Chow Mein

Chow Mein (Simplified Chinese: 炒面; Traditional Chinese: 炒麵; Pinyin: Chǎo miàn) means stir-fried noodles: wheat noodles tossed in a wok with vegetables and meat or seafood. In Chinese restaurants abroad, "chow mein" often denotes a specific crispy or soft fried-noodle plate distinct from soup noodles or wide rice noodles.

Characteristics

Mainland home versions range from soft wok-tossed noodles to crisp pan-fried cakes topped with sauce. Diaspora menus may separate "crispy" and "steamed" chow mein. Flavor depends on soy, oyster sauce, and wok heat.

Ingredients (overview)

Wheat egg noodles or similar, oil, soy, vegetables (cabbage, bean sprouts, onion), and optional protein. Not the same as Beef Chow Fun (hor fun rice noodles).

History and culture

Stir-fried noodles exist across Chinese regional cooking; the English name "chow mein" entered global restaurant English via diaspora Chinese food. Related Cantonese wok-noodle ideas appear in Hong Kong Food and Guangdong Food.

Serving and variations

As a main plate. Distinguish from Beef Chow Fun and soup styles such as Wonton Noodles.

See also

• Beef and Broccoli
• Orange Chicken
• Lo Mein
• Egg Drop Soup
• Sesame Chicken
• Mongolian Beef

• Beef Chow Fun
• Wonton Noodles
• Hong Kong Food
• Guangdong Food
• List of dishes (A-Z)