Chow Mein with ramen noodles

Here’s a detailed Chow Mein using ramen noodles recipe, written clearly and step-by-step.

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Chow Mein with Ramen Noodles

Serves

2–3 people

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Ingredients

Noodles

• 2 packets ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)

• Water for boiling

Vegetables (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)

• 1/2 cup cabbage, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup carrots, julienned

• 1/2 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup onion, thinly sliced

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced (optional but recommended)

Protein (optional)

• 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu

Chow Mein Sauce

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons water or broth

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for slightly thicker sauce)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ramen Noodles

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.

2. Add ramen noodles and cook for 2 minutes, just until tender but not soft.

3. Drain immediately and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking.

4. Toss lightly with a few drops of oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, black pepper, sesame oil, water or broth, and cornstarch if using.

2. Mix well until smooth and set aside.

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Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Protein

1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.

2. Add garlic and ginger. Stir for 10–15 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add onion and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Add carrots, cabbage, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

5. If using protein, add it now and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

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Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add cooked ramen noodles to the pan.

2. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the noodles.

3. Toss gently but thoroughly using tongs or chopsticks so the noodles are evenly coated.

4. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the noodles.

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Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Add green onions and toss once more.

2. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or pepper if needed.

3. Remove from heat and serve hot.

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Tips

• Keep the heat high while tossing to get a slight smoky flavor.

• Do not overcook the noodles; ramen softens quickly.

• For restaurant-style texture, spread noodles in the pan and let them sit undisturbed for 20–30 seconds before tossing.