Crispy Chow Mein

Crispy Chow Mein is one of my favourite restaurant dishes that I can make at home. There’s something undeniably satisfying about the combination of stir fried vegetables and meat over crispy fried egg noodles.

My Crispy Chow Mein recipe has crispy noodles with succulent shrimp and fresh vegetables, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavours. This post will explore the art of achieving that perfect crispiness and how to prepare this mouthwatering restaurant dish at home.

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What is Crispy Chow Mein?

Chow mein, which means “stir-fried noodles” in Cantonese, is a beloved dish that has become a staple in North American Chinese cuisine. There are two main variations: “crispy chow mein” and “soft chow mein.” My focus here is on the crispy version, which features crunchy noodles that contrast beautifully with tender shrimp and vegetables.

Here’s Why You Will Love Crispy Chow Mein

• As authentic as it gets: You will see Crispy Chow Mein at Hong Kong Style restaurants. Now, you can make this at home and impress your guests!
• Versatile: You can substitute the shrimp with any seafood or protein of choice. Chicken would be a great substitution.
• Flavourful: The crunchy noodles contrast beautifully with tender shrimp and vegetables in a tasty sauce.

Equipment and Tools to Make Crispy Chow Mein

Large frying pan or wok

Cutting board and knife

Measuring spoons and cups

Pot

Slotted spoon

Colander

Ingredients

Alright, let’s make our shopping list! To make this recipe, you will need…

Thin chow mein: Any fresh and thin chow mein egg noodle will work for this recipe. I bought mine from the local Asian grocery store.

Shrimp: Shrimp is the perfect match to Crispy Chow Mein. Scallop and squid is a great pairing too but other proteins, such as chicken would be a good substitution.

Snow peas, carrots, celery and mushrooms: You can use any vegetables but these are the ones I like!

Garlic and ginger: I love these aromatics so much!

Fish sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, sugar, salt, pepper and corn starch: This savoury gravy will soften the crispy noodles so you will get some bites with crunch and some bites that soak up the delicious sauce.

Crispy Chow Mein Options and Substitutions

Want to mix things up with this recipe? Try these suggestions!

• While the classic recipe features shrimp, you can substitute it with different protein such as chicken, beef, tofu, or a combination of these for a different flavor profile.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use a variety of mushrooms or tofu as your protein source.
• Feel free to use your favourite vegetables or what’s in season. Bok choy, mushrooms, snow peas, water chestnuts, and baby corn are all great options.
• Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki, hoisin, or a homemade stir-fry sauce to vary the flavour profile.
• Try topping your crispy chow mein with chopped peanuts, cashews, or sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.

How to Make Crispy Chow Mein

Let’s dive into the recipe for Crispy Chow Mein!

Prepare and cook the shrimp. Marinate the shrimp with fish sauce, sugar, white pepper and starch for 10 minutes.

Prepare the vegetables. Wash all vegetables. String the snow peas. Both sides of the snow peas have a tough fiber. Slice the celery at an angle. Peel and slice the carrot on the diagonal. Slice the mushrooms. Be sure to chop all ingredients to the same thickness. Mince garlic and slice ginger.

Blanch the vegetables. In a pot or wok, bring water to a boil with salt and oil. Blanch everything in the same wok, adding in this order: celery and carrot for 30 seconds, then snow peas for 30 seconds, finally mushrooms for 10 seconds. All vegetables should be brightly coloured. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside.

Cook the chow mein. Cook noodles in vegetable water for 30 seconds and strain immediately into colander.

Make the sauce. Meanwhile, add water or unsalted chicken stock, fish sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, starch, sugar, salt and pepper into a bowl. Stir altogether.

Stir fry. Everything comes quickly in this step. In a pan or wok, over medium heat, add enough oil to cover the bottom. When the oil starts to shimmer, add noodles and fry until golden and crispy. You may need to do this in batches. Flip halfway through. Optional, place the crispy noodles on paper towels to remove any excess oil then, place crispy noodles on a plate. Set aside. Next, saute shrimp over medium heat until they turn white, about one minute. Set aside. Third, saute garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in blanched vegetables, about 10 seconds. Give the sauce a quick mix, then pour it in, and stir-fry for 20 seconds until sauce thickens. Add cooked shrimp and mix, about 10 seconds.

Assemble the dish. Pour the sauce and stir fried ingredients over crispy noodles. Enjoy! Serve immediately.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Remember that the quality of Crispy Chow Mein may diminish with each reheating, so it’s best to enjoy it as fresh as possible.

Storage:

• Cool Down: Allow the Crispy Chow Mein to cool down to room temperature before storing it. Hot food can create condensation inside the container, which can make the noodles soggy.
• Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the leftover chow mein into airtight containers to keep it fresh. Ensure the container is appropriately sized to minimize excess air inside.
• Separate Sauces: If you have extra sauce, store it separately in a sealed container to prevent the noodles from becoming overly soggy.
• Refrigeration: Place the airtight containers in the refrigerator. Crispy chow mein can typically be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Reheating:

• Oven or Toaster Oven: For the best results, preheat your oven or toaster oven to around 350°F (175°C). Place the crispy chow mein on a baking sheet and reheat it for 10-15 minutes or until it becomes crispy again. This method helps maintain the texture of the noodles.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Add the leftover crispy chow mein and stir-fry for a few minutes until it becomes hot and crispy.
• Microwave: While not ideal for maintaining the crispiness of the noodles, the microwave can be a quick option. Place the chow mein in a microwave-safe container, cover it loosely to allow steam to escape, and reheat in 30-second intervals until hot. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the noodles soggy.

Make Ahead Options

To save time, prepare these items 1-2 days before.

• Protein: Cook and store the protein (shrimp, chicken, beef, tofu, etc.) separately in the refrigerator.
• Vegetables: Wash, chop, and store the vegetables in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Sauce: Prepare the sauce and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Make sure to whisk it well before using.

Recipe Tips

Choose the right noodles: Look for thin, fresh egg noodles or chow mein noodles at your local Asian market.

Heat the oil: Use a wok or a deep frying pan and heat vegetable oil to around 350°F (175°C) over medium heat. The hot oil is essential for achieving that coveted crispiness.

Fry in small batches: Overcrowding the pan will cause the noodles to steam instead of frying. Fry them in small batches, allowing each batch to cook evenly. Be sure to spread them out evenly so you don’t end up with a hard pancake.

Drain excess oil: After frying, place the crispy noodles on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Crispy Chow Mein taste like? Crispy Chow Mein has crispy noodles with succulent shrimp and fresh vegetables, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavours all smothered in a delicious gravy.

What goes well with Crispy Chow Mein? I pair my Crispy Chow Mein with shrimp and any vegetables that give a crunch. Bok choy, carrot, celery, snow peas, water chestnuts, and baby corn are all great options.

What’s the difference between chow mein and crispy chow mein? There are two main variations: “crispy chow mein” and “soft chow mein.” My focus here is on the crispy version, which features crunchy noodles cooked in shallow oil that contrast beautifully with tender shrimp and vegetables. The softer textured version is not crispy but rather boiled and then, stir fried.

Is Crispy Chow Mein healthy? Because you make the dish from scratch, you control the quality and quantity of ingredients. Moderation and balance are key. However, the noodles are fried in oil which increases oil absorption.

Hungry for More Chinese Recipes?

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Lastly, if you make my Crispy Chow Mein be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a star rating! I love to hear from you guys and respond to each and every comment. Also, don’t forget to tag me @cookwith.chopsticks and #cookwithchopsticks on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you have made makes me sooooo happy! You can also follow along on TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest.