Chow mein is the most popular fried Chinese noodle popular among the world. The noodles are long and soft and perfect for stir-fried with vegetables, meat, eggs, and other items. What if you like to make it at home, but they’re no chow mein noodles. What can you substitute for chow mein?
A very good substitution for chow mein noodles is spaghetti. Spaghetti is a long, thin noodle that can be stir-fried with your favorite vegetables and meats.
You can also use linguine, which is another thin, long noodle that will work well in a chow mein dish. If you cannot find either of these noodles, you can use any thin noodle that is available to you.
Just make sure that it is a long noodle so that it will work well in a stir-fry and pair well with veggies.
What is chow mein? What kind of noodles for chow mein?
Chow mein is a Chinese fried noodle dish. The noodles are typically made from wheat flour but can also be made from rice flour.
There’re many other variations of chow mein, but the most common ingredients include noodles, vegetables, and meat or seafood. The dish is typically served with soy-based sauce.
There are many different types of noodles that can be used for chow mein, but the most popular type is wheat noodles.
However, rice noodles can also be used and are a popular choice in Southeast Asia. Wheat noodles are typically thicker and have a chewier texture than rice noodles.
What is a good substitute for chow mein noodles?
There are a few different substitutes that you can use for chow mein noodles. You can use angel spaghetti, rice noodles, lo-mein, pad thai, pancit, other stir fry noodles, etc. Read continue to explore more about alternatives to chow mein.
1. SPAGHETTI- A Perfect Substitute for Chowmein Noodles.
Spaghetti is a kind of pasta that can be made with different types of sauces. It is the best choice to substitute for chow mein. It has a similar texture and flavor, and it can be easily found in most supermarkets.
Spaghetti is easy to make, and there are many different ways to prepare it. You can eat it with a simple tomato sauce or add some meat or vegetables for a more substantial meal. Spaghetti is also a great choice for leftovers since you can reheat it in the microwave or oven.
2. LO-MEIN – Best Chow Mein Noodles Substitute
Lo-mein is another Chinese fried egg noodle similar to chow mein. Lo-mein is made of wheat flour noodles and usually doesn’t have any vegetables.
Lo-mein is easy to make and can be a quick meal. You can find lo-mein at most Asian markets or in the Asian food aisle of your local grocery store. Lo-mein is a good pair with a variety of meats, including chicken, shrimp, and beef. Substitute lo-mein for chow mein is a great way to enjoy a similar taste.
3. YAKISOBA – Identical Replacement for Chow mein
Yakisoba is mainly Japanese noodles stir-fried with vegetables, pork, or chicken. It is a great and healthier alternative to chow mein noodles. You can find yakisoba pre-packaged at most Asian grocery stores or make your own with this easy recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 pound boneless pork loin, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Take 1 red bell pepper, cut it into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces fresh yakisoba noodles or dried chow mein noodles (if using dried noodles, soak in warm water for 10 minutes)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves
- 1/3 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped
Directions:
1. Sprinkle the pork with baking soda and set it aside.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper and cook, occasionally stirring, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the pork and noodles and cook, frequently stirring, until, After about 5 minutes, the pork is cooked properly, and the noodles are soft.
4. Stir in soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in the spinach and peanuts and cook until the spinach is wilted about 2 minutes.
6. Divide the noodles evenly among 4 bowls and serve.
4. Substituting PAD THAI for Chow Mein
Pad Thai is another amazing alternative for chow mein. Pad thai originated from Thailand and is made with rice noodles, eggs, shrimp, tofu, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar. It is often served with lime wedges, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro. Pad Thai has a sweet and sour flavor that will leave you wanting more!
5. RAMEN- Suitable Alternative to Chow Mein
Ramen is another amazing alternative for chow mein. Ramen originated in Japan and is made of wheat flour, salt, and Kansai (a type of baking soda). Just like chow mein noodles, ramen can be stir-fried with vegetables or meat to create a delicious dish. Ramen can also be used in soups or added to fried rice.
6. Try UDON NOODLES Instead Of Chow Mein
Udon Noodles is another amazing alternative for chow mein. Udon Noodles originated from Japan, and it is made with flour and water. The noodles are thick, chewy, and have a slightly sweet flavor that will go great with any stir fry dish.
You can find Udon Noodles in most grocery stores; just look for the refrigerated section near the produce. If you can’t locate them there, you can also purchase them online. Give them a try next time you’re in the mood for chow mein!
7. Substitute RICE NOODLES for Chow Mein
Rice noodles are another amazing alternative for chow mein. Rice noodles are thin, translucent noodles made from rice flour. It has a little chewy consistency and a delicate flavor. You can see them in most Asian markets. They are usually sold dried, so you will need to soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes before using them. Rice noodles are ideal for stir-fries, soups, and salads.
8. Try BEAN THREAD NOODLES Place of Chow Mein
Another great substitution for chow mein noodles is bean thread noodles. Bean thread noodles are produced from mung beans and have a chewy, slippery texture. They are also very absorbent, so they are perfect for dishes with a lot of sauce. You can see them in most Asian markets or online.
9. Do you know PANCIT! Try It for Next Chow Party
Pancit is another amazing alternative for chow mein. pancit is a type of Filipino noodle that is often made with chicken, shrimp, or pork. It has a great flavor and can be adjusted to your liking. Another great thing about pancit is that it can easily be found at most Asian markets or also in the international aisle of some larger grocery stores.
10. MIE GORENG- Similar To Chow Mein
Mie Goreng is another amazing alternative for chow mein. Mie Goreng originated from Indonesia, and it is a stir-fried noodle dish with vegetables and meat. It is also commonly served with a fried egg on top. If you are looking for a different type of Asian noodle dish, Mie Goreng is definitely a great option!
11. HOKKIEN MEE- Decent Way to Replace Chow Mein
Hokkien mee is another amazing choice for chow mein from China, with thick, flat yellow noodles. Hokkien mee is also a stir-fried noodle dish, but it uses a different type of noodle.
The noodles are thicker and have a chewy texture. This dish is also usually served with shrimp, pork, and vegetables. If you’re searching for something that is similar to chow mein but with a different flavor, Hokkien mee is a great option.
The sauce is usually a mix of soy sauce, pork lard, shrimp paste, sugar, and some vegetables like scallions and bean sprouts.
12. Lastly, Try ANY FRIED NOODLES Near You For Chow Mein
Any fried noodles are an easy substitution for chow mein noodles. One popular option is to use Cantonese chow fun, which are wide rice noodles that can be purchased in most Asian grocery stores.
If you can’t find chow fun, any other type of fried noodle will work as well. Just ensure to follow the cooking instructions on the package so that they are the right consistency for your dish.
Read more- Soba Noodles Substitutes
Wrap Up on- Chow Mein Noodles Substitutes
Finally, a word on healthier substitutes for chow mein. There are a few different options that you can use to make your own chow mein dish without all of the unhealthy additives.
One option is using spiralized vegetables in place of the noodles. You can also use tofu or mushrooms as your main protein source.
You can use healthier cooking oil, such as olive oil, to cook your dish. With these healthier substitutes, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious chow mein dish without all of the unhealthy additives.
Read More- Best Substitute for Gravy Master
FAQs Related to chow Mein & its Alternatives
Q1. Are Chinese noodles the same as chow mein noodles?
Yes, chow mein noodles originated from China. It is a kind of Chinese stir-fried noodles. The main difference between Chinese noodles and chow mein is that chow mein is usually served with a different sauce, while noodles are served with a soy-based sauce.
Chinese noodles are a type of thin, flat noodle. They are available fresh or dried in most supermarkets. Chow mein noodles are wider and thicker than Chinese noodles. They are also available fresh or dried in most supermarkets.
Q2. What is the difference between chow mein and noodles?
Chow mein is a dish made with noodles that are either fried or boiled. They are then mixed with vegetables and a sauce.
Noodles, on the other hand, are a type of pasta that can be eaten either cold or hot. They are often served in a soup or with a sauce. Chow mein is more popular in the United States, while noodles are more popular in Europe.
Q3. What type of noodle is used for chow mein?
The most popular type of noodle used for chow mein is the Chinese egg noodle. However, other types of noodles, such as Cantonese wheat noodles or Japanese ramen noodles, can also be used.
Q4. What can I substitute for stir fry noodles?
If you’re looking for a stir fry noodle substitution, you can use rice noodles, which will give your dish a different flavor and texture.
You could also try using zucchini noodles, which have a mild flavor and are slightly crunchy. Alternatively, you could just leave out the noodles altogether and serve your stir fry over steamed rice.
Q5. Can you use regular noodles for chow mein?
In general, you can use regular noodles for chow mein, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
For starters, the thickness of the noodle matters. If you use too thin of a noodle, it will likely break and fall apart when you try to cook it.
Conversely, if you use too thick of a noodle, it will be difficult to chew and might not cook evenly. So, it’s important to find a noodle that is the Goldilocks thickness – not too thin, not too thick.
Besides, you’ll require to make sure that you properly prepare the noodles before adding them to the chow mein.
Boiling water for a few minutes or until soft. Then, you can add them to the chow mein dish and cook them for a few more minutes.
By following these tips, you can make sure that your chow mein turns out great – whether you use regular or specialty noodles.
Q6. Can you substitute rice noodles for chow mein noodles?
Yes, most recipes can substitute rice noodles for chow mein noodles. Chow mein noodles are thicker and have a more chewy texture than rice noodles, so you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly. Rice noodles are available at most grocery stores, and they are a great option if you are looking for a gluten-free option.