Chow Mein Soft Noodles
A flavorful Chinese-inspired stir-fry with crispy noodles, tender pork, and crunchy vegetables, perfect for a satisfying family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. chow mein noodles ⓘ
- vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. pork, sliced in bite sizes ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, sliced ⓘ
- 1 (5 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 (5 oz.) can sliced bamboo shoots ⓘ
- 1 small can mushrooms or 3 large Japanese mushrooms, soaked overnight and sliced ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh bean sprouts
- 2 cans canned bean sprouts, well rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry noodles in a skillet with enough oil to cover the bottom, lightly brown on both sides, then place on a platter.
- Fry pork slices in a dash of oil until cooked through.
- Season pork with salt and pepper.
- Add sliced vegetables and water to the skillet with pork and cook just enough to heat through without overcooking.
- Season with sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and MSG.
- Thicken the mixture with diluted cornstarch and mix well.
- Pile the vegetable and pork mixture onto the fried noodles and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting the pork with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels. If you prefer a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños or chili flakes. Ensure your oil is hot enough to fry the noodles quickly for a crispy texture. Consider using fresh vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Chow Mein Soft Noodles can be served as a main dish or as a side alongside dishes like Homemade Eggrolls or Best Ever Fried Rice. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor. This dish also pairs well with a light cucumber salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the noodles and heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chow Mein Soft Noodles contains roughly 1264 calories, with 5g protein, 232g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1321mg per serving (57% 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 different types of noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chow mein noodles with lo mein or even rice noodles if preferred. Just adjust the cooking times according to the noodle type to ensure they are cooked through but not mushy.
What can I add for extra flavor?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic or ginger when cooking the pork. A splash of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce can also elevate the taste profile, making it richer and more savory.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Chow Mein Soft Noodles are great for meal prep. Just keep the noodles and sauce separate until ready to eat to maintain texture. This allows for easy reheating and ensures your noodles stay crispy.
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).