Easy Chow Mein
A hearty and flavorful chow mein dish featuring a mix of meats and vegetables, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with its savory sauce and crispy noodles.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. shortening ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can Spam, cubed ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 c. diced celery ⓘ
- 3/4 c. water ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. bean sprouts, drained ⓘ
- 1/3 c. cold water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. frozen peas (optional) ⓘ
- 1 medium can chow mein noodles ⓘ
- 1 large can pork and beans
- 1 can green lima beans ⓘ
- 1 can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground beef, browned ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean bacon, cooked and minced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 c. onion, minced ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare all ingredients as specified.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake for approximately 1 1/2 hours until cooked through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding fresh garlic and ginger to the mixture. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute turkey bacon for the regular bacon and use low-sodium soy sauce. Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots to enhance the dish. You can also use a different protein like chicken or tofu for variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Easy Chow Mein with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor. It pairs beautifully with Fried Wontons or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread. This dish can also be a filling side for other Chinese recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chow mein in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This dish can also be reheated in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chow Mein contains roughly 3806 calories, with 21g protein, 298g carbohydrates, and 284g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1955mg per serving (85% 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 make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this Easy Chow Mein vegetarian, simply omit the Spam, bacon, and ground beef. You can replace them with extra vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and carrots. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor, and make sure to use a vegetarian soy sauce.
What can I use instead of Spam?
If you're not a fan of Spam, you can substitute it with diced tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option. Alternatively, cooked chicken or turkey can work well if you're looking for a meat substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Easy Chow Mein, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha sauce into the mix. You can also add red pepper flakes to taste. For a more aromatic experience, a bit of chili oil drizzled on top before serving can enhance the flavor significantly.
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).