Authentic Chinese Pork Chow Mein Recipe
Don’t know what to have for dinner? Try this amazing Pork Chow Mein! Tender meat, smooth noodles, rich sauce, and ready in just 20 minutes! It’s so good, you’ll be licking the plate! Save this recipe and make it tomorrow!
Why I Like This Pork Chow Mein Recipe
Quick and Convenient: Pork chow mein is simple to make and can be ready in just 20 minutes!
Flexible Ingredients: You can add a variety of vegetables based on your personal taste, such as bell peppers, carrots, and onions. It's both delicious and packed with nutrients!
Rich Flavor: The chow mein is paired with tender pork strips and filled with aroma. The noodles soak up the meat juices and seasonings, making every bite irresistible!
Cost-Effective: The ingredients are simple and usually things you already have at home, saving you money from eating out while still enjoying a tasty meal!
Satisfying: Perfect for any time of the day, and loved by both adults and kids!
What’s in Chow Mein?
Simply put, chow mein is a Chinese dish made with noodles, vegetables, and your choice of meat, fish, or tofu.
"Mein" actually means "noodles" in Chinese.
The sauce is typically made with soy sauce and oyster sauce, but you can add other seasonings to suit your taste.
Is Chow Mein Healthy?
I believe chow mein is a relatively healthy dinner option!
This dish includes fresh vegetables like greens, carrots, onions, and pork strips, making it nutritious and well-balanced.
Using moderate amounts of oil and seasonings ensures the dish is flavorful without being too greasy.
INGREDIENTS
Main Ingredients
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·200g noodles (alkaline noodles, regular noodles, or ramen will work)
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·120g pork strips
Additional Ingredients
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·1 egg
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·120g greens (any green vegetable of your choice)
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·50g shredded carrots
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·50g sliced onions
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·50g ham slices
Seasonings
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·1 tsp cooking wine
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·1/4 tsp salt
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·1 tbsp oyster sauce
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·1 tsp cornstarch (for marinating the pork)
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·1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
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·1/2 tsp dark soy sauce
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·1/2 tsp sugar
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·1/4 tsp cumin powder
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·2 tbsp cooking oil
Table of Contents
COOKING STEP
Step 1
Marinate the Pork Strips:
In a bowl, add the pork strips, 1 tsp cooking wine, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 tsp cornstarch.
Stir well and marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 2
Prepare the Vegetables:
Prepare your choice of vegetables.
Here, I used shredded carrots, sliced onions, ham slices, and greens.
Step 3
Cook the Noodles:
In a pot, bring water to a boil.
Add the noodles and cook until about 80% done.
Then, remove the noodles and place them in ice water.
Step 4
Scramble the Eggs:
In a separate pan, add 1/2 tbsp oil, crack in the eggs, scramble them, and set them aside.
Step 5
Stir-Fry the Pork:
Add another 1/2 tbsp oil to the pan, and stir-fry the marinated pork strips until they change color.
Step 6
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Add the ham slices and onion slices to the pan and cook until fragrant.
Then, add the shredded carrots and greens, and stir-fry on high heat until tender.
Step 7
Mix and Stir-Fry:
Remove the noodles from the ice water, drain, and add them to the pan.
Add 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1/4 tsp dark soy sauce, 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1/4 tsp sugar, and salt to taste.
Stir well and mix everything together.
Step 8
Add Eggs and Cumin Powder:
Finally, add the scrambled eggs and a little cumin powder, stir to combine, and your dish is ready to serve.
Step 9
Enjoy Your Delicious Pork Chow Mein!
More Noodle Recipes Worth Trying
Zha Jiang Mian(Beijing-style Noodles)
Substitutes for Ingredients
Noodles
Instant noodles, spaghetti, rice noodles, or vermicelli can be used as alternatives.
Pork Strips
You can substitute with beef strips, chicken strips, or prawns.
Beef strips are rich in protein and iron, with a chewier texture.
Chicken strips are lower in fat and healthier.
Prawns bring a delicious seafood flavor.
Greens
Can be replaced with bean sprouts, napa cabbage, or spinach.
Bean sprouts are crunchy and tender, napa cabbage is sweet, and spinach is nutrient-packed, each adding different flavors and nutrition to the chow mein.
Shredded Carrots
Can be swapped with shredded cucumber or bell peppers.
Shredded cucumber is refreshing and lightens the dish, while bell pepper adds a slight spice and unique flavor.
Sliced Onions
Can be replaced with scallions or chives.
Scallions have a strong onion aroma, while chives add a special fragrance and texture.
Ham Slices
Can be substituted with bacon or omitted altogether.
Secrets to Perfect Pork Chow Mein Every Time
1.Marinate the Meat: Marinate the pork strips with cooking wine, oyster sauce, and cornstarch to keep the meat tender and smooth.
2.Noodle Preparation: Cook the noodles until they’re 80% done, then quickly rinse them in ice water to maintain their elasticity and prevent sticking. Be sure to drain the noodles well before stir-frying to avoid excess moisture affecting the texture.
3.Stir-Fry on High Heat: Stir-fry the pork strips over high heat to keep them tender.
4.Quick Stir-Fry: Once the noodles and other ingredients are combined, stir-fry quickly to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce while preventing burning.
5.Add Eggs and Cumin Powder Last: This adds fragrance and flavor to complete the chow mein.
Serving Suggestions
1.Serve While Hot: Best enjoyed right after cooking, when it's at its freshest.
2.Pair with a Refreshing Drink: Such as lemonade or green tea to cleanse the palate and enhance the flavor.
3.Pair with Soup: A bowl of clear broth or miso soup is a great side to balance the flavors.
4.Adjust the Flavor: Add chili oil or vinegar to taste based on your preference.
Recipe Variations
1.Chicken Chow Mein: Substitute the pork strips with an equal amount of chicken strips, adding a pinch of black pepper during marination for extra flavor.
2.Seafood Chow Mein: Add prawns, squid rings, or other seafood, and use seafood sauce in the seasoning to bring in a marine flavor.
3.Vegetarian Chow Mein: Omit the meat and add tofu, tofu skin, or other plant-based proteins along with various vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers. Use vegetarian oyster sauce for seasoning.
4.Spicy Mala Chow Mein: Add Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili segments, with chili oil and Sichuan pepper oil for a numbing, spicy kick.
5.Curry Chow Mein: Add curry cubes or curry powder and stir-fry with the vegetables to create a rich curry flavor.
6.Tomato Chow Mein: Use tomato ketchup instead of some of the oyster sauce, and add chopped tomatoes for a sweet and sour taste.
7.Korean Spicy Chow Mein: Add Korean gochujang (chili paste) and top with kimchi, adding a bit of sugar to create a sweet and spicy Korean-style flavor.
8.Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free noodles and replace the soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce for those who are sensitive to gluten.
9.Low-Salt Version: Reduce the amount of oyster sauce and soy sauce, using low-sodium soy sauce and natural seasonings for a healthier option.
How to Store Pork Chow Mein?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
This dish reheats well and makes a great option for meal prep or a quick lunch.
FAQs:
If using frozen vegetables, make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
Allow the chow mein to cool, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to two months.
Before reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Alternatively, you can place it in a microwave-safe dish and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
Chow Mein: The noodles are usually boiled first, then stir-fried in hot oil, making them crispy on the outside while the ingredients and seasonings are mixed together.
Lo Mein: The noodles are boiled and then mixed directly with other ingredients and sauces without stir-frying, keeping them soft.
