Forktionary

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.

Culinary Pairings

Soy sauce sesame oil ginger garlic chicken beef shrimp bell peppers cabbage carrots bok choy

Recipes Using Chow Mein Noodles

5 Can Casserole image 232
Main Dish North American Main Dish Main Ingredient

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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Amy's Beef Stir Fry image 124
30 Minutes Or Less Beef Main Dish Preparation

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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Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad image 176
Occasion Low Cholesterol Dietary Preparation

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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Asian Firecracker Chex Party Mix image
Lunch Course 4 Hours Or Less Number Of Servings

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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Asian Steak Salad image 226
Low In Something Spring Easy Grilling

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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Asian Style Ham Noodle Saladwhat To Do With Ham Leftovers image
Asian Main Ingredient Meat Cuisine

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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Asian Style Wild Rice And Chicken Or Turkey Salad image
Beginner Cook Dinner Party 4 Hours Or Less Equipment

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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Awesome Hawaiian Haystacks image 133
Easy Meat Main Dish Chicken

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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Baked Chicken Chow Mein image 131
Course Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less 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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