Chicken Chow Mien

Don’t you think that noodles make things a lot more fun? Check out my Fried Flat Rice Noodle (Char Kway Teow) recipe as well! This popular take-out dish is a great week night meal or make ahead lunch box meal! Stir-fries are often simple and fuss free, plus it’s a one pot meal, so that means lesser dishes to wash! I was on a facebook food group today, and one of the theme that the admin suggested was budget meals. The rule was to make something within the budget of S$4-5 per pax. As I was reading it, it got me wondering how much did my chicken chow mien cost me as it used simple and inexpensive ingredients. I worked it out and I have to say that I was super amazed myself! I’m usually pretty prudent about how I spend money on groceries to make sure there is minimum wastage, good value, and full yummy factor. That’s why I plan my meals on a weekly basis, and taught my helper how to do so as well. Anyway, just to share the breakdown of the cost of this meal.

Chicken $1.60
Egg noodle $1.05
Eggs $0.50
Cai xin $0.80
Bean sprouts $0.50
Small carrot $0.40 
Seasoning condiments $1 
Total: $5.85 for 4 pax. (>$1.50/pax)

Eating out as a family would have easily cost us at least $15 at the hawkers or at least $40 at restaurants! It’s really simple to make your own stir-fried noodles, let’s look at how I made it. Oh, do check out GuaiShuShu‘s version of Chow Mien that he generously shared as a guest contributor.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• Dried egg noodles, 180g – 200g 
• 2 small chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 eggs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup bean sprouts
• 8 stalks cai xin / chye sim, cut into 2 inch pieces stalks and leaves separated
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 2 tsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp corn flour
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp kicap manis / sweet soy sauce
• White pepper to taste
• 2 + 1 tbsp veg oil
• Splash of water
• Coriander to garnish

Bon appetit!!