Best 2 Weeknight Chow Mein Recipes

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Chow mein is a popular Chinese dish made with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and protein. It is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking. This article provides three delicious weeknight chow mein recipes that are quick and easy to make.

The first recipe is a classic chow mein made with shrimp, chicken, and vegetables. The second recipe is a vegetarian chow mein made with tofu and vegetables. The third recipe is a spicy Szechuan chow mein made with pork, vegetables, and a spicy Szechuan sauce. All three recipes are packed with flavor and can be made in under 30 minutes.

So, whether you are looking for a classic chow mein, a vegetarian chow mein, or a spicy Szechuan chow mein, this article has the perfect recipe for you.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

WEEKNIGHT CHICKEN CHOP SUEY



Weeknight Chicken Chop Suey image

If you'd like a little extra crunch with this colorful chop suey, serve with chow mein noddles. -George Utley, South Hill, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1-1/2 cups chopped carrots
1 cup unsweetened pineapple tidbits, drained (reserve juice)
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 medium tart apple, chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup cold water, divided
3 tablespoons unsweetened pineapple juice
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 cups hot cooked brown rice

Steps:

  • In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken, herbs and lemon zest; saute until lightly browned. Add next 5 ingredients. Stir in 3/4 cup water, pineapple juice and teriyaki sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until chicken is no longer pink and the carrots are tender, 10-15 minutes., Combine cornstarch and remaining water. Gradually stir into chicken mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve with rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 302 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 237mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (20g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 25g protein. Diabetic exchanges

WEEKNIGHT CHOW MEIN



Weeknight Chow Mein image

Easy, tasty weeknight recipe. Adaptable to different types of meat; add veges or delete to suit your taste, or what you have on hand. I developed this "cook-and-drain" technique to avoid chow mein that was swimming in liquid. It also makes added thickeners unnecessary. I show varying amounts of noodles and cabbage - I enjoy a chow mein with lots of veges, but others in my family like the noodles. This recipe works well either way.

Provided by dianegrapegrower

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 35m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

8 -12 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
1 teaspoon peanut oil
1 tablespoon peanut oil
8 -12 ounces Chinese cabbage, shredded
2 tablespoons peanut oil
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon chili-garlic sauce (or to taste)
1 lb pork or 1 lb shrimp
1/2 onion, sliced thinly
4 ounces Chinese pea pods, slivered
1/2 red bell pepper, slivered
1 small zucchini, slivered
1 carrot, slivered
4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
lime wedge, to garnish

Steps:

  • Cook spaghetti in boiling water as directed. Drain in colander, sprinkle with 1 t. peanut oil to keep from sticking, and let set.
  • Slice chicken or pork into thin strips. Peel shrimp. A single meat, or a combo work fine in this recipe.
  • Heat 1 T. peanut oil in wok. Stir-fry cabbage until hot-crisp. Dump on top of spaghetti in colander and let set. (any moisture coming off the cabbage will drain, keeping your chow mein from getting soggy).
  • Heat 2 T. peanut oil in wok. Add sesame oil, ginger, chili sauce, meat or shrimp. Stir-fry until meat is almost done.
  • Add remaining veges and continue stir-frying until veges are hot-crisp and meat is done.
  • Add oyster sauce and stir to coat. Add cabbage and spaghetti and combine thoroughly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 510.1, Fat 25.1, SaturatedFat 5.4, Cholesterol 51.8, Sodium 442.8, Carbohydrate 52, Fiber 2.3, Sugar 3.7, Protein 23.7

Tips:

  • Prep your ingredients in advance: Chopping vegetables, slicing chicken, and measuring out ingredients ahead of time will help the cooking process go smoothly and quickly.
  • Use a large skillet or wok: This will ensure that you have enough space to cook all of the ingredients without overcrowding the pan.
  • Cook the chicken over high heat: This will help to sear the chicken and lock in the flavor.
  • Add the vegetables in stages: Start with the vegetables that take longer to cook, such as carrots and broccoli, and then add the softer vegetables, such as bok choy and bean sprouts, towards the end.
  • Use a flavorful sauce: The sauce is what will really make your chow mein sing, so be sure to use a sauce that you love. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own.
  • Serve immediately: Chow mein is best served hot and fresh, so be sure to eat it as soon as it's cooked.

Conclusion:

This weeknight chow mein is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that the whole family will love. With its simple ingredients and flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give this chow mein a try. You won't be disappointed!

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