In this recipe I am using instant noodles for a quick chow mein, which only need 10 minutes from preparation to table. So this is a perfect dish for a hot summer or busy working day.
Secondly, the highlighted part is the Lao Gan Ma black bean chili sauce. This is one of my favorite store bought chili sauce. It matches noodles, rice and even steamed buns perfectly. You can replace with other chili sauce or if you really do not want a spicy taste, skip this and slightly add more soy sauce. 
Thirdly, you can customize the chow mein by adding some other vegetables like red onion, carrot, bell pepper and etc.
PrintHomemade Chow Mein
Description
Skip takeout and learn to make your own Chinese chow mein with shredded cabbage and spicy fermented bean sauce.
Ingredients
- 200g (7 ounces) instant noodles
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon Lao Gan Ma black bean chili sauce
- small pinch of salt if needed
Instructions
- Read the instructions of the noodle package; cook the noodles in boiling water for 1 minute less than the time given by the instructions. Drain well.
- Heat cooking oil in wok or skillet over medium heat, fry minced garlic until aroma and then shredded cabbage until soft.
- Stir in cooked noodles and other seasonings. Mix well and serve hot!
Notes
As both lao gan ma and soy sauce contains salt, spare the extra salt and taste the noodles before adding.
- Category: Main
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of noodles instead of instant noodles?
Yes, you can use other types of noodles, but adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions since instant noodles only require about 10 minutes.
What if I don’t have Lao Gan Ma black bean chili sauce?
You can substitute it with another chili sauce or omit it entirely, adding a bit more soy sauce for flavor if you prefer a milder taste.
What vegetables can I add to customize my chow mein?
You can customize your chow mein by adding vegetables like red onion, carrot, or bell pepper to enhance the flavor and texture.
