Better Than Takeout Chow Mein is a flavorful and satisfying stir-fried noodle dish packed with vegetables and your choice of protein. This homemade version is quick to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz chow mein noodles (or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 onion (sliced)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup bell peppers (sliced, any color)
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 cup green cabbage (shredded)
• 1/2 cup snow peas (optional)
• Protein of choice (such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, about 1 cup, cooked and sliced)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water for thickening)

Timing

Making Better Than Takeout Chow Mein takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Noodles: Add the chow mein noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), hoisin sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and cornstarch mixture. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Protein

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Garlic and Onion: Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables: Add the shredded carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, and snow peas (if using). Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Add Protein: If using cooked protein, add it to the skillet and stir to combine.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce

1. Add Noodles: Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the skillet with the vegetables and protein.
2. Pour Sauce: Pour the sauce over the noodle mixture and toss everything together to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate and Enjoy: Serve the chow mein hot, garnished with additional bean sprouts or sesame seeds if desired.

Step 6: Enjoy

1. Dig In: Enjoy your delicious homemade chow mein as a satisfying meal!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Better Than Takeout Chow Mein (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	15g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	3g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute with other vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for some heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

Better Than Takeout Chow Mein is a quick and delicious meal that rivals your favorite takeout. With its colorful vegetables and savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy this delightful recipe!