying to ensure a perfect chow mein every time.
So, join us on this culinary journey and discover your inner professional chef as we unveil the secrets to cooking a classic Chicken Chow Mein.
Selecting the Perfect Ingredients for Chicken Chow Mein
Selecting the perfect ingredients for Chicken Chow Mein is essential to create a delicious and authentic dish. Start by choosing fresh and high-quality ingredients, such as:
– Chicken: Opt for skinless and boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced to ensure even cooking. You could also substitute it with chicken thighs for a juicier outcome.
– Noodles: Classic Chow Mein uses egg noodles, but you can also choose your favorite type, like rice noodles or even spaghetti. Ensure that your noodles are cooked al dente to avoid a soggy chow mein.
– Vegetables: A mix of colorful, crisp veggies like bell peppers, cabbage, and bean sprouts adds both taste and texture. Don’t forget green onions to garnish and provide a fresh, mild bite.
– Sauces: Good-quality soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce are the key components to flavor your Chicken Chow Mein perfectly. No need to go overboard – a little goes a long way.
Now that we have our essentials in order, let’s look at how to make this tasty dish.
How to Prepare the Chicken: Marinating and Cooking Tips
Preparing the chicken for your chow mein is an essential step, so let’s start by marinating it. To create a flavorful and succulent chicken, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of sugar in a bowl. Add your thinly sliced chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for a few hours to absorb all the flavors.
When it’s time to cook, heat a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your favorite cooking oil. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and cook in small batches. This ensures even browning and prevents overcrowding, which can result in a soggy chicken texture. Cook each batch until the chicken is browned and cooked through before adding the next one. Set aside the cooked chicken, and now you’re ready to create your delicious chicken chow mein.
Preparing the Vegetables: A Guide on What to Use and How to Slice Them
Cooking a delicious plate of Chicken Chow Mein starts with selecting the perfect vegetables. Not only do they add flavor and texture, but they also provide essential nutrients to your dish. For this recipe, we recommend using bell peppers, carrots, bean sprouts, and green onions.
To begin, wash all your vegetables thoroughly. Slice your bell peppers into thin strips, making sure to remove the seeds and white ribs. Peel your carrots and slice them diagonally into thin slices. This not only adds visual appeal but ensures they cook evenly. Rinse your bean sprouts well, and leave them to dry. Lastly, chop the green onions into 2-inch long pieces, separating the white and green parts.
Remember to use a sharp knife while slicing to avoid accidents and create clean, even cuts. Prepping your vegetables in advance allows for a smooth and efficient cooking experience, and contributes to a healthier, more flavorful Chicken Chow Mein.
Choosing the Right Noodles: Comparing Different Types and Brands
Choosing the right noodles is essential to perfecting your Chicken Chow Mein and elevating it to restaurant-quality.
There are different types of noodles available on the market, each with distinct textures and flavors. To achieve that perfect balance, it’s crucial to understand these differences.
1. Egg noodles: Eggy in flavor and perfect for a more authentic Chow Mein. They have a slightly firmer texture and a light yellow color. Popular brands include Acecook and KAME.
2. Ramen noodles: A more modern take on classic Asian noodles, these wheat-based noodles are perfect for adding some extra chewiness to your dish. Top brands include Nissin and Maruchan.
3. Udon noodles: Thicker and with a softer texture, udon noodles can also be used in Chow Mein for those who prefer a more tender noodle. Brands such as Hime and Myojo are worth trying out.
4. Rice noodles: Gluten-free and perfect for those with dietary restrictions. These are slightly lighter and add a delicate flavor. Look for brands like Thai Kitchen and Annie Chun’s.
Creating a Flavorful Sauce: What You Need for a Delicious Chicken Chow Mein
Creating a flavorful sauce is crucial for a delicious Chicken Chow Mein. To start, gather fresh and high-quality ingredients. Soy sauce serves as the base, with oyster sauce for a rich, savory taste. Golden brown hoisin sauce adds a touch of sweetness, while sesame oil provides a subtle nutty undertone.
For a hint of tanginess, incorporate rice vinegar or Chinese black vinegar. Spice things up with a few pinches of white pepper or even a dollop of chili sauce. To balance the flavors, mix in a bit of granulated sugar.
Lastly, for a thicker, silkier sauce, blend in some cornstarch mixed with cold water. Make sure to whisk all these ingredients well before adding it to the chow mein to ensure a well-coated and flavorful dish.
Now that your sauce is ready, it’s time to create your Chicken Chow Mein masterpiece.
Cooking Techniques: Stir-Frying Your Chicken Chow Mein to Perfection
Mastering the art of stir-frying is essential to creating a flavorful and perfectly cooked Chicken Chow Mein dish. This cooking technique not only locks in the flavors and nutrients of the ingredients but also ensures an even and swift cooking process.
Begin by preheating your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a small amount of oil and swirl it around to coat the surface evenly. Carefully add your marinated chicken pieces, spreading them out to ensure they don’t overlap.
Maintain constant movement by gently tossing and turning the chicken pieces using a spatula or cooking chopsticks. This prevents the ingredients from sticking to the surface while helping to achieve that crispy, golden-brown color. Cook the chicken until it is completely cooked through and remains tender.
At this point, adding vegetables like julienned carrots, bell pepper, and onions is ideal. Ensure you keep stirring all ingredients together to evenly distribute the heat and combine the flavors.
Finally, incorporate your cooked noodles, sauce, and other seasonings, continuing to toss and stir until every strand of noodle is covered in delightful savory goodness. And voila! Your classy Chicken Chow Mein is ready to be served and enjoyed.
Assembling Your Chicken Chow Mein: Bringing All Elements Together
Assembling your Chicken Chow Mein is an enjoyable process, as you bring together all the elements to create a delightful, professional meal. To start, make sure you have all your prepared ingredients within reach, including your cooked noodles, marinaded chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and savory sauce.
First, heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it is tender and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
Next, stir-fry the vegetables in the remaining oil, tossing them frequently to ensure even cooking. After a few minutes, add the chicken back into the wok, combining it with the vegetables. Drizzle your pre-made sauce over the concoction and mix thoroughly to coat the ingredients.
Lastly, add your cooked noodles to the wok and toss to fuse the flavors, creating a mouth-watering Chicken Chow Mein. Garnish with a sprinkle of green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an elegant, delicious dish, perfect for business lunches or dinners.
Tips for Serving and Enjoying. Your Chicken Chow Mein
When it’s time to serve your Chicken Chow Mein, here are some tips to enhance both the presentation and taste:
1. Plate it up – Choose a large, shallow serving dish, preferably one with a striking and contrasting color to the chow mein, to make your dish look more appetizing.
2. Garnish – Finish your dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. The vibrant greens will offer an additional layer of flavor, as well as providing a pop of color.
3. Offer additional toppings – Give your guests the choice to add more spice, heat, or crunch to their Chicken Chow Mein. Place small bowls of hot chili sauce, toasted peanuts, and extra soy sauce on the table.
4. Serve with sides – Complement the main dish with some steamed vegetables, fried rice or dumplings. This not only provides variety but also helps to create a full meal.
5. Pair with a drink – Offer a selection of beverages that will balance the flavors of your Chicken Chow Mein, such as cold green tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine.
