Q1: Can I add protein to this recipe?

Yes, you can easily add cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, tofu, or even scrambled eggs. Just add them in Step 4 before tossing everything with the sauce.

Q2: What kind of noodles work best for this dish?

Fresh chow mein noodles are ideal for the authentic chewy texture. If unavailable, substitute with fresh ramen or yaki soba noodles—not instant noodles.

Q3: How do I prevent the noodles from becoming soggy?

Avoid over-blanching the noodles—30 seconds is enough. Also, toss them quickly with the sauce over medium heat and remove from the pan immediately.

Q4: Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster-style sauce. Ensure your noodles are also certified gluten-free.

Chow Mein-Inspired Noodles

Name: Chow Mein-Inspired Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh chow mein noodles; 2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced; 1 cup celery, sliced; 1 small onion, sliced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil); 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce; 0.5 tablespoon dark soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir fry sauce); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 0.25 cup chicken stock (low-sodium) or water; 0.5 tablespoon cornstarch (or potato starch)

Description

A quick and healthy sheet pan chow mein-inspired noodle recipe made with savory sauce, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles—perfect for beginner cooks.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb fresh chow mein noodles
2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
1 cup celery, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
2 tablespoons regular soy sauce
0.5 tablespoon dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir fry sauce)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
0.25 cup chicken stock (low-sodium) or water
0.5 tablespoon cornstarch (or potato starch)

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Instructions

In a small bowl, mix soy sauces, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, chicken stock, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Bring a large pan of water to a gentle boil. Blanch the chow mein noodles for 30 seconds until loosened, then drain without rinsing.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or pan. Add onions, cabbage, and celery. Stir-fry for 1 minute until just softened.
Push veggies to the side, add the remaining oil, then add noodles and pour the sauce over the top.
Toss everything gently until noodles are coated and heated through. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

Have all ingredients prepped before starting to cook.
Use fresh noodles for best texture; do not substitute with instant ramen.
Vegetarian version: use mushroom-based stir-fry sauce and omit chicken stock.
Do not overcook the noodles—they only need to be loosened, not fully boiled.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sheet Pan / Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 478 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 1632 mg
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 87 g
Fiber: 8 g
Protein: 19 g
Cholesterol: 0.5 mg