13 Stir-Fried Chow Mein Recipes for Quick Dinners

Growing up in a bustling household with immigrant parents from Hong Kong, chow mein was the ultimate comfort food that bridged our chaotic weeknights. I still remember the sizzle of the wok on the stove, the aroma of garlic and soy sauce filling the air as my mom tossed in fresh veggies and noodles for a quick family dinner. Those meals weren’t just fast—they were flavorful reminders of home, teaching me early on that stir-fried chow mein could turn pantry staples into something magical.

Lately, with my own schedule packed as a food blogger and mom, I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen to revive that nostalgia but with modern twists. After a string of late-night recipe tests, I discovered how endlessly versatile chow mein is: swap proteins, amp up veggies, or tweak sauces for endless quick dinners under 30 minutes. In today’s fast-paced world, where takeout tempts us daily, these homemade versions save money, cut calories, and deliver that crave-worthy crunch without the guilt.

Classic Chicken Chow Mein

This timeless recipe features tender chicken breast strips stir-fried with crisp cabbage, carrots, and chow mein noodles in a savory soy-ginger sauce. Ingredients (serves 4): 8 oz chow mein noodles, 1 lb chicken breast (sliced thin), 2 cups shredded cabbage, 1 carrot (julienned), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, green onions for garnish.

Cook noodles per package, drain, and set aside. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat; stir-fry chicken until browned (4-5 mins), add garlic, cabbage, and carrot for 3 mins. Toss in noodles, sauces, and sesame oil; stir-fry 2 more mins until coated. It’s packed with lean protein and veggies for a balanced, 25-minute meal that curbs cravings healthily.

Vegetable Chow Mein

A vibrant, meat-free delight loaded with bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and mushrooms for a crunchy, colorful stir-fry. Ingredients (serves 4): 8 oz chow mein noodles, 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 cup snap peas, 1 cup mushrooms (sliced), 3 garlic cloves, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tsp ginger (grated).

Boil noodles, drain. Wok-fry garlic in oil 30 secs, add veggies and stir-fry 4-5 mins until tender-crisp. Add noodles and sauces, toss 2 mins. Low-calorie (under 400 per serving) and fiber-rich, it’s perfect for vegans or weeknights needing a nutrient boost without sacrificing flavor.

Beef and Broccoli Chow Mein

Juicy flank steak pairs with broccoli in a garlicky oyster sauce for restaurant-quality results at home. Ingredients (serves 4): 8 oz chow mein noodles, 1 lb flank steak (thin slices), 3 cups broccoli florets, 3 garlic cloves, 1/4 cup oyster sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch (for beef marinade), sesame seeds.

Marinate beef in soy, cornstarch, and half garlic (10 mins). Cook noodles. Stir-fry beef 3 mins, remove; add broccoli and remaining garlic 4 mins. Return beef and noodles with sauces, 2 mins. High in iron and antioxidants, this 20-minute dish fuels busy evenings with satisfying umami.

Shrimp Chow Mein

Succulent shrimp with celery, onions, and bean sprouts in a light seafood-friendly sauce. Ingredients (serves 4): 8 oz chow mein noodles, 1 lb shrimp (peeled), 2 celery stalks (sliced), 1 onion (sliced), 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 garlic cloves.

Cook noodles. High-heat wok: shrimp 2 mins until pink, remove. Fry garlic, onion, celery 3 mins; add sprouts 1 min. Toss in shrimp, noodles, and sauces. Omega-3 rich and low-fat, it’s a speedy 15-minute seafood fix for heart health.

Pork Chow Mein

Savory ground pork with bok choy and carrots in a hoisin-infused stir-fry for bold flavor. Ingredients (serves 4): 8 oz chow mein noodles, 1 lb ground pork, 2 cups bok choy (chopped), 2 carrots (sliced), 1/4 cup hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 garlic cloves, ginger.

Brown pork with garlic and ginger 5 mins. Add veggies 4 mins. Stir in cooked noodles and sauces 2 mins. Protein-packed and budget-friendly, this 25-minute recipe stretches dollars while delivering comfort.

Vegan Tofu Chow Mein

Crispy baked tofu cubes with zucchini, spinach, and a tamari-based sauce for plant-powered goodness. Ingredients (serves 4): 8 oz chow mein noodles (or rice noodles), 14 oz firm tofu (cubed, baked), 2 zucchini (sliced), 2 cups spinach, 1/4 cup tamari, 2 tbsp sesame oil, garlic.

Bake tofu at 400°F for 15 mins. Stir-fry zucchini and garlic 3 mins, wilt spinach. Add tofu and noodles with tamari. Zero cholesterol, high-protein vegan option ready in 20 mins for guilt-free indulgence.

Spicy Szechuan Chow Mein

Fiery Szechuan peppers, chicken, and peanuts for a numbing-heat kick. Ingredients (serves 4): 8 oz chow mein noodles, 1 lb chicken thigh (diced), 1 tbsp Szechuan peppercorns, 1/2 cup peanuts, 2 tbsp chili oil, 1/4 cup soy sauce, veggies like bell peppers.

Toast peppercorns, fry chicken 4 mins. Add peppers and peanuts 2 mins, then noodles and sauces. Metabolism-boosting spice makes this 22-minute thrill a dinner game-changer.

Teriyaki Chicken Chow Mein

Sweet-savory teriyaki glaze over chicken and pineapple for tropical flair. Ingredients (serves 4): 8 oz chow mein noodles, 1 lb chicken, 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce, 2 tbsp honey, green onions, garlic.

Stir-fry chicken and garlic 4 mins, add pineapple 2 mins. Toss with noodles and sauce. Antioxidant-rich pineapple adds vitamins to this 20-minute sweet-heat balance.

Sesame Beef Chow Mein

Toasted sesame seeds and beef with snow peas in nutty sauce. Ingredients (serves 4): 8 oz chow mein noodles, 1 lb beef strips, 1 cup snow peas, 3 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted), 1/4 cup soy-sesame sauce, garlic.

Fry beef 3 mins, add peas and garlic. Mix in noodles and sauce, top with seeds. Heart-healthy sesame provides calcium in this quick 18-minute stir-fry.

Mushroom Chow Mein

Earthy shiitake and button mushrooms with scallions for umami depth. Ingredients (serves 4): 8 oz chow mein noodles, 3 cups mixed mushrooms, 4 scallions, 1/4 cup veggie broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce, ginger.

Sauté mushrooms and ginger 5 mins, add scallions. Stir in noodles and liquids. Immune-boosting and low-carb, ideal for 15-minute veggie-forward nights.

Egg Chow Mein

Fluffy scrambled eggs with cabbage and carrots for a simple, protein boost. Ingredients (serves 4): 8 oz chow mein noodles, 4 eggs (scrambled), 2 cups cabbage, 1 carrot, 1/4 cup soy sauce, sesame oil.

Scramble eggs, set aside. Fry veggies 3 mins, add eggs and noodles with sauce. Budget egg power makes it a 12-minute family staple.

Seafood Chow Mein

Mixed prawns, squid, and mussels with lemongrass for coastal vibes. Ingredients (serves 4): 8 oz chow mein noodles, 1/2 lb mixed seafood, 1 lemongrass stalk (chopped), 1/4 cup fish sauce, lime, garlic.

Stir-fry seafood and aromatics 3 mins. Add noodles and sauce, squeeze lime. Seafood nutrients shine in this 20-minute exotic delight.

Buffalo Chicken Chow Mein

Spicy buffalo sauce chicken with celery and blue cheese crumbles for fusion fun. Ingredients (serves 4): 8 oz chow mein noodles, 1 lb chicken (shredded), 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, 2 celery stalks, blue cheese, ranch.

Cook chicken in sauce 5 mins, add celery. Toss with noodles, top cheese. Bold flavors transform chow mein into a 25-minute game-day winner.

These 13 stir-fried chow mein recipes prove that quick dinners don’t have to be boring—each one is ready in under 30 minutes, customizable, and bursting with flavor. Grab your wok, experiment with what’s in your fridge, and elevate your weeknights; your taste buds (and family) will thank you!