Description
This authentic Cantonese Chow Mein recipe features thin, fresh egg noodles stir-fried to a perfect crispiness and tossed with savory sauces, crunchy bean sprouts, and aromatic onions. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish delivers the classic flavors of Hong Kong-style chow mein with an easy stovetop cooking method.
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 12 oz chow mein egg noodles (thin fresh noodles, Hong-Kong style)
Vegetables:
- 1/2 small yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 5 stalks green onions (cut into 2-inch pieces, whites and greens divided)
- 2 cups bean sprouts
Sauces and Oils:
- 3 tablespoons corn oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (to finish)
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Pour boiling water over your noodles and soak for 30 seconds to 1 minute until softened. Drain and set aside to prepare for stir-frying.
- Make the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine dark soy sauce, regular soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water. Stir well until the sugar has completely dissolved, creating a balanced, savory sauce.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat one tablespoon of corn oil in a wok over medium-high heat until hot, about one minute. Add the sliced yellow onions and the white parts of the green onions, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant and slightly softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Pan-fry the noodles: Heat one more tablespoon of corn oil in the wok over medium-high heat until hot, approximately 2 minutes. Add the drained noodles, spreading them into a thin layer to form a crispy base. Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, then carefully flip the noodles. Drizzle the remaining oil around the perimeter of the wok and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the noodles are crispy and golden.
- Add the vegetables and sauce: Return the sautéed onions along with both the white and green parts of the green onions and the bean sprouts to the wok. Pour in the prepared sauce and gently mix everything together for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Remove the wok from heat, drizzle with the sesame oil, and toss to combine. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect textures and vibrant flavors of this Cantonese classic.
Notes
- Use fresh Hong Kong-style chow mein noodles for best texture and flavor.
- Be careful when flipping the noodles to keep them in a thin, even layer for crispiness.
- Adjust soy sauce levels to taste if a less salty dish is preferred.
- Adding more bean sprouts can enhance freshness and crunch.
- This dish is best served immediately to retain noodle crispiness.
