Soy sauce pan – fried noodles or soy sauce chow mein is a famous Cantonese chow mein dish, enjoying a high popularity especially for breakfast time inside China.
Well, this is one of my favorite Cantonese dishes in addition to shrimp dumpling, char Sui bao etc. In Chinese languages, this chow mein recipe is named as “豉油王炒麵”, which literally means pan-fried noodles with premium soy sauces. Usually Hong Kong style thin noodles are called as the main ingredient. And premium soy sauces are responsible for all flavors. If you love this kind of fried noodles, try beef chow fun, which rice noodles are called instead of egg noodles.
Cantonese chow mein is slightly different from regular chow mein. The crucial step for successful Cantonese chow mein is to fry the noodles firstly in wok until slightly crispy and dry. This helps to remove extra water and make the noodles dry and aromatic (干香).
Cook’s Note
Cook the noodles shorter than the instruction listed on the bag. Depending on the size of the noodles you are using. If you using Cantonese style chow mein, cook the noodles for 1 minute and separate during boiling.
When cook the noodles in wok, use middle or middle to slow fire to avoid sticky.
When frying the onions, use high fire so there is only aroma but no water released. But slow down the fire as long as the sauce is added.
- 100 g dried egg noodles , thinner ones are better
- 1 cup bean sprouts remove the roots , cut into sections
- 6 blanched chives , cut into sections
- 3 green onions , shredded
- 2 tbsp. cooking oil
- Roasted sesame seeds for garnish
- 1 tbsp. light soy sauce
- 1 tsp. dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp. sesame oil
- 1 tsp. water
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Bring a large pot of water to a boiling and cook the noodles for 1 minute. During the process, separate the noodles. Transfer the noodles out and drain.
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In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients of the sauce and set aside.
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Add around 1 tablespoon of oil in wok and slow down the fire, fry until the noodles becomes dry and crispy. However this is only optional if you want a real Cantonese flavor. You can skip this to make a regular chow mein recipe. Transfer the noodles out.
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Turn up the fire and add another tablespoon of oil, add onion and the white sections of green onions in.
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Place noodles back, add blanched chive, spring onions and drizzle the sauce. Mix well. Sprinkle some salt if necessary.
these noodles look seriously delicious.. definitely know what im making for dinner tonight! love it!
Thanks Thalia for the kind words.
What a simple and delicious meal- pinned! Beautiful photos!
Thanks Sherri. Yes, I love the simplicity too.
Wow, that’s really easy. I eat chow mein about once a week from my local street food vendor. I’ve watched and stolen his recipe so I can make it at home – but it is much more complicated than this recipe. I can wait to give this a try! So easy!
Yep, there are many chow mein noodles in China and this version with soy sauce is really easy, but comes out great. This dish is quite popular in Cantonese cuisine. Just go ahead and enjoy!
Like the simplicity and easy to follow instruction. Ingredients are easy to get anywhere.
Thanks KP. Simple food is really so comforting in busy days.
Hi Elaine, lovely recipes, can I ask, could I add chicken to this recipe ? would I marinade the chicken and cook it first then add to the chow mein at the end ?
Thank you in advance
Hi Tilly,
Sure, you can add chicken. Marinade it firstly and fry until almost down. And then mix with the chow mein at last. However do not let the liquid spoil the chow mein. Happy cooking ahead!
thank you,thank you, I love your recipe, I am peruvian american , and in peru we have the cantonese food and I think is the best chinese food , I love your recipes and I making each one, awsome !!
a very perfect superior light soya sauce fried noodles i also cook similars like yours with added hoisin sauce and light soya mix. yummy.
Your way of presenting these recipes should be a model for Pinterest. I really like the recipes and your direct clean way of presenting
Thanks Mike. English is not my first language. Basically I am just trying my best to get myself understood. Glad to hear such a comment from you.