Anyone else think that they could live on takeout? I definitely feel like I can because give me ALL the Chinese food. When I was a kid, my favorite food days were the days that my mom was too tired to cook. We’d order delivery and there would always always be some sort of chow mein dish. It’s funny because even though we are Chinese and my mom makes perfectly delicious chow mein, there’s something about delivery chow mein that is so much better.
I have to say though, there’s something so satisfying about making something yourself. Especially when it comes together quickly and easily. Here are a few pro-tips on making chow mein at home!
1. Prep all of your ingredients beforehand. You know, do that whole mise-en-place thing where everything that needs to be chopped is chopped and all the sauces are mixed in little bowls and everything is nice and neat and together, all within arms reach. Cooking goes quickly and it’s a lot easier to do when all your prep is done. That’s why in real kitchens there are prep chefs, so that the person cooking just gets to do the fun stuff: cooking.
2. Don’t be afraid of heat, but also try not to burn stuff.
3. Have fun!
Okay, that’s it. Hope you guys have chow mein in your future.
PS – This recipe is bomb for meal prep. Make it and eat it throughout the week!
Beef and Broccoli Chow Mein
serves 4
- 16 ounces fresh chow mein noodles
- 1 lb steak of choice, cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons shaoxing wine
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, to taste
- oil for the pan
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
Soak the noodles in hot tap water. In a bowl, mix the steak with the cornstarch, soy sauce, and shaoxing wine. Set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup water, oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper. Set aside.
Heat up the oil in a wok or frying pan over medium high heat. When hot and shimmery, add the steak, along with the marinade in the bowl and cook, stirring, until slightly crisp, 1-2 minutes. Add the onions and broccoli and stir fry until bright green, 1-2 minutes
Drain the noodles and add them into the pan and toss everything together. Stir in in the sauce and toss well, frying. Taste, adjust the seasoning, then enjoy!
I just made this but there was too much liquid/ water so it never got crispy and just made the noodles mushy…. any advice?
hi shane, how high was the heat when you cooked the noodles?
Medium high like the recipe said
Did you mix in the oyster sauce mixture with the steak? I almost did that because I thought that was what was considered the marinade.
I had the same problem. I’ve made this twice now and both times the noodles have turned to a big mush of dough. I even tried adding some oil to the water to separate them
hi alex,
i can help troubleshoot! what kind of noodles are you using?
This was so yummy! I actually used the sauce from this recipe with yakisoba noodles, oodles of veggies and some shredded rotisserie chicken (it was time to clean out the fridge!) And it was delicious!! Thank you!
Tried you recipe for tonight’s dinner with left over prime rib. I sliced meat very thin (it was med rare). I followed your recipe and my family loved it. This recipe is a keeper thank you 👍