chow mein（Chinese chow mein）
Chow mein is a classic dish in Chinese home cooking, widely loved whether from street-side stalls for late-night snacks or served on family dining tables. The ingredients for chow mein can be highly adaptable, allowing for adjustments based on personal taste preferences.
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In the busy pace of life, a steaming hot and aromatic plate of chow mein never fails to awaken our passion for food. Whether from a roadside stall or a restaurant, those seemingly simple yet incredibly memorable chow mein dishes always leave us craving more. Today, let's explore the proper way to enjoy chow mein together.
1.About Chow mein
Chow mein is a popular traditional Chinese snack enjoyed across the country. Its main ingredients typically include noodles, eggs, shredded meat, baby bok choy, and scallions, resulting in a delicious and nutritious dish. Generally, there are two main types: chow mein noodles and chow mein fun. Chow mein noodles feature noodles, eggs, and meat as the primary ingredients. Chow mein fun, on the other hand, uses ground corn and beans that are stir-fried and then ground into flour, which is later rehydrated with hot broth or stirred into a dish for consumption.
2.The secret to delicious chow mein
①Preparing the noodles:Many people overlook the preparation of the noodles when making chow mein. The correct method is to boil the noodles until cooked, then immediately rinse them with cold water. This not only stops the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too soft but also prevents the noodles from sticking together effectively.
②Control of heat and oil quantity:Mastering the heat and oil quantity is crucial for the success of chow mein. When preparing chow mein, it's important to heat the oil to about 70% hot first. This ensures that the ingredients are stir-fried to be flavorful without being greasy. If the oil temperature is too low, the ingredients may absorb too much oil and become greasy. On the other hand, if the oil temperature is too high, it can easily burn the bottom of the dish.
③The sequence and proportion of seasoning ingredients have a decisive impact on the final taste of chow mein. Typically, start by adding light soy sauce and dark soy sauce for color, followed by salt and chicken bouillon for seasoning. Finally, add a moderate amount of five-spice powder and white pepper powder to enhance the flavor.
3.What type of noodles should be used for chow mein?
Chow mein can be made with various types of noodles such as flat noodles, sliced noodles, spaghetti, udon noodles, or ramen noodles. Generally, there are two main types of chow mein: chow mein noodles and chow mein fun. Chow mein noodles typically feature noodles, eggs, or meat as the main ingredients in the dish.
4.What ingredients can be used with chow mein?
Chow mein can be paired with various proteins such as pork, chicken, or beef as the main sources of protein. Additionally, you can add vegetables like onions, carrots, bean sprouts, and greens, which not only enrich the texture but also enhance the appearance of the dish. When selecting ingredients, you can adjust based on personal preferences and dietary habits to achieve a balanced mix of meat and vegetables.
5.The differences between chow mein and lo mein
①The differences in preparation methods:Chinese-style chow mein typically involves stir-frying various ingredients such as vegetables and meats together with noodles.Lo mein, on the other hand, entails cooking noodles in boiling water until done, then draining them and combining them with various toppings and sauces.
②There is a distinct difference in texture and flavor:Chow mein noodles, when stir-fried, are chewy and firm, with a satisfying bite. The high heat during stir-frying enhances the richness of flavors released from the ingredients.In contrast, lo mein noodles retain their natural softness and tenderness after being cooked in boiling water. They have a smoother and softer texture compared to chow mein noodles.
Now, let's apply the above techniques to a specific chow mein recipe. Here's a simple and delicious chow mein recipe for you to try. Everyone is welcome to give it a taste!
INGREDIENTS
MAIN INGREDIENTS
- Half a package of noodles
ACCESSORIES
- One carrot
- A handful of bean sprouts
- One egg
- One green bell pepper
SEASONINGS
- One tablespoon of soy sauce
- One teaspoon of salt
- 30g of oil
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
Prepare the ingredients by washing them thoroughly and setting them aside.
STEP 2
Bring water to a boil and add the noodles, cooking until they are 80% done. Remove them from the water and rinse with cold water.
tip:
When boiling the noodles, remember to cook them until they are 80% done. If noodles are overcooked, they can break apart during chow mein and stick to the pan. To check if noodles are 80% done, simply pick up a strand with chopsticks and taste it. It should be chewy but still have a slight rawness inside, indicating they are ready to be removed from the pot.
STEP 3
Julienne the carrot and green bell pepper.
STEP 4
Beat the egg.
STEP 5
Heat oil in a pan until it's 80% hot, then add the beaten egg and cook until it solidifies.
STEP 6
Add the julienned carrots and green bell peppers to the pan and stir-fry until softened. Then, add the bean sprouts and stir-fry for a moment.
STEP 7
Add the cooked noodles to the pan, then pour soy sauce over the noodles.
STEP 8
Add a teaspoon of salt and stir-fry until everything is well combined. Then it's ready to serve.
tip:
Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
STEP 9
Delicious chow mein is ready.
Recipe analyzer
- Recipes: chow mein（Chinese chow mein）
- Main Ingredients:5
- Servings per recipe:1
- Servings size:300 g
-
Energy (calories)：239 kcal
-
Protein：13.56 g
-
Fat：6.02 g
Why gray?
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Carbohydrates：34.94 g
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Protein: 20%48 kcal
-
Fat: 22%53 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 58%138 kcal
The ratio shows whether the proportion of both fatty acids in your diet is optimal. Red color means too much of Omega 6 or too little of Omega 3. The data are rounded off and approximate.
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