Better Than Takeout Chow Mein
Better Than Takeout Chow Mein is a crispy, savory dish that beats the restaurant version. I’ve made this many times and it always tastes fresh. The golden noodles and rich sauce create a mouthwatering experience. Try it with our Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup for a cozy dinner. Jump to Recipe If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup and Classic Sweet Potato Casserole.
Why This Better Than Takeout Chow Mein Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy texture that rivals takeout
- Savory sauce with layers of flavor
- Easy to make in 20 minutes
- Perfect for any meal
What You'll Need for Better Than Takeout Chow Mein
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 8 oz chow mein noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, bell pepper)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Optional: 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cashews
📝 Ingredient Notes
- chow mein noodles: Use regular chow mein noodles for best texture.
- vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.
- mixed vegetables: Use fresh or frozen vegetables for convenience.
- soy sauce: Use low-sodium if desired.
- hoisin sauce: Add more if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Non-Stick Wok — Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking → See on Amazon
- Precision Measuring Spoons — Accurate measurements for consistent results → See on Amazon
How to Make Better Than Takeout Chow Mein
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup mixed vegetables and 2 cloves garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz chow mein noodles. Toss to coat in the oil and vegetables.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp white pepper, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp onion powder.
- Step 5: Pour the sauce over the noodles. Toss until evenly coated.
- Step 6: Cook for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and slightly crispy.
- Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Better Than Takeout Chow Mein
- Texture Tip: Cook noodles just until they are slightly crispy for the best texture.
- Common mistake and fix: Using too much sauce can make the noodles soggy. Use the recommended amounts for best results.
- Flavor Tip: Add a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy twist.
- Serving Tip: Serve with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal.
Storing & Reheating Better Than Takeout Chow Mein
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Make ahead and store in the fridge for a quick meal.
Freezing Better Than Takeout Chow Mein
Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in 30-second increments until hot.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- Best substitution: Replace hoisin sauce with a mix of soy sauce and brown sugar for a similar flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare noodles ahead and store in an airtight container.
- Scaling: Double or triple the recipe for larger servings.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
Want to level up this recipe?
Wok with Lid — Ensures even cooking and easy stirring → Check price on Amazon
Better Than Takeout Chow Mein
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz chow mein noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, bell pepper)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
Seasonings
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped cashews
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup mixed vegetables and 2 cloves garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz chow mein noodles. Toss to coat in the oil and vegetables.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp white pepper, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp onion powder.
- Step 5: Pour the sauce over the noodles. Toss until evenly coated.
- Step 6: Cook for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and slightly crispy.
- Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- Best substitution: Replace hoisin sauce with a mix of soy sauce and brown sugar for a similar flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare noodles ahead and store in an airtight container.
- Scaling: Double or triple the recipe for larger servings.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in 30-second increments until hot.
- Make ahead: Make ahead and store in the fridge for a quick meal.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sat. Fat: 3g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Better Than Takeout Chow Mein FAQs
Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Sogginess usually happens from using too much sauce or not cooking the noodles long enough. Use the recommended amounts of sauce and cook the noodles just until they are slightly crispy.
Yes, freeze the dish in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
You can use ramen noodles, spaghetti, or udon noodles as substitutes.
Add a few drops of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Better Than Takeout Chow Mein and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
