Cantonese Chow Mein Recipe
A classic Cantonese Chow Mein featuring thin fresh egg noodles stir-fried to a crispy perfection with aromatic onions, bean sprouts, and a savory combination of soy and oyster sauces, finished with a touch of fragrant sesame oil for an authentic and satisfying Chinese stir-fried noodle dish.
- Author: Viktoria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cantonese
Noodles and Vegetables
- 12 oz chow mein egg noodles (thin fresh noodles, Hong-Kong style)
- 1/2 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 5 stalks green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces, whites and greens divided
- 2 cups bean sprouts
Oils and Sauces
- 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
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- Cook the noodles: Pour boiling water over the chow mein egg noodles and soak them for 30 seconds to 1 minute until softened. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the dark soy sauce, regular soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, granulated sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved to create a flavorful sauce.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat one tablespoon of corn oil in a wok over medium-high heat until hot. Add the sliced yellow onions and the white parts of the green onions and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly softened. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- Pan-fry the noodles: Heat another tablespoon of corn oil in the wok over medium-high heat until hot, approximately 2 minutes. Add the softened noodles and spread them into a thin layer in the wok. Let them crisp up undisturbed for about 2 minutes. Flip the noodles carefully, add the last tablespoon of corn oil around the edge of the wok, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the noodles are golden and crispy.
- Add the vegetables and sauce: Return the sautéed onions, add the green parts of the green onions, bean sprouts, and pour in the prepared sauce. Gently toss everything together in the wok for 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are well coated. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve: Remove the wok from heat, drizzle the sesame oil over the noodles, and toss once more to combine all the flavors. Serve immediately and enjoy your authentic Cantonese Chow Mein.
Notes
- Using fresh Hong Kong-style egg noodles is key for authentic texture and flavor.
- Be careful not to over-soak the noodles; they should be softened but still firm before pan-frying.
- Pan-frying the noodles in a thin layer helps achieve a delightful crispy texture on the outside.
- The combination of dark and regular soy sauces balances color and flavor perfectly.
- Adjust the amount of bean sprouts based on personal preference for crunchiness.
- This recipe can be customized by adding proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu if desired.
Keywords: Cantonese Chow Mein, stir-fried noodles, egg noodles, Chinese cuisine, chow mein recipe, crispy noodles, wok recipe