Mary Berry has shared a quick and easy version of a classic chicken chow mein for busy evenings with the family. It’s a simple stir-fry of noodles, chicken, and crisp vegetables—easy to prepare, but full of satisfying flavour and good nutrients.
This homemade recipe for four is a great alternative to ordering in, providing the same comfort with fresher ingredients and just the right amount of spice. Writing about it in her cookbook, Mary’s Foolproof Dinners, the chef describes it as “a gently spiced Chinese classic of stir-fried noodles, vegetables and chicken”. Her tip for best results is to “add the bean sprouts right at the end, just to heat through, or they will become too soft and make the noodles soggy.”
Method
1. Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re ready, drain thoroughly and keep them aside.
2. Generously coat the chicken pieces in runny honey. While doing this, heat half of the oil in a large non-stick wok or frying pan over high heat.
3. Transfer the honey-coated chicken into the hot pan and stir-fry until it develops a golden-brown crust and is fully cooked through. Take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside.
4. Pour the rest of the oil into the same pan. Add the chopped onion and cook it with the lid on over high heat for about two to three minutes. Add a dash of water if needed to stop it from catching or burning.
5. Next, add the garlic, mushrooms, and ginger to the pan. Cook for another three minutes, stirring regularly, until the vegetables begin to soften.
6. While the vegetables cook, prepare the sauce by mixing together black bean sauce, soy sauce, and either rice vinegar or white wine vinegar in a bowl. Add two tablespoons of water and stir to blend well.
7. When the vegetables are tender, add the cooked noodles to the pan and mix thoroughly. Pour in the prepared sauce, followed by the spring onions and the reserved chicken. Continue stir-frying for a few minutes to ensure everything is hot and evenly coated.
8. Right before serving, stir in the bean sprouts. Finish with some freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.
