Crispy Noodle Chow Mein (Printer-Friendly)
Golden noodles with crisp vegetables in savory sauce
# What You'll Need:
→ Noodles
01 - 7 oz dried chow mein noodles
02 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
05 - 3.5 oz snow peas, trimmed
06 - 3.5 oz shiitake or button mushrooms, sliced
07 - 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1 cup bean sprouts
09 - 2 spring onions, sliced
→ Sauce
10 - 3 tbsp soy sauce
11 - 1 tbsp oyster sauce
12 - 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
13 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
14 - 1 tsp sugar
15 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
16 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
17 - 2 tbsp water
18 - 1 tsp cornstarch
→ Garnish
19 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
20 - Fresh coriander leaves
# How to Make It:
01 - Cook chow mein noodles according to package directions. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
02 - Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Spread cooked noodles in an even layer. Fry undisturbed 4–5 minutes until bottom becomes golden and crispy. Flip carefully and crisp opposite side 2–3 minutes. Transfer to serving plate and set aside.
03 - Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl until cornstarch dissolves completely. Set aside.
04 - Wipe skillet clean. Heat remaining 1 tbsp oil over high heat. Add onions and carrots; stir-fry 2 minutes. Add bell pepper, mushrooms, and snow peas; stir-fry 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant in color.
05 - Pour sauce mixture over vegetables. Stir constantly 1 minute until sauce bubbles and thickens to glossy coating consistency.
06 - Stir in bean sprouts and half the spring onions. Toss just until combined and sprouts are heated through, about 30 seconds.
07 - Arrange crispy noodles on serving platter. Spoon vegetable mixture with sauce over noodles. Garnish with remaining spring onions, sesame seeds, and fresh coriander. Serve immediately while noodles remain crispy.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You get that irresistible contrast between golden crunchy noodles and tender vibrant vegetables in every single bite
- The sauce hits all the right notes salty savory slightly sweet and deeply satisfying
02 -
- The secret to restaurant style crispy noodles is patience during that first frying step. Do not try to flip them too early or they will break apart.
- Cornstarch needs to be whisked into cold liquid before adding to heat or it will form stubborn lumps that ruin your sauce texture.
03 -
- Dry your cooked noodles thoroughly before frying. Water creates steam which prevents crisping and leads to soggy disappointing noodles.
- Have all ingredients prepped and measured before you turn on the stove. Stir frying moves fast and there is no time to chop or measure once the heat is on.