Cantonese Soft Fried Chow Mein(Kwangtung Chow Mein)
A savory Cantonese fried chow mein featuring tender noodles, crisp vegetables, flavorful pork, and aromatic soy and ginger, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. egg noodles
- 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 oz. Chinese mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. roast pork or raw lean pork ⓘ
- 1/2 c. bamboo shoots
- 1/2 c. celery ⓘ
- 1 c. Chinese cabbage
- 6 snow peas ⓘ
- 1/2 c. bean sprouts ⓘ
- 1/4 c. water chestnuts ⓘ
- 2 stalks scallions ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp. water
- 3 Tbsp. dark soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp. monosodium glutamate ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. sesame oil ⓘ
- 2 slices ginger
- 1 Tbsp. sherry ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken stock or water ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak Chinese mushrooms in warm water until soft, then slice thinly.
- Cook egg noodles in boiling water until just tender, then drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Stir-fry minced garlic, ginger slices, and chopped scallions until fragrant.
- Add sliced roast pork or raw lean pork and cook until lightly browned.
- Add sliced Chinese mushrooms, bamboo shoots, celery, Chinese cabbage, snow peas, bean sprouts, and water chestnuts; stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add to the wok to thicken the mixture.
- Pour in Chinese stock or water, soy sauce, sherry, and season with salt, pepper, and monosodium glutamate.
- Add cooked noodles to the wok and toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
- Finish with a dash of sesame oil and garnish with chopped Chinese parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh egg noodles for a softer texture. If you can't find Chinese mushrooms, dried shiitake mushrooms can be rehydrated and used instead. You can substitute roast pork with cooked chicken or shrimp for a different flavor. Adjust the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand for a versatile dish. Explore other Chinese recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chow mein hot, garnished with fresh Chinese parsley or cilantro for added flavor. It pairs well with Sweet And Sour Pork or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing side. For a complete meal, consider offering a light soup or steamed dumplings alongside.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken stock in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cantonese Soft Fried Chow Mein(Kwangtung Chow Mein) contains roughly 849 calories, with 5g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2948mg per serving (128% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of noodles for this dish?
Yes, you can use other types of noodles such as rice noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package to ensure they reach the right texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the meat and add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or tofu as a protein substitute. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a fully vegetarian dish.
What can I serve with Cantonese Soft Fried Chow Mein?
This dish goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or a simple stir-fried vegetable medley. A light soup can also complement the meal nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).