Cantonese Soy Sauce Chow Mein
A classic Cantonese-style noodle, this dry soy sauce chow mein is simple to make, but incredibly satisfying with the crunchy bean sprouts, caramelized aromatics, and fresh scallions.
Ingredients
- 7 oz fresh thin chow mein (1/2 package)
- 2 oz bean sprouts
- 4 stalks scallions cut into 3 inch batons, white and greens separated
- 1/4 of an onion thinly sliced
- 1 medium shallot thinly sliced (optional)
- Neutral oil for cooking
Sauce:
- 1.5 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/8 tsp chicken bouillon powder optional
- 1/16 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
- Soak fresh or steamed chow mein noodles in boiling water for 20-30 seconds. If using dried chow mein noodles, cook according to the package directions. Rinse in cold water to stop cooking and maintain a bouncy texture. Drain well.7 oz fresh thin chow mein
- Chop the scallions into 3 inch pieces. Slice those pieces lengthwise. Keep the white and green parts of the scallions separate. Thinly slice the onion and shallot, if using.4 stalks scallions, 1/4 of an onion, 1 medium shallot
- In a bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients.1.5 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1/8 tsp chicken bouillon powder, 1/16 tsp white pepper, 1/2 tsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp water
Make the chow mein
- Heat up a pan to medium high heat and add 1 tbsp of neutral oil. Add scallion (white parts only), onions, and shallots. Sauté until lightly caramelized. Push to one side of the pan.Neutral oil for cooking
- Add another tbsp of neutral oil to the pan, then the drained noodles. Stir fry for about 1-2 minutes or until dry, then add the sauce to the perimeter of the pan. Mix well and stir fry for another 1-2 min. If you want crispier, drier noodles, you can stir fry for a bit longer here.
- Add the bean sprouts and scallion (green parts). Stir fry until the bean sprouts have lightly softened but still maintain their crunch.2 oz bean sprouts
- Taste and adjust any seasoning. For a darker color, add a little more dark soy sauce; if you want it saltier, add a bit more light soy sauce. This is best enjoyed immediately!
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