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Chicken Chow Mein (चिकेन चाउमिन)

About Chicken Chow Mein (चिकेन चाउमिन)

Chicken Chow Mein is a beloved and widely popular street food in Nepal, often found in local eateries and restaurants. It's a quick, flavorful stir-fried noodle dish that's become a staple in Nepali cuisine, adapting to local tastes while retaining its core elements. The Nepali version is known for its slightly spicier flavor and local ingredient variations.

Picture of Chicken Chow Mein

History

The exact origins of Chow Mein in Nepal are not definitively documented, but its arrival is closely linked to the broader migration of Chinese and Tibetan culinary influences in the region. Chow Mein, being a staple in many East Asian cuisines, was gradually adopted in Nepal, likely introduced through trade routes and migration. Over time, Nepali chefs and cooks adapted the basic stir-fried noodle concept, using locally available ingredients and incorporating local spices. This resulted in a distinct Nepali version, often characterized by the use of turmeric, chili, and other Nepali spices that give it a unique and richer flavor profile compared to other versions found globally. It has become an essential part of daily life and street food culture in Nepal, evolving to be different than Chinese, or even the Indian variations of Chowmein.

Fact 1

Chow Mein is one of the most commonly found food items in Nepal, across urban and rural areas alike.

How to prepare?

Chicken - 250 grams, boneless, cut into stripsNoodles - 250 grams, dried egg or wheat noodlesOnion - 1 medium, thinly slicedGarlic - 2 cloves, mincedGinger - 1 inch, mincedGreen Bell Pepper - 1/2, thinly slicedRed Bell Pepper - 1/2, thinly slicedCabbage - 1 cup, shreddedCarrot - 1/2 cup, juliennedSoy Sauce - 2 tablespoonsOyster Sauce - 1 tablespoonTurmeric Powder - 1/2 teaspoonChili Powder - 1/2 teaspoon or to tasteSalt - to tasteBlack Pepper Powder - 1/4 teaspoonCooking Oil - 2 tablespoonsGreen Onions - 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish

Learn step by step to prepare Chicken Chow Mein

  • 1
    Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • 2
    Heat cooking oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
  • 3
    Add the sliced onions and stir until golden brown.
  • 4
    Add the chicken strips and stir-fry until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
  • 5
    Add the bell peppers, cabbage, and carrot to the pan. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until they start to soften.
  • 6
    Stir in turmeric powder, chili powder, salt and black pepper and mix well.
  • 7
    Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss them with the other ingredients until everything is well combined.
  • 8
    Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, and stir thoroughly, making sure all the noodles are coated.
  • 9
    Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes to ensure all the flavors are nicely incorporated.
  • 10
    Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
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