Chowmien
Chowmien 🤪😂 is a easy Indo‑Chinese recipe that serves 3. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Raju sahu India on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $5.62 total, $1.87 per serving
Ingredients
- 200 g Egg Noodles (dry, broken into 2‑inch pieces)
- 250 g Mixed Vegetables (carrot, cabbage, bell pepper, onion, bean sprouts, thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp Green Chili Sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (light soy sauce preferred)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Sauce (plain ketchup or tomato puree works)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger (freshly grated)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil (high smoke‑point oil such as canola or sunflower)
- ½ tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Prepare Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt and the egg noodles. Cook until just al dente (about 4‑5 minutes), then drain in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. Toss with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: Boiling
Wash & Slice Vegetables
Rinse all vegetables under running water. Peel and julienne the carrot, thinly slice the cabbage, bell pepper, and onion, and separate bean sprouts. Set aside in a bowl.
Time: PT5M
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl combine green chili sauce, soy sauce, tomato sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Stir‑Fry Vegetables
Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in the wok over high heat. Add the sliced onions first, stir‑fry for 30 seconds, then add carrots, bell pepper, and cabbage. Stir‑fry 2‑3 minutes until vegetables are bright‑colored but still crisp. Finally add bean sprouts and toss for another 30 seconds.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: High
Combine Noodles & Sauce
Add the cooked noodles to the wok, pour the prepared sauce over them, and toss quickly to coat everything evenly. Stir‑fry for another 2‑3 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and the noodles to absorb flavor.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: High
Serve
Transfer the hot chow mein to a serving plate. Garnish with extra sliced green chilies or chopped spring onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 9 g
- Carbohydrates
- 68 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by using egg‑free noodles
Allergens: Wheat (egg noodles), Soy (soy sauce)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Egg Noodles: Spaghetti broken into pieces, Rice noodles (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Mixed Vegetables: Frozen stir‑fry vegetable mix
- Instead of Green Chili Sauce: Sriracha, Green chutney (less spicy)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Ketchup, Tomato paste diluted with water
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Ginger: Ground ginger (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Peanut oil, Sesame oil (use less)
- Instead of Salt: Soy sauce (adds saltiness)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Wok or Large Skillet
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl (optional)
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking noodles al dente and rinsing them to stop further cooking.
- Stir‑frying vegetables on high heat to keep them crisp.
- Coating noodles with sauce quickly over high heat to avoid sogginess.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a wok with a thin base for rapid heat distribution.
- A splash of sesame oil added at the end adds authentic aroma.
- For extra crunch, toss in toasted peanuts just before serving.
Troubleshooting
Noodles become soggy.
Do not overcook the noodles and rinse them with cold water. Stir‑fry on high heat and add sauce at the end.
Vegetables are too soft.
Cook them quickly over high heat and keep them crisp‑tender. Add bean sprouts last.
Dish is bland.
Add a little more soy sauce or a pinch of extra salt. Increase green chili sauce for heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of oil.
Freezer: Not recommended; noodles become mushy after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook noodles a day ahead, toss with a little oil, and refrigerate.
- Prepare the sauce in a jar; it keeps for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Special Chow Mein in Indo‑Chinese cuisine?
Chow mein was introduced to India by Chinese immigrants and adapted with Indian spices and sauces. Over decades it became a staple street‑food and home‑cooked dish, especially popular among families looking for a quick, flavorful noodle meal.
What are the traditional regional variations of chow mein in Indian cuisine?
In North India, chow mein often includes capsicum, carrots, and a tangy tomato‑based sauce, while in South India it may feature more soy sauce and occasional curry leaves. Some regions add paneer or scrambled eggs for extra protein.
How is Special Chow Mein traditionally served in Indian households?
It is usually served hot on a plate or shallow bowl, sometimes garnished with sliced green chilies or fresh coriander. It is eaten as a main course alongside a simple cucumber raita or a side of pickles.
What occasions or celebrations is Special Chow Mein associated with in Indian culture?
Because it is quick to prepare, Special Chow mein is popular for weekend family lunches, birthday parties, and informal gatherings where a tasty, crowd‑pleasing dish is needed without much fuss.
What other Indo‑Chinese dishes pair well with Special Chow Mein?
Pair it with crispy spring rolls, veg manchurian, or a light hot and sour soup for a complete Indo‑Chinese meal. A simple cucumber salad with a dash of vinegar balances the richness of the noodles.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Special Chow Mein versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include egg noodles, mixed fresh vegetables, soy sauce, green chili sauce, and tomato ketchup. Substitutes can be rice noodles for gluten‑free diets, frozen vegetable mixes for convenience, and tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten‑free version.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Special Chow Mein?
Common errors are overcooking the noodles, using low heat which makes vegetables soggy, and adding sauce too early which can make the dish watery. Keep the wok hot and add the sauce at the end for a glossy finish.
Why does this Special Chow Mein recipe use green chili sauce instead of plain chili powder?
Green chili sauce provides both heat and a fresh, slightly tangy flavor that blends well with soy and tomato sauces, creating the characteristic bright taste of Indo‑Chinese chow mein. Chili powder alone would lack that moisture and depth.
Can I make Special Chow Mein ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can pre‑cook the noodles and keep the sauce in a sealed jar. Store the cooked noodles and sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then stir‑fry together quickly before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Special Chow Mein?
The noodles should be glossy and slightly coated with sauce, not soggy. Vegetables must remain crisp‑tender, showing bright colors. The dish should have a slight sheen from the oil and sauces.
How do I know when Special Chow Mein is done cooking?
When the noodles are heated through, the sauce clings to each strand, and the vegetables are still vibrant and crisp, the chow mein is ready. A quick taste should reveal balanced seasoning and a pleasant bite.
What does the YouTube channel Raju sahu India specialize in?
The YouTube channel Raju sahu India focuses on fun, family‑friendly Indian home cooking, often featuring quick recipes, comedic storytelling, and tips for cooking with limited ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Raju sahu India's approach to Indo‑Chinese cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?
Raju sahu India blends humor with straightforward, no‑fuss instructions, emphasizing improvisation with pantry staples, whereas many other channels present more formal, step‑by‑step tutorials. This makes his videos especially relatable for busy home cooks.
What other Indo‑Chinese recipes is the YouTube channel Raju sahu India known for?
The channel is also popular for its versions of veg manchurian, chicken chili dry, and crispy spring rolls, all presented with the same lively, family‑oriented style.
Last updated: August 24, 2026








