Mushrooms W Veg. Chow Mein Recipe

Cook noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz chow mein noodles and cook according to package instructions until just al dente (usually 3–5 minutes for fresh, 6–8 for dried). Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking. Toss with 1 tsp neutral oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

Make sauce

In a small bowl whisk together 1 cup vegetable broth, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1.5 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp cornstarch and 1/2 tsp sugar until smooth. Keep sauce nearby.

Prepare vegetables: slice mushrooms about 1/4 inch thick, thinly shred cabbage, julienne the carrot, mince garlic and ginger, and slice scallions on a bias. If using bean sprouts, rinse and drain them.

Heat a large wok or heavy skillet over high heat until hot. Add 1 tbsp neutral oil and swirl. Add sliced mushrooms in a single layer and let them sear without moving for 1 minute, then stir-fry for another 2 minutes until they release moisture and begin to brown. Season mushrooms with a pinch of salt.

Push mushrooms to the side of the wok, add remaining 1 tbsp neutral oil, then add minced garlic and ginger. Stir quickly for 15–20 seconds until fragrant but not burned.

Add carrots and cabbage. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes until cabbage has softened but still has some crunch. Add bean sprouts and most of the sliced scallions (reserve a little for garnish) and toss for another 30 seconds.

Turn heat to medium-high. Add the cooked noodles to the wok and toss to combine with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the noodles and vegetables.

Use tongs or two spatulas to toss and stir-fry everything together for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the noodles and vegetables. If the mixture seems dry, add up to 2 tbsp hot water or broth to loosen.

Season to taste with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Drizzle 1/2 tsp dark sesame oil over the finished chow mein and toss once to combine.

Remove from heat. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with remaining sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds if using. Serve hot.