Name: Plain Chow Mein (Chinese Noodles) Recipe
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 100 g Beansprouts (Big Handful); 4 Spring Onions, chopped; 2 Garlic Cloves, diced; 300 g Egg Noodles; 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce; 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce; 2 tbsp Vinegar; 1 tbsp Brown Sugar; 1 tbsp Sesame Oil; 1 tbsp Chilli Sauce; 2 tbsp Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil recommended); ½ tsp Salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 48 reviews

This Plain Chow Mein (Chinese Noodles) Recipe is a fantastic way to bring the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeaway right into your own kitchen, without any fuss. The combination of tender egg noodles tossed with crunchy beansprouts, fragrant garlic, and spring onions, all wrapped up in a perfectly balanced, savory sauce creates a dish that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying. Whether as a quick main course or a delicious side, this chow mein is the kind of comfort food that never gets old and always leaves you wanting more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a round metal pan, a mix of two layers fills the space: the bottom layer consists of thin, white bean sprouts with a slight shine and some brownish tips, scattered unevenly; the top layer shows thick slices of fresh green onions, ranging from light to dark green, distributed across the sprouts. The pan surface shows small marks and a bit of oil residue, adding a natural texture to the image. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

One of the best things about this Plain Chow Mein (Chinese Noodles) Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each item plays a key role in creating the texture, color, and authentic taste that make this dish so memorable.

Egg Noodles (300 g): The foundation of the dish, these noodles hold the sauce beautifully and give chow mein its distinctive bite.
Beansprouts (100 g): Add a fresh crunch and lighten the overall texture.
Garlic (2 cloves, diced): Brings aromatic warmth that elevates every mouthful.
Spring Onions (4, chopped): Provide a mild onion flavor and flashes of vibrant green color.
Oil for Frying (2 tbsp): Helps cook the ingredients quickly while adding a subtle richness.
Oyster Sauce (2 tbsp): Delivers a deep umami punch essential to authentic chow mein.
Dark Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Enhances color and adds a robust savory note.
Vinegar (2 tbsp): Brings brightness and balances the richness of the sauce.
Brown Sugar (1 tbsp): Offers a touch of sweetness that melts all the flavors together.
Sesame Oil (1 tbsp): Infuses the dish with a toasty, nutty aroma that’s unmistakably Chinese.
Chilli Sauce (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle kick to keep things exciting, but you can adjust to taste.
Salt (½ tsp): The final seasoning that harmonizes all the flavors.

How to Make Plain Chow Mein (Chinese Noodles) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chow Mein Sauce

Start by mixing the oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, chilli sauce, and salt in a small bowl. This sauce is the magic behind the delicious flavor of this Plain Chow Mein (Chinese Noodles) Recipe, so give it a quick stir to fully combine and set it aside for later use.

Step 2: Sauté the Beansprouts

Heat your wok on high heat and pour in two tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the beansprouts and fry them for one to two minutes. This quick cooking keeps them crisp and fresh, adding a crunchy contrast to the soft noodles.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spring Onions

Next, add the diced garlic and chopped spring onions to the wok. Stir fry everything together for an additional minute. The garlic releases its enticing aroma while the spring onions begin to soften, setting the stage for the noodles.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Egg Noodles

It’s time to add the egg noodles to the wok. Toss and stir fry them for one to two minutes so they warm through and pick up some of the flavors from the veggies and oil. Make sure the noodles don’t stick together by moving them around quickly and evenly.

Step 5: Combine with the Sauce

Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over the noodles in the wok. Use tongs or a spatula to toss and stir everything thoroughly so every strand of noodle is coated with that irresistible sauce. Once everything is evenly mixed and heated through, remove the wok from the heat and get ready to serve.

How to Serve Plain Chow Mein (Chinese Noodles) Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a round metal pan filled with stir-fried noodles. The noodles are thick and yellowish-orange, mixed with scattered light green sliced spring onions and white bean sprouts, adding a fresh texture. The noodles are shiny and lightly coated with a sauce, giving some strands a glazed look. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, enhancing the colors of the food inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a simple yet elevated presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped spring onions or toasted sesame seeds on top. A few thin slices of red chili also add a vibrant color pop and a little extra heat for those who like it spicy.

Side Dishes

This Plain Chow Mein (Chinese Noodles) Recipe pairs beautifully with classic Chinese sides such as steamed dumplings, crispy spring rolls, or a lightly dressed cucumber salad. These options complement the noodles while adding variety in texture and flavor to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make your chow mein stand out, serve it in individual bowls garnished with fresh coriander leaves and a wedge of lime on the side. You can also toss through some stir-fried vegetables or grilled tofu for a colorful, nutrient-packed bowl that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chow mein keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The noodles may soften a bit, but the flavors will remain robust and delicious.

Freezing

It’s best to avoid freezing this Plain Chow Mein (Chinese Noodles) Recipe because the texture of the noodles and beansprouts can be negatively affected by freezing and thawing, turning soggy upon reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chow mein in a hot pan or wok over medium heat, tossing constantly to restore some of its original texture. Adding a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil can help revive the flavors and moisture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh noodles instead of egg noodles?

Absolutely! Fresh noodles work wonderfully in this recipe and often have a softer texture, but be mindful to adjust the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.

Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

This version includes oyster sauce, which is not vegetarian. However, you can substitute with vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce for a delicious plant-based option.

Can I add meat or tofu to this chow mein?

Definitely! Adding thinly sliced chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu can turn this simple chow mein into a hearty, protein-packed meal. Just cook the protein first before adding the vegetables and noodles.

How spicy is this Plain Chow Mein (Chinese Noodles) Recipe?

The chilli sauce adds a gentle heat that can be adjusted to suit your preference. Feel free to add more or less depending on how much kick you want in your chow mein.

What’s the best type of wok to use?

A carbon steel wok is ideal because it heats quickly and evenly, giving your chow mein that perfect stir-fried flavor and texture. If you don’t have one, a large non-stick skillet will work as a substitute.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Plain Chow Mein (Chinese Noodles) Recipe enough for anyone looking to create a quick, flavorful meal without any complicated steps. It’s a humble dish that shines through with its freshness and balanced sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual lunches. Give it a try, and you might just find it becoming one of your go-to dishes whenever you crave something cozy and satisfying.