How to Make Street Style Chowmein at Home – Step-by-Step Guide


How to Make Street Style Chowmein at Home – Step-by-Step Guide

Craving that smoky, spicy, and tangy flavor of street-style chowmein? Good news—you can easily recreate that same delicious taste in your own kitchen with just a few basic ingredients. Street-style chowmein is a popular Indo-Chinese dish loved for its bold flavors, crunchy vegetables, and satisfying texture. Whether you're cooking for a snack or a main meal, this dish is a winner.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make authentic street-style chowmein at home.


📝 Ingredients:

For Boiling Noodles:

  • 200 grams Hakka noodles (or any plain eggless noodles)
  • Water for boiling
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp oil

For Stir Fry:

  • 2 tbsp oil (preferably sesame or vegetable oil)
  • 1 tbsp chopped garlic
  • 1 green chili (slit or finely chopped)
  • 1 onion (sliced thin)
  • 1 cup cabbage (shredded)
  • 1 carrot (julienned)
  • 1 capsicum/bell pepper (sliced)
  • Spring onions for garnish

Sauces & Seasoning:

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp red chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp green chili sauce (optional for extra spice)
  • 1 tsp vinegar
  • 1 tsp tomato ketchup (optional for tanginess)
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp sugar (to balance flavors)

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Boil the Noodles:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  • Add a pinch of salt and 1 tsp oil.
  • Add the noodles and cook as per package instructions until al dente (just cooked).
  • Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop further cooking.
  • Drizzle a few drops of oil over the noodles to prevent sticking and set aside.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

  • Slice all vegetables thinly so they cook quickly on high heat. You want them crunchy, not soggy.
  • Keep all sauces ready as the stir-fry process is fast.

3. Stir Fry the Noodles:

  • Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large wok or pan on high flame.
  • Add garlic and green chili. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
  • Add sliced onions and stir-fry for 1 minute.
  • Add carrots, cabbage, and capsicum. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes on high flame to keep the veggies crunchy.

4. Add the Sauces:

  • Add soy sauce, chili sauces, vinegar, ketchup (if using), salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
  • Mix quickly so the vegetables are coated evenly.

5. Add Boiled Noodles:

  • Toss the noodles into the pan and mix well using tongs or two spoons.
  • Stir-fry everything together for 2–3 minutes until the noodles soak up the sauces and flavors.

6. Garnish and Serve:

  • Add chopped spring onions on top.
  • Serve hot with extra chili sauce or a side of Manchurian for a complete street-style experience.

💡 Tips for Authentic Street Flavor:

  • High Flame Cooking: Always stir-fry on high heat to get that smoky street-style flavor.
  • Use a Wok: A wok helps with better tossing and heat distribution.
  • Customize Veggies: Add mushrooms, baby corn, or beans for more variety.
  • Add Protein: You can also add scrambled egg, shredded chicken, or paneer cubes.

🥢 Final Thoughts:

Street-style chowmein is quick, vibrant, and full of flavor. By using fresh ingredients, cooking on high flame, and balancing the sauces just right, you can recreate your favorite roadside chowmein right in your kitchen. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or a weekend treat.

Now go ahead—grab your wok and bring the street flavors home!

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