Chow Mein is a popular Chinese dish that has become a staple in many countries around the world. It is a stir-fried noodle dish that is usually made with thin wheat noodles, vegetables, and some kind of meat or seafood. The dish is often served as a main course in Chinese restaurants, and it's also a popular street food.
History of Chow Mein
The origin of Chow Mein is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have originated in northern China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). The dish was originally made with wheat flour, and it was traditionally served as a simple soup dish. However, over time, it evolved into a stir-fried dish with various vegetables and meats.
Varieties of Chow Mein
There are several varieties of Chow Mein, including the traditional Cantonese Chow Mein, Sichuan Chow Mein, and the popular American Chow Mein. Cantonese Chow Mein is made with thin, crispy noodles, while Sichuan Chow Mein is spicy and uses Sichuan pepper as a key ingredient. The American Chow Mein, on the other hand, is often made with thicker noodles and a variety of vegetables and meats.
Ingredients
To make Chow Mein, you will need the following ingredients:
1 pound of thin wheat noodles
1 cup of sliced chicken or beef (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
2 cups of sliced vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, and cabbage)
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
1 tablespoon of minced garlic
1 tablespoon of minced ginger
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then rinse with cold water and set aside.
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and salt and pepper to make the sauce.
In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken or beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until cooked through.
Add the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
Add the cooked noodles and the sauce to the wok and stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the noodles are heated through.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Conclusion:
Chow Mein is a delicious and versatile Chinese dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. With a variety of ingredients and cooking styles to choose from, you can easily make this classic dish your own. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your newfound Chinese cooking skills?
