Chicken Chow Mein
Submitted by Chrissy
Soy-and-rice-wine marinated chicken stir-fried with egg noodles, snow peas, prosciutto, and scallions, finished with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil. Better than takeout, ready in an hour.
YIELD
4 servingsPREP
10 minCOOK
45 minREADY
1 hrsReal chow mein is all about the noodles, and this recipe respects that.
Chicken breast gets a quick marinade in soy sauce and rice wine, then stir-fries fast and hot before joining egg noodles tossed with garlic, crisp snow peas, and shredded prosciutto.
That final hit of sesame oil right at the end? It pulls every flavor together with a warm, nutty fragrance that smells like a proper Chinese kitchen.
This is the kind of dish that reminds you why homemade always beats the delivery box.
Kitchen Tips
- Drain the boiled noodles thoroughly and shake off all excess water. Wet noodles steam instead of fry, and you want sizzle, not soggy.
- Marinate the chicken for a full 10 minutes at room temperature. Even that short soak makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Add the sesame oil off the heat at the very end. Cooking it destroys its aroma.
- Work in stages: chicken first, then noodles and veg. A crowded wok won’t get hot enough to stir-fry properly.
Ingredients
Directions
IF YOU’RE USING DRIED NOODLES, cook according to package instructions, then cool them in cold water until you’re ready to use them.
If you’re using fresh Chinese noodles, boil them for 3-to-5 minutes, then immerse in cold water.
Using a cleaver or sharp knife, slice the chicken into shreds 2 inches long.
Mix chicken with the 2 teaspoons of light soy sauce and rice wine or sherry in a small bowl.
Mix well. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature about 10 minutes.
Heat a wok or large skillet. Add the 2 teaspoons of oil, then the chicken shreds.
Stir-fry about 2 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
Clean the wok. Drain the noodles, shaking off as much water as possible.
Reheat the pan, add the 1 tablespoon of oil and garlic.
Stir-fry for 10 seconds, then add the snow peas and ham.
Stir-fry about 1 minute, then add the noodles, sugar, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and scallions.
Continue to stir-fry about 2 minutes, then return the chicken to the noodle mixture.
Continue to stir-fry about 3 to 4 minutes or until chicken is cooked.
Add the sesame oil and give the mixture a few final stirs.
Turn onto a warm platter and serve at once.
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