If you’re a fan of noodles, you won’t want to miss out on this Nepali chowmein recipe! You can prepare a perfect and satisfying meal for any occasion in just 30 minutes.
I grew up in Nepal, and one of my favorite dishes was chowmein and momo.
It’s a popular food in Nepal, and people of all ages love it. I used to enjoy eating it with my sister at small food shops we called “bhatti” in Nepali.
Those memories are still special to me, and chowmein remains one of my all-time favorite dishes.
In this post, I will be sharing with you an easy and simple recipe for making Nepali-style chowmein that you can easily make at home.
So, let’s get started and bring a taste of Nepal into your kitchen.
Ingredients For Nepali Chicken Chowmein
Meat: You can use chicken breast or thigh to make this chowmein recipe. You can substitute the meat with pork, beef, or other meat. It’s up to you!
Oil: You can use any vegetable oil for this recipe. I am using olive oil, but you may use whatever oil you prefer.
Vegetables: This dish has a lot of vegetables, which is why I love it. You can use any veggies you like or have on hand. You can customize it with your favorite veggies. I’ve opted for cabbage, onion, carrot, and green beans(Normally used in Nepali chicken chowmein), but feel free to substitute any other veggies you have on hand.
Noodles: Egg noodles are made from eggs, wheat flour, and salt. You can find egg noodles at the grocery stores. For this recipe, I am using egg noodles.
Sauce: You will need soy sauce and chili paste (optional). You can use reduced-sodium soy sauce if you are trying to cut down on sodium. Use dark or light soy sauce.
Spices: Red chili powder, chowmein powder masala and chili paste (optional).
Other: Ginger, garlic paste, black pepper, salt (to taste), water and spring onion.
Note: I am using dark soy sauce for this recipe, so be carfeul while adding salt as soy sauce already contains salt.
How To Make Chowmein In Nepali Style?
#1. Add 4 cups of water to a boiling pot. Add egg noodles and boil it for 4-6 mins on medium heat. Once cooked, drain the water and rinse the noodles under cold water. Add oil to the noodles and mix well. This will prevent the noodles from getting overcooked and becoming mushy.Â
Note: This brand of egg noodles does not require salt while boiling. However, if you are using a different brand of egg noodles, remember to add salt while boiling.
#2. Heat the pan. Add oil to the pan. Add chicken and stir fry for 4-6 minutes on medium heat.
#3. Next, add the onion and saute for a few minutes, then add vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are cooked but still slightly crunchy.Â
#4. Then, add all spices and seasoning. Combine everything well.
#5. Add the cooked noodles and soy sauce. Mix all ingredients well and stir-fry for a few minutes. Finally garnish it with a spring onion and salt if needed. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Nepali-style chowmein is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
As a main dish: Chowmein can be served as a stand-alone meal.
As a side dish: Chowmein can also be served as a side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats or curries.
With toppings: To add some extra flavor and texture to your chowmein, try adding some toppings. Popular options include sliced red onion or chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce or a side of spicy tomato chutney or achar.
Common Variations of Nepali Chowmein Recipe
Nepali chowmein is a versatile dish that can be customized in many ways. Here are some common variations that can be found in Nepali cuisine:
Vegetarian Chowmein:Â This variation of chowmein replaces meat with vegetables such as bell peppers and tofu. It is a great option for vegetarians or those who want to reduce their meat intake.
Egg Chowmein: In this variation, scrambled eggs are added to the chowmein for extra protein and flavor.
Shrimp Chowmein: This variation of chowmein uses shrimp as the main protein source. It is a great option for seafood lovers.
Buff Chowmein: In this variation, buff meat is used instead of chicken or pork. It is a popular option in Nepali cuisine.
Spicy Chowmein:Â For those who like their food spicy, this variation adds extra chili peppers or hot sauce.
Other Nepali Recipes
- Nepali Milk Tea
- Chicken Sausage Chilli
- Chicken Chili Recipe
- Chicken Choila Recipe
- Momo Sadeko Recipe
Chicken Chowmein Recipe In Nepali Style
Equipment
- Non-sticky pan
Ingredients
Meat
- ½ cup finley chopped chicken thigh
Oil
- ½ tbsp olive oil (drizzled over noodles after boling)
- 1½ tbsp oil (rest of the cooking)
Vegetables
- 1 cup sliced cabbage
- ½ cup sliced carrots
- ½ cup chopped onion
- â…“ cup green beans (frozen)
- ¼ cup chopped spring onion
Sauce
- 1 tsp red chili paste (Optional)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (dark soy sauce)
Spices
- ½ tbsp chowmein masala powder
- ½ tsp red chili powder (kashmiri)
Seasoning
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tbsp minced ginger and garlic
- salt (to taste)
Noodles
- 95g egg noodles (3.5oz)
Water
- 6 cups water
Instructions
- Add 6 cups of water to a boiling pot. Add egg noodles and boil it for 3-4 mins on medium heat.6 cups water, 95g egg noodles (3.5oz)
- Strain the boiled noodles. Wash it with cold water. Then, add half tablespoon of oil. Keep it aside.½ tbsp olive oil (drizzled over noodles after boling)
- Add oil to the pan. Add chicken. Stir fyr for 4 -6 mins on medium high heat.½ cup finley chopped chicken thigh, 1½ tbsp oil (rest of the cooking)
- Add onion and saute it for 2-3 mins.½ cup chopped onion
- Add all vegetables (cabbage, carrot, green beans) and cook it for 3 mins on medium heat.1 cup sliced cabbage, ½ cup sliced carrots, ⅓ cup green beans (frozen)
- Add all spices to the pan. Combine all ingredients well.1 tsp red chili paste, ½ tbsp chowmein masala powder, ½ tsp red chili powder (kashmiri), ¼ tsp black pepper, ½ tbsp minced ginger and garlic
- Add noodles to the pan, and then add soy sauce and mix it well. Cook it for 3 mins.1 tbsp soy sauce (dark soy sauce)
- Finally, add the scallion amd season with the salt. You are now ready to serve your homemade chicken chowmein!¼ cup chopped spring onion, salt (to taste)
Video
Notes
- If you are using dark soy sauce, be mindful of adding salt, as soy sauce already contains salt.
- You don’t need to add salt while boiling these egg noodles. But, if you use a different brand, add salt while boiling.
If you tried this recipe, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below. If you liked it, remember to rate the recipe. Your feedback helps other readers decide if they want to make this recipe. Thank you!