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Chow mein
Toss the chicken with the soy, cornflour and 1 tsp oil and leave 15 minutes. Mix all the sauce ingredients together in a jug.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Chow mein take?
55 min all in — 30 min prep, 25 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Wheat, Eggs, Soy, Shellfish, Sesame. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Frying pan, Wok, Saucepan, Baking tray, Chef's knife, Cutting board.
How much salt do I put in?
This recipe does not list salt as its own ingredient. Saltiness comes from Dark soy sauce — 1 tsp (for colour); Soy sauce — 1 tsp (light); Oyster sauce — 2 tbsp; Soy sauce — 1 tbsp (light). Taste at the end rather than adding a number we did not write.
How much dark soy sauce?
1 tsp (for colour) of Dark soy sauce.
How much soy sauce?
1 tsp (light) of Soy sauce.
How much oyster sauce?
2 tbsp of Oyster sauce.
How much soy sauce?
1 tbsp (light) of Soy sauce.
How much sugar?
1 tsp of Sugar.
How much toasted sesame oil?
1 tsp of Toasted sesame oil.
What can I use instead?
Choy sum → Gai lan or Chinese leaf. Any green that stays crunchy works. Slice gai lan stems thinner so they cook in time. Fresh thin egg noodles → Dried thin egg noodles. Cook them a minute less than the packet says and dry them well. The cake holds together a little less firmly.
Any tips from this recipe?
Cut the noodle cake into wedges with kitchen scissors at the table. It is easier than knives and chopsticks. Swap the chicken for prawns, beef, char siu or a mix. Seafood chow mein is the other restaurant standard. If the cake breaks as you flip it, push it back together. The gravy hides everything.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.