Chicken Chow Mein and Pork Fried Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Food Made Easy

Craving Chinese takeout? Whip up this easy Chicken Chow Mein and Pork Fried Rice combo – it’s way tastier (and healthier) than delivery! Just 30 minutes to homemade heaven.

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KEY TAKEAWAY

• Whip up a tasty chow mein sauce with just a few simple ingredients like oyster sauce, soy sauce, and chicken broth.
• Stir-fry the chicken and veggies, then toss everything together with the cooked noodles and sauce for a complete meal.
• Fried rice is a breeze to make – just sauté the pork, add the rice and veggies, then scramble in some eggs for a flavorful side dish.

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Chicken chow mein  (1) and pork fried rice are our go-to Chinese dishes. We look forward to these meals every week. First, I whip up the amazing sauce for the chow mein. 

Then it’s time for the fun part – tossing the chicken and veggies in the wok. The fried rice is a blast too.

Nothing like cracking eggs into a smokin’ hot pan with crisp ground pork. The kids giggle watching it sizzle. After mixing it all together, even the pickiest eater cleans their plate. 

Both recipes are super easy to throw together on a busy weeknight. 

Don’t just take my word for it – scroll down to get the simple steps for making these family-favorites yourself.

Restaurant-Worthy Homemade Chicken Chow Mein

Some of my fondest memories involve sharing big plates of chicken chow mein on family movie nights. The combination of soft noodles, tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a velvety sauce never fails to hit the spot. Here are the basics I’ve learned for preparing restaurant-worthy chow mein:

• For the noodles, look no further than traditional egg chow mein noodles. Their delicate texture soaks up flavors beautifully.
• When cooking the chicken, I like to break it into small, bite-sized pieces for easy eating. This also allows more surface area to brown and caramelize.
• For the crispest veggies, I’ll sauté shredded cabbage just until it starts to wilt while keeping carrots on the firmer side. Each adds wonderful contrasting textures.
• The secret behind the evocative chow mein sauce lies in balancing oyster, soy, sesame and chicken broth. A touch of sugar and cornstarch gives it a lush, clingy consistency.
• A final sprinkle of green onions awakens all the flavors with their brightness.

With these simple tips, your chicken chow mein can easily rival any you’ve had before. Don’t be afraid to adjust seasonings to your tastes either – experimenting is part of the fun!

Ingredients

• 12 oz egg chow mein noodles
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 3 green onions, sliced
• Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 3 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat a drizzle of oil in a wok over high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Add a bit more oil to the wok. Stir-fry cabbage until wilted, about 2 minutes. Transfer to plate with chicken.
4. Stir-fry carrots until just tender, about 1 minute. Transfer to plate.
5. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
6. Return chicken and vegetables to the wok and add noodles and sauce. Toss to coat thoroughly.
7. Transfer to a platter, garnish with green onions and enjoy!

One-Pan Pork Fried Rice

With its blend of crispy rice and molten egg bites, pork fried rice is pure comfort in a bowl. (2) 

This one pan method comes together in just 30 minutes for an easy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 3 cups cooked rice (refrigerated overnight)
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high. Add pork and cook until browned, 5-7 minutes.
2. Push pork to sides of pan. Pour in eggs to center and scramble until set. Chop eggs into bite sized pieces.
3. Mix eggs and pork together. Add garlic and veggies; cook 2 minutes.
4. Push mixture to sides. Add rice to center and fry undisturbed 1 minute.
5. Toss ingredients together and stir fry 2-3 minutes until rice is crispy.
6. Remove from heat, stir in sauces. Serve family style straight from the skillet!

FAQ

What is the difference between lo mein and chow mein?

Lo mein and chow mein are both popular Chinese noodle dishes, but the main difference is in how the noodles are prepared. Lo mein noodles are tossed in a savory sauce, while chow mein noodles are pan-fried or stir-fried until crispy.

How do I make pork chow mein at home?

To make pork chow mein, start by pan-frying or stir-frying cubed pork until browned. Then add sliced onions, celery, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Serve the pork chow mein over crispy fried noodles for an authentic taste.

What is the best way to cook chicken chow mein?

The secret to the best chicken chow mein is in the sauce. Make a flavorful sauce with low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Stir-fry the chicken until golden brown, then add vegetables like cabbage and carrots. Toss everything with the cooked noodles and sauce for a delicious one-pan meal.

Can I use lo mein noodles instead of chow mein noodles?

Absolutely! If you can’t find traditional chow mein noodles, lo mein noodles make a great substitute. The key is to cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions, then stir-fry them with the other ingredients for that signature chow mein texture and flavor.

What’s the difference between pork fried rice and chicken fried rice?

The main difference is the protein used. Pork fried rice uses ground pork or cubed pork, while chicken fried rice uses diced or shredded chicken. But the basic cooking method is the same – stir-frying cooked rice with vegetables, eggs, and a savory sauce.

Can I make pork fried rice with leftover rice?

Yes, using leftover rice is the best way to make pork fried rice! The rice will be drier and less sticky, which is perfect for getting that signature fried rice texture. Just be sure to break up any large clumps before stir-frying with the pork and veggies.

What is the best oil for stir frying chow mein or fried rice?

For stir fries and fried noodle dishes, a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works best. These have a high smoke point that can handle the high heat needed for a proper stir fry. Avoid olive oil, which can burn at those temperatures.

Can I use mei fun noodles for chicken chow mein?

While mei fun noodles are a type of thin rice noodle, they have a different texture than the classic wheat-based chow mein noodles. You can certainly try using mei fun, but the end result may not have the same chewy bite as a traditional chicken chow mein. For best results, stick with authentic chow mein or lo mein noodles.

What’s the difference between chow fun and pad thai noodles?

Chow fun noodles are wide, flat rice noodles, while pad thai noodles are thinner and round. Chow fun has a chewier, more slippery texture, while pad thai noodles are more delicate. Both work well in stir-fries, but the flavors and dishes they’re used in are quite different.

Can I use bok choy in chicken chow mein?

Absolutely! Bok choy is a great addition to chicken chow mein. The crunchy stems and tender leaves add nice texture and flavor. Just be sure to slice the bok choy into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly with the other vegetables in the stir-fry.

What’s the difference between dark soy sauce and low sodium soy sauce?

Dark soy sauce has a thicker, more syrupy consistency and deeper, richer flavor compared to regular soy sauce. It’s often used for color and to add a savory umami punch. Low-sodium soy sauce simply has less salt, making it a healthier option for dishes like fried rice or chow mein.

Wrapping Things Up

If you’re anything like me, Chinese takeout was a weekly routine growing up. But over time, I found making homemade favorites like chow mein and fried rice much more rewarding.

With a few affordable ingredients and basic cooking skills, you can recreate those comfort foods anytime. Chopping veg and whisking sauce only takes minutes. And bonding with loved ones over a shared meal makes the effort well worth it.

Not to mention, these dishes provide endless possibilities too. Sometimes I mix up the protein or veggies just for fun. Playing resulted in tastier surprises each try. Cooking also taught valuable food science principles, like how oils conduct heat or cornstarch thickens liquid.

Who knows, you may even learn to cook a new favorite dish! But no matter what, I hope sharing recipes brings you as much joy as it has me. So roll up your sleeves and get cooking!

References

1. https://natashaskitchen.com/chicken-chow-mein/
2. https://thewoksoflife.com/classic-pork-fried-rice/

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• https://bowlakechinese.com/healthy-chinese-food-recipes/
• https://bowlakechinese.com/is-chow-mein-ok-for-keto/
• https://bowlakechinese.com/healthy-low-sodium-stir-fry-sauce/