Chow Mein To Schezwan, 8 Eclectic Noodle Dishes To Binge On

Chow mein is a dish that varies depending on the area, utilising regional ingredients and flavours. This variety enhances the dish's richness and demonstrates how versatile Chinese cuisine is. The list of must-try chow mein is as follows:

1. Vegetable Chow Mein:

Also Read: Love Chowmein? 5 Delicious Varieties To Try

2. Chicken Chow Mein:

 A popular Chinese stir-fried noodle dish called chicken chow mein combines a number of ingredients for a tasty and filling meal. The flavour of Chicken Chow Mein is rich and savoury, with a strong umami taste. The richness of flavour is enhanced by the addition of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and other seasonings. Usually stir-fried until soft, the chicken in chicken chow mein adds a juicy, high-protein component to the meal. The crisp texture of the stir-fried veggies, like bean sprouts, carrots, bell peppers, and bok choy, gives each bite a burst of crunch and freshness. The texture of chow mein noodles is kept chewy by stirring-frying them until they get a little crispy on the outside. The overall eating experience is improved by this harmony of textures. Ginger and garlic are frequently used in adding aroma and flavour.

3. Prawn or Shrimp Chow Mein:

 Shrimp or Prawn Chinese stir-fried noodles called chow mein are usually served with a side of crunchy veggies, succulent prawns and aromatic noodles.  To add depth of flavour, the dish is seasoned with a savoury sauce, which is typically made of a mixture of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and other umami-rich ingredients. Tossed until crispy, the texture of the Chow Mein noodles adds a delightful contrast to the soft prawns and veggies. The dish's prawns or prawns are cooked to perfection—they become juicy, succulent, and flavorful from the sauce. To add freshness and crunch, chow mein usually consists of a variety of vegetables, including bell peppers, onions, carrots, and bean sprouts. Because of its versatility, chow mein's ingredients and seasonings can be changed.

4. Egg Chow Mein: 

The use of seasonings like oyster sauce, soy sauce, and other ingredients in the stir-fry gives the egg chow mein a savoury, umami-rich flavour. Often stir-fried to a crispy texture, chow mein noodles offer a delightful crunch that balances out the soft ingredients. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts are frequently added to the dish, creating a vibrant and tasty blend.  Common ingredients like garlic, ginger, and green onions give the chow mein a pungent and aromatic flavour. For a pop of colour and extra freshness, sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions over the egg chow mein.

5. Hakka Noodle:

 Popular Indo-Chinese dish Hakka noodles is made of stir-fried noodles with vegetables and occasionally protein. Hakka noodles' flavour profile is savoury and umami, derived from ingredients like vinegar, soy sauce, and frequently, hoisin or oyster sauce. Although hakka noodles aren't usually very hot, they could be slightly spicy if you add things like chilli sauce or green chilies. Ginger and garlic powder are frequently used in hakka noodle recipes, which adds to their aromatic and fragrant flavour. Stir-frying the noodles produces the ideal texture combination of crispy edges and soft strands. It's common practice to add vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, and spring onions, which add a crunchy texture and fresh flavour.

Video Credit: Youtube/ Hebbars Kitchen

6. Schezwan Chow Mein: 

A popular Indo-Chinese dish called "Schezwan Chow Mein" consists of stir-fried noodles with a hot Schezwan sauce.  Schezwan Chow Mein is renowned for its flavorful, hot ingredients. The noodles get a spicy and savoury boost from the Schezwan sauce, which usually consists of ingredients like ginger, garlic, red chilies, soy sauce, and vinegar. The umami, or savoury taste, of the dish is enhanced by the combination of ingredients, which occasionally includes MSG and soy sauce. Stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage are frequently served with chow mein, along with occasionally tofu, chicken, or shrimp. The dish's overall appeal is enhanced by the variety of textures.

7. Chili Garlic Noodle: 

The flavour profile of chilli garlic noodles is well-known for being strong and fiery. Garlic and chilli powder give the meal a spicy kick while also adding a delightful aroma. The flavour is a harmony of umami from the preparation's sauce, savoury richness from the garlic, and heat from the chilli. The flavours seep into the noodles, which are usually stir-fried, creating a mouthwatering and filling dish. To improve the overall flavour, different ingredients such as vegetables, proteins (like chicken, prawns, or tofu), and garnishes may be added, depending on the recipe. Chilli garlic noodles, like many other noodle dishes, are frequently quick and simple to make, making them a practical choice for people on the go who want a satisfying meal quickly.

8. Singapore Noodles:

 Despite their name, Singapore noodles are a popular stir-fried noodle dish found in Chinese-American and Cantonese cuisine, not a traditional dish from Singapore.  Usually, a mixture of spicy spices like curry powder, turmeric, and occasionally chilli powder are used in the dish. The distinct and aromatic flavour of the noodles is enhanced by these spices. Colourful veggies like bell peppers, carrots, onions, and bean sprouts are frequently added to Singapore noodles, enhancing their visual appeal and offering a range of textures. For a rich and creamy texture, scrambled eggs are a common addition to Singapore noodles. Tofu, chicken or prawns are examples of additional proteins that can be added for taste and substance.