I’ve been making chow mein for decades but it has always been spontaneous and taste-test cooking. So when a sweet follower asked about my chow mein recipe. I had to make sure it is the easiest and tastiest version with the simplest ingredients. So I tried this recipe 3 times before I was happy with result that tasted like true Pakistani noodles.
Origin
When Chinese restaurants flourished in India and Pakistan they developed recipes and food to cater desi taste. With that developed many versions of desi chow mein. When you say spicy desi chow mein you mean lots of black pepper, chilies, and sweet and sour taste. This recipe does not produce dhaba style taste but more like a restaurant’s flavor. If you wish to give it a more desi and home-style feel. Consider adding black pepper, and little ginger too.
Few tips
Variation in Indian/Pakistani noodles:
Veggies: You may add less or more of any veggies you like best. Other veggies that can go best are baby corns, mushrooms, asparagus, sprout, and so on. Protein: You can sub chicken with quick-cooking beef like undercut, shrimps, or scrambled egg. Mushroom and cashew nuts can be used for a vegetarian Chow mein.Noodles: You can use any long noodles that you have in hand, cooked or dry. If using cooked noodles, take 450 grams.Sesame oil: Sesame oil has many health benefits and it’s totally worth every penny. It adds to the taste of chow mein. If you are skeptical about how to use sesame oil, you can use it in salad dressings and most Chinese and Asian cooking. In fact, you can consume a teaspoon daily for health benefits.Hoisin sauce: Hoisin can be substituted with oyster sauce. Both are rich in umami flavors and add restaurant-style flavors. You can sub it with more soy sauce. Chicken cube: This adds a savory chicken flavor and is used to omit Chinese salt or monosodium glutamate that is often added in desi Chow mein. But you can fairly do without it if you can’t find msg free bullion. You can also use msg-free chicken powder.
How to make Desi Chow Mein?
The recipe is super simple, check the pictorial below for quick grasping. Hungry For spicy Desi Chinese? Check these!
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