Mother'S Chow Mein
A hearty and flavorful Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender meat and crisp vegetables in a savory soy sauce glaze, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the meat until done in a large skillet or wok.
- Add the bell peppers, onions, and celery cut into chunks; cook until they start turning yellow.
- Add the drained bean sprouts, water chestnuts, and bamboo sprouts; cook until all ingredients are hot.
- Mix water, flour, and soy sauce well in a small bowl.
- Add the soy mixture to the meat and vegetables while stirring to thicken the sauce.
- Serve the mixture over heated chow mein noodles. Add additional soy sauce to taste if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a boost of flavor, consider marinating the meat in soy sauce and garlic beforehand. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with tofu and add extra vegetables. You can also use any combination of bell peppers for a pop of color. To thicken the sauce more, add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water instead of flour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chow mein over a bed of heated chow mein noodles for a hearty meal. It pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside Grandma'S Brown Rice for an extra filling experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep the noodles from drying out. Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Chow Mein contains roughly 784 calories, with 39g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (78% of the Daily Value), iron (73% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2896mg per serving (126% 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 vegetables in this chow mein?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute with vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or broccoli. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly so everything is cooked through but still crisp.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this chow mein is perfect for meal prep! Just store in individual portions and reheat when ready to eat. It maintains its flavor and texture well after being stored in the fridge.
What can I do if I don't have water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can substitute with sliced jicama for a similar crunch. Alternatively, you can omit them entirely and add more of your preferred veggies.
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).