Cantonese Stir-Fried Chow Mein with Char Siu Pork
Egg noodles stir-fried with sweet char siu pork, crisp vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce for a classic Cantonese noodle dish. This chinese-inspired noodles ready in about 20 minutes pairs ounces fresh egg noodles, bean sprouts, scallions, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh egg noodles
- 6 ounces char siu pork, sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 scallions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 8 ounces fresh egg noodles and cook for 1-2 minutes until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat until hot. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and stir-fry for 15 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 6 ounces sliced char siu pork and stir-fry for 1 minute until warmed through.
- Step 4: Add the drained noodles to the wok along with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper. Toss constantly for 2-3 minutes until noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 cup bean sprouts and 3 chopped scallions, cook for 30 seconds more.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 teaspoon sesame oil over the noodles. Toss gently and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cantonese Stir-Fried Chow Mein with Char Siu Pork take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cantonese Stir-Fried Chow Mein with Char Siu Pork?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ounces fresh egg noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cantonese Stir-Fried Chow Mein with Char Siu Pork?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cantonese Stir-Fried Chow Mein with Char Siu Pork for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cantonese Stir-Fried Chow Mein with Char Siu Pork?
Chinese noodles like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
Equipment for this recipe
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