Zesty Lemon Ginger Chicken Chow Mein

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this Zesty Lemon Ginger Chicken Chow Mein! It's a delightful mix of citrus, spice, and everything nice, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Ginger Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken thighs are used here because they stay juicy and tender, even with high-heat cooking. The soy sauce acts as both a seasoning and a tenderizer, while cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and gives the chicken a nice sear.

Vegetable oil is our go-to for stir-frying due to its high smoke point. Fresh ginger and garlic provide a fragrant base, making the dish aromatic right from the start.

Red bell pepper and snow peas add color and crunch, while bean sprouts give a fresh, earthy touch. Chow mein noodles serve as the perfect vehicle for all these flavors to come together.

The lemon juice and lemon zest elevate the dish with a zesty kick, and oyster sauce brings a savory, umami depth. Finally, green onions are added for a burst of freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the ginger and garlic step.
  • To make the dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free noodles.
  • Prep all your ingredients before starting. Stir-frying is quick, and you won’t have time to chop once you start cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This chow mein pairs beautifully with a light cucumber salad or a simple miso soup. For a complete meal, accompany it with jasmine or basmati rice. A chilled glass of white wine or iced green tea makes for a refreshing drink option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster than thighs.
What if I don't have a wok?
A large skillet will work just fine, though you might need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken with tofu or more vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms.

Zesty Lemon Ginger Chicken Chow Mein Recipe Walkthrough

Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, mix your thinly sliced chicken thighs with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let that sit for about 15 minutes. This little wait allows the flavors to penetrate and the chicken to become incredibly tender.

While the chicken is marinating, cook your chow mein noodles as per the package instructions. Once they're cooked, drain them and set them aside. This way, they're ready to toss in when the time comes.

Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Stir-fry until the pieces turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove them from the wok and set aside. This step ensures the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.

Add the remaining oil to the wok. Stir in the ginger and garlic and let them cook until they become fragrant. You'll know it's ready when your kitchen smells absolutely divine.

Now, toss in the red bell pepper and snow peas. Stir-fry these for about 2-3 minutes. You want them to be tender yet crisp, adding a lovely texture to the dish.

Return the chicken to the wok, and add the bean sprouts and cooked noodles. Toss everything well to combine. The chicken, veggies, and noodles should all be mingling happily in the wok.

Pour in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and oyster sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Finally, sprinkle the green onions over the top before serving. They add a fresh pop of color and flavor to the dish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright, zesty flavors from fresh lemon juice and zest.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • A healthy mix of veggies for a balanced meal.
  • Adaptable to your taste — spice it up or keep it mild.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, julienned
1 cup snow peas
1 cup bean sprouts
8 oz chow mein noodles
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
2 tbsp oyster sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
3. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry until golden brown. Remove chicken from wok.
4. Add remaining oil to the wok. Stir in ginger and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
5. Add bell pepper and snow peas, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes.
6. Return chicken to the wok, add bean sprouts and cooked noodles, tossing well to combine.
7. Pour in lemon juice, lemon zest, and oyster sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
8. Garnish with green onions before serving.

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