Chow mein is a traditional Chinese dish that centers around stir-fried noodles. The term "chow mein" translates to "fried noodles" in English, with "chow" meaning stir-fried and "mein" meaning noodles. There are two main types of chow mein:
- Steamed chow mein: Noodles are flash-fried and then stir-fried with minimal vegetables, meat, and a light sauce, allowing the noodles to maintain a slightly oily yet soft texture.
- Crisp chow mein: Noodles are fried until crispy, often pressed flat like a pancake, with toppings and sauce served on top, providing a crunchy texture.
Chow mein noodles are typically made from wheat and egg, similar to Italian pasta, and are cooked either to a crisp or a softer texture depending on the style. The dish uses fewer vegetables and protein so the noodles remain the star. The sauce is used sparingly in chow mein to avoid sogginess. This dish is distinct from lo mein, which uses fully cooked noodles tossed with a heavier sauce and more vegetables and proteins. Chow mein noodles are stir- fried with some oil and tend to be either dry or crispy, while lo mein noodles are softer and saucier. In essence, chow mein is popular for its flavorful, stir-fried noodles with a light touch of sauce and toppings, often including vegetables and proteins such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu.
