Chow Mein Noodles

Triticum aestivum (wheat flour based) Noodle, Pasta

Chow Mein Noodles Noodle, Pasta

At a Glance

  • Category Noodle, Pasta

The Forktionary Angle

"The golden strands that bring satisfying texture and authentic Asian flair to your wok."

Definition

Thin, usually egg-based wheat noodles commonly stir-fried or pan-fried, forming the base of classic Asian dishes.

Primary Ingredient Wheat flour (gluten)
Typical Cooking Time 3-5 minutes (fresh)
Unopened Shelf Life 2+ years (dry)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Chow Mein Noodles are:

Neutral wheaty slightly chewy

Chef’s Secret

To achieve crispy chow mein, boil the noodles briefly until al dente, drain thoroughly, then pan-fry them in a single layer until golden and crisp before adding to the main stir-fry.

Best Substitutes

Lo Mein Noodles

softer texture
Ratio 1:1

Spaghetti

thicker, less authentic
Ratio 1:1

Instant Ramen Noodles

discard seasoning packet
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for fresh or dried noodles with minimal ingredients. Fresh noodles should feel firm and not sticky. Dried noodles should be uniform in color.

Recipes Using Chow Mein Noodles

Number Of Servings 4 Hours Or Less Number Of Servings Time To Make

Asian Firecracker Chex Party Mix

Spice up your holiday season with this addictive Asian Firecracker Chex Party Mix! Inspired by Cook's Country magazine, this recipe delivers a fiery, flavorful crunch that's perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself. A delightful blend of Chex cereal, sesame sticks, wasabi peas, chow mein noodles, and peanuts, tossed in a savory soy sauce and butter mixture, and seasoned with ginger, garlic, and a kick of cayenne pepper. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Presentation Asian Winter Served Hot

Baked Gon Lo Mein

Craving a delicious, easy-to-make dinner? This Hawaiian-inspired Baked Gon Lo Mein recipe elevates the classic Chinese dry-fried noodles with a unique twist! Imagine perfectly baked noodles tossed in a savory sauce, bursting with fresh vegetables and tender char siu. This recipe is incredibly versatile; feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's both comforting and exciting – perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion!

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Hawaiian Easy Cuisine Poultry

Awesome Hawaiian Haystacks

This easy-to-make Hawaiian Haystacks recipe is perfect for feeding a large family or group! Enjoy the amazing blend of savory chicken, creamy mushroom soup, and sweet pineapple, all piled high on a bed of fluffy rice. Customizable with your favorite toppings, this dish is sure to be a new family favorite. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Fish Pasta Rice And Grains

Asian Fish And Vegetable Wrap

Craving a flavorful and healthy meal? These Asian Fish and Vegetable Wraps are a delicious and easy-to-make recipe! Packed with vibrant vegetables, succulent salmon, and a savory oyster sauce glaze, these wraps are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this exciting fusion of Asian flavors!

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Savory Taste Mood Dietary Low Cholesterol

Asian Style Wild Rice And Chicken Or Turkey Salad

This vibrant Asian-inspired wild rice salad is packed with protein and fresh veggies! Perfect for a light lunch, potluck, or weeknight dinner. Marinate in a zesty ginger-soy dressing for maximum flavor. Serves 3-4 (easily doubled). Plan ahead – chilling enhances the taste!

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Oven One Dish Meal Saltwater Fish Fish

Baked Tuna Chow Mein Casserole Microwave

Whip up this incredibly easy Tuna Chow Mein Casserole in the microwave! Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying meal ready in minutes. This recipe, inspired by a classic chow mein noodle package, is a quick and tasty alternative to takeout.

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For 1 Or 2 Cuisine Asian Time To Make

Asian Oriental Cabbage Salad

Craving a refreshing and flavorful Asian-inspired salad? This vibrant cabbage salad recipe, born from a culinary adventure on the Sea of Cortez, is a delightful alternative to tacos and burritos! Packed with crunchy cabbage, carrots, and a zesty sesame-ginger dressing, it's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying side dish. Add shrimp or chicken for a protein boost and a complete meal!

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Technique Meat Summer Dietary

Amy's Fruited Chicken Salad

This vibrant and refreshing fruited chicken salad is the perfect light supper! Use leftover cooked chicken to create this delightful dish, inspired by my sister-in-law Amy's amazing recipe. Sweet pineapple, juicy grapes, and crunchy chow mein noodles complement the savory chicken for a flavor explosion that's both satisfying and healthy. Perfect for a potluck or a quick weeknight meal!

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Main Ingredient Nuts Course 15 Minutes Or Less

Asian Style Party Mix

This addictive Asian-inspired party mix is the perfect snack for any gathering (or for keeping all to yourself!). Crispy cereal, crunchy noodles, and a spicy-savory soy sauce glaze make this recipe irresistible. Easy to make and even easier to devour!

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Low Carb Chicken Casseroles Main Dish

5 Can Casserole

This comforting 5-Can Chicken Casserole recipe is a family favorite! A quick and easy weeknight meal, this recipe uses convenient canned ingredients for a delicious and satisfying casserole. Originally adapted from Recipezaar in 2005, this updated version offers options for customization, including adding frozen mixed vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. Get ready to enjoy this creamy, cheesy chicken bake in under 30 minutes!

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One Dish Meal Main Dish 60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient

Aunt Dot's Hot Dish

Warm up on a cold night with Aunt Dot's legendary Hot Dish, a hearty casserole recipe straight from Minnesota! This family favorite, brimming with savory beef, tender noodles, and a creamy mushroom and olive topping, is a comforting classic perfect for cozy winter evenings. Get ready for a taste of the Midwest's best-kept secret!

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Asian 3 Steps Or Less Salads Time To Make

Baby Spinach Salad With Peanut Dressing

Craving a vibrant and flavorful salad? This Thai-inspired Baby Spinach Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing is your answer! Earthbound Farm baby spinach forms the base, complemented by crunchy carrots, roasted peanuts, and satisfying chow mein noodles. The homemade peanut dressing is rich, creamy, and subtly sweet – a perfect balance of savory and nutty. Quick, easy, and bursting with fresh taste, this recipe is ideal for a light lunch or a healthy side dish. Get ready to elevate your salad game!

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Low Sodium Low Sodium Low In Something Beef

Amy's Beef Stir Fry

A restaurant-quality beef stir-fry, adapted from Donna Kaup's "Dining in Quarters A" cookbook. This recipe delivers tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce in just 20 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests.

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Low In Something Grilling Barbecue North American

Asian Steak Salad

Sizzle into summer with this vibrant Asian Steak Salad! Juicy grilled steak is tossed with a refreshing Asian slaw and a tangy hoisin lime dressing. A quick and easy recipe perfect for a light yet satisfying weeknight dinner. Optional additions like diced tart apples or mandarin oranges add extra sweetness and texture.

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Main Ingredient Preparation Main Dish Course

Asian Style Ham Noodle Saladwhat To Do With Ham Leftovers

Transform leftover ham into a delicious and exciting Asian-inspired noodle salad! This recipe is a quick and easy way to use up leftover ham, creating a dish that's far more flavorful and impressive than simple sliced ham. The secret? A vibrant ginger-soy dressing that masks the ham's origin, leaving everyone wondering what your secret ingredient is. Perfect for a light lunch, weeknight dinner, or potluck contribution. Get ready for compliments!

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Preparation Holiday Event Lunch Snacks

Ants On A Branch

Delightfully sweet and salty Ants on a Log are the perfect picnic treat! These easy-to-make snacks are a fun and healthy addition to any outdoor gathering or kids' party. Crunchy celery sticks, creamy peanut butter, and sweet raisins create a flavor combination that's irresistible.

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Salads Low In Something Copycat Low Sodium

Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad

Craving Applebee's famous Oriental Chicken Salad? This incredibly close copycat recipe lets you recreate the restaurant favorite at home in minutes! A former Applebee's employee-tested recipe, this vibrant salad is packed with juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing that will have you hooked. Easy to customize – try it as a salad or delicious wraps!

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Course Preparation Course Main Dish

Baked Chicken Chow Mein

This easy one-pan casserole is a delicious way to use up leftover chicken (or skip it entirely – it's still amazing!). Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe utilizes quick-cooking minute rice for a creamy, flavorful baked chow mein. Get ready for a crunchy celery surprise and a comforting dish the whole family will love! Prep time excludes chicken cooking time.

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