Traditional Chow Fun is a classic dish in Cantonese cuisine, typically known for its stir-fried wide rice noodles combined with beef, soy sauce, and a variety of vegetables. The hallmark of a good traditional Chow Fun is the smoky aroma achieved through the high heat of stir-frying, a technique known as ‘wok hei’, which translates to the ‘breath of the wok‘. This method infuses the dish with a distinctive charred flavor that is highly prized in Chinese cooking.
What’s Classic Stir-Fried Chow Fun
In contrast, this homemade Chow Fun recipe simplifies the process while still delivering a dish full of flavor and texture. Instead of the traditional stir-fry method, or the creative grilled chow fun, this recipe involves boiling the noodles and greens together, making it more accessible for those who might not have a wok or are less experienced with high-heat cooking. The addition of a simple yet flavorful combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce ensures that each bowl is richly seasoned, offering a comforting and aromatic meal that is easier to prepare at home.
This approach not only makes it feasible for more people to enjoy a version of Chow Fun but also reduces the cooking time, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal. The result is a lighter dish that maintains the essence of traditional flavors but with a more straightforward preparation method, ideal for a busy lifestyle or for those just beginning to explore the wonders of Chinese cuisine.
Chef’s Notes
- To maintain the noodle texture, avoid overcooking.
- Pair with steamed dumplings or a cucumber salad.
- Enhance with tofu or sliced chicken for added protein.
- Perfect for a quick weekday dinner or a weekend brunch.
- Great for a family meal or a simple weeknight dinner.
Crushed Peanuts and Preserved Vegetables
Additional Notes
- This Classic Stir-Fried chow fun dish brings the authentic flavors of Asia to your table, offering a comforting and aromatic experience.
- The dish includes tender chow fun, crisp baby greens, and a savory sauce that promises a delightful culinary journey.
- You can customize this dish by adding tofu or chicken for extra protein and serve it with steamed dumplings or a fresh cucumber salad.
- Leftovers of this dish can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a quick and delicious meal.
Classic Stir-Fried Chow Fun
Dive into the flavors of Asia with this Classic Stir-Fried Chow Fun recipe! Perfect for a quick dinner or a comforting meal, this dish combines tender Chow Fun with crisp greens and a savory sauce. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned chef, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience with minimal effort. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this aromatic and satisfying dish!
4
bowls10
minutes15
minutes350
kcal25
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Noodles Section
1 pound Chow Fun
- Vegetables and Seasonings
A handful baby greens
1/2 teaspoon salt
- Sauces for Flavor
4 teaspoons premium soy sauce
4 teaspoons sesame oil
4 teaspoons oyster sauce
- Optional Toppings
Crushed peanuts to taste
Preserved vegetables as desired
- Alternative Ingredients
Tamari or coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Olive oil can substitute sesame oil for those allergic to sesame.
Vegan oyster sauce can be used to make this dish vegan.
Directions
- Boiling Noodles – In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the Chow Fun and cook until they are just tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Adding Greens – Add the baby greens and salt to the boiling noodles during the last minute of cooking.
- Mixing Sauces – In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce.
- Combining and Serving – Drain the noodles and greens. Toss them in the sauce mixture until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with crushed peanuts and preserved vegetables if desired.
Equipment
- Nonstick Pan
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350kcal
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 200mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 9mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 1.8mg
FAQ – Classic Stir-Fried Chow Fun
What is ‘wok hei’ and why is it important in traditional Chow Fun?
‘Wok hei’ refers to the smoky, charred flavor imparted to food by a very hot wok during stir-frying. It’s a crucial element in traditional Chow Fun, giving the dish its characteristic taste and aroma that can’t be easily replicated with other cooking methods.
What makes this homemade Chow Fun recipe different from traditional stir-fried Chow Fun?
This recipe simplifies the cooking process by boiling the noodles and vegetables instead of stir-frying them. It’s designed for ease and accessibility, focusing on flavor through the use of sauces rather than the technique of ‘wok hei’.
Is this homemade Chow Fun healthier than the traditional version?
This recipe can be considered healthier as it uses less oil and avoids the high temperatures of stir-frying, which can sometimes lead to the breakdown of oils into unhealthy compounds. Boiling the ingredients also helps retain more of their natural nutrients.
Can I add meat to this homemade Chow Fun recipe?
Absolutely! While the provided recipe is vegetarian, you can easily add thinly sliced beef, chicken, or shrimp to the dish. Just cook the meat separately and mix it in with the noodles and sauces at the end.
How long does it take to prepare this homemade Chow Fun?
This recipe can be prepared in about 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for a weekday meal. It’s significantly faster than traditional methods, which involve more preparation and cooking time.
