Old-School Chow Mein

This old-school chow mein is a classic comfort dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savoury noodles in a rich, flavourful sauce. Simple to prepare and full of familiar flavours, it’s a go-to meal for busy weeknights.

With its perfect balance of texture and taste, this recipe delivers a satisfying and hearty dish the whole family will enjoy.

What Makes This Chow Mein Special?

This recipe keeps things simple while delivering bold flavour. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of sweetness creates a well-balanced sauce that coats every strand of noodle perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Classic, familiar flavours
• Perfect for family meals
• Balanced with protein and vegetables
• Great for leftovers

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Main Ingredients

• 500g chow mein noodles
• 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 400g chicken thigh fillets, sliced

Sauce

• 125ml chicken stock
• 60ml soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp cornflour

Vegetables

• 1 small wombok (Chinese cabbage), shredded
• 150g sugar snap peas
• 1 carrot, cut into matchsticks
• 3 green shallots, sliced

How to Make Old-School Chow Mein

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Cook noodles according to packet instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Stir-fry chicken for about 5 minutes until cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a jug, combine stock, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and cornflour. Mix well.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables

Add wombok, sugar snap peas, and carrot to the wok. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add noodles and sauce mixture to the wok. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until heated through and sauce thickens.

Add shallots and toss to combine.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot straight from the wok.

Tips for Best Results

• Use high heat for better stir-fry flavour
• Don’t overcook vegetables—keep them crisp
• Mix sauce well to avoid lumps
• Use fresh noodles if available
• Adjust soy sauce for saltiness

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with chilli oil for extra heat
• Pair with spring rolls or dumplings
• Add extra greens for a healthier option

Final Thoughts

Old-school chow mein is a timeless favourite that delivers comfort and flavour in every bite. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customise, and perfect for feeding the whole family.

Whether you’re craving something nostalgic or just need a simple dinner idea, this recipe is always a winner.