New York City Style Chow Mein

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we infuse the traditional Chinese chow mein with the vibrant flavors and ingredients commonly found in New York City. We incorporate local produce such as kale, bell peppers, and snap peas, and add a touch of tanginess with a splash of apple cider vinegar. Additionally, we use a combination of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce to enhance the umami flavors, giving the dish a unique New York City twist. We alse have the original recipe for Chow mein, so you can check it out.

• 8 ounces (225g) chow mein noodles 8 ounces (225g) chow mein noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced (or substitute with tofu for a vegetarian option) 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced (or substitute with tofu for a vegetarian option)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup kale, chopped 1 cup kale, chopped
• 1 cup snap peas 1 cup snap peas
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: sliced scallions and sesame seeds Optional garnish: sliced scallions and sesame seeds

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken (or tofu) and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
5. 5.
   Add the bell peppers, kale, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
6. 6.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
7. 7.
   Return the chicken (or tofu) to the skillet and pour the sauce over the ingredients. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring everything is well coated.
8. 8.
   Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
9. 9.
   Remove from heat and garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chow mein noodles — Cook the noodles until they are al dente to ensure they maintain a satisfying chewiness.
• Kale — Remove the tough stems before chopping the kale into bite-sized pieces.
• Snap peas — Trim the ends and remove the strings before using them in the dish.
• Chicken breast — For tender and juicy chicken, slice it thinly against the grain.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Customize the vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
• To make it more New York City-style, consider adding a handful of bean sprouts or a drizzle of sesame oil before serving.
• Experiment with different proteins such as shrimp, beef, or even seitan for variety.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Simply reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.

Serving advice

Serve the New York City Style Chow Mein hot, garnished with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Pair it with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh green salad to complement the flavors.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, mound the chow mein noodles in the center of a plate or bowl and arrange the colorful stir-fried vegetables and protein on top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallions for an added pop of color.