Cantonese Chow Mein (Soy Sauce Chow Mien)

Chewy egg noodles tossed in a savory soy-based sauce, Cantonese Soy sauce chow mien is a classic that is perfect for any weeknight dinner

What is soy sauce chow mein?

Soy sauce chow mein is a popular Chinese dish made with stir-fried noodles, typically egg noodles, seasoned with soy sauce and other savory ingredients. "Chow mein" translates to "fried noodles" in Cantonese, and soy sauce chow mein specifically refers to a variation where the noodles are seasoned predominantly with soy sauce.

The dish usually includes a variety of vegetables and protein, such as onions, bean sprouts, and meat (commonly beef, chicken, shrimp, or pork). The noodles are stir-fried in a hot wok or skillet along with the vegetables and protein, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.

The sauce for soy sauce chow mein typically consists of soy sauce (both light and dark varieties), oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sometimes a touch of sugar for sweetness. This sauce infuses the noodles and other ingredients with rich umami flavor and a hint of sweetness, creating a delicious balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Noodles and Main Ingredients:

• Egg noodles (Chow Mein noodles): Form the base of the dish, providing primary texture and substance.
• Garlic, minced: Adds a strong, aromatic flavor.
• Shallot, diced: Provides a mild, sweet flavor that complements the garlic.
• Onion, sliced: Adds a bit of sweetness and texture to the dish.

• Green onions, cut into 2” pieces (only green parts): Adds a fresh, slightly sharp flavor.
• Bean sprouts: Provide a crunchy texture and a fresh, mild flavor.
• Cooking oil: Used for stir-frying the ingredients, preventing them from sticking and helping to distribute heat evenly.

Sauce Ingredients:

• Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor.
• Dark soy sauce: Adds a richer color and a deeper, slightly sweet flavor.
• Oyster sauce: Adds a savory, slightly sweet, and complex flavor.
• Brown sugar: Balances the salty and umami flavors with a hint of sweetness.

• Water: Helps to dilute and mix the sauce ingredients, ensuring even distribution.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor and enhances the overall fragrance of the dish.
• Chili oil: Adds a spicy kick and a bit of heat.

Garnish:

• Sesame seeds: Provide a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch.
• Fried shallots: Add a crispy texture and a rich, sweet flavor.
• Spring onions: Add a fresh, green, slightly sharp flavor, and enhance the presentation.

How to Cook Cantonese Chow Mein

1. Combine all of the sauce in a bowl. Set aside
2. Soak the egg noodles for 1 minute in the hot boiling water. Drain it and set aside.
3. Heat the oil over high heat. Add garlic, shallots and onion. Sauté for 1 minute over high heat.

4. Then, add the noodles back to the pan followed by bean sprouts and green onions. 
5. Continue separating the noodles with chopsticks or a spatula.

6. Next, add the sauce back and combine until there are no bald spots in the noodles.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds, fried shallots, spring onions, chili oil and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of noodles according to your preference. However, egg noodles are traditionally used in Cantonese soy sauce chow mein for their chewy texture and ability to absorb flavors well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it's best to enjoy chow mein fresh, you can prepare some components in advance. You can cook the noodles and slice the vegetables ahead of time. However, it's recommended to stir-fry everything together just before serving to ensure optimal texture and flavor.

I don't have dark soy sauce. Can I use more light soy sauce instead?

Dark soy sauce adds color and richness to the dish, so substituting it entirely with light soy sauce may alter the flavor and appearance. If you don't have dark soy sauce, you can use all light soy sauce, but the dish may be lighter in color and slightly less rich.

How can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?

If you prefer a spicier chow mein, you can add chili flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce mixture. Alternatively, you can serve the dish with chili sauce or chili oil on the side for individuals to add according to their taste.

What can I substitute for bean sprouts if I can't find them?

If you can't find bean sprouts or prefer to use a different vegetable, you can substitute them with thinly sliced bell peppers, shredded cabbage, snap peas, or any other quick-cooking vegetable of your choice.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving. Keep in mind that the noodles may soften slightly upon reheating.

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Cantonese Chow Mien (Soy Sauce Chow Mien)

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Chewy egg noodles tossed in a savory soy-based sauce, Cantonese Soy sauce chow mien is a classic that is perfect for any weeknight dinner

• Author: Genio Ng
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 Servings 1x
• Category: Noodles
• Method: Easy
• Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 300g of egg noodles (Chow Mein noodles)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, diced
• ½ onion, sliced
• 5 green onion, cut into 2” pieces (only green parts)
• 100g of bean sprouts
• 2 tbsp of cooking oil

Sauce

• 2 tbsp of soy sauce 
• 2 tbsp of dark soy sauce 
• 1 tbsp of oyster sauce
• 2 tsp of brown sugar
• 1 tbsp of water
• 1 tbsp of sesame oil 
• 1 tbsp of chili oil

Garnish

• Sesame seeds
• Fried Shallots
• Spring Onions

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Instructions

1. Combine all of the sauce in a bowl. Set aside
2. Soak the egg noodles for 1 minute in the hot boiling water. Drain it and set aside.
3. Heat the oil over high heat. Add garlic, shallots and onion. Sauté for 1 minute over high heat.
4. Then, add the noodles back to the pan followed by bean sprouts and green onions. 
5. Continue separating the noodles with chopsticks or a spatula.
6. Next, add the sauce back and combine until there are no bald spots in the noodles.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds, fried shallots, spring onions, chili oil and enjoy!

Genio Ng

Hi there, I'm Genio. I really appreciate you taking your time and visiting me here. As an international student from Indonesia coming to Sydney right after Covid lockdown - it was challenging for me to make friends and find myself in a new city. I've never cooked before but I found my passion in food content creation and testing Asian inspired recipes - I learnt that cooking can be incredibly easy, cheap and fun so I'm super happy to be able to share this with you! Please come by my socials and say Hi - always keen to make new friends! Genio

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