Crispy Chow Mein that Feeds a Family for $8 - Cheap Eats

oyster sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: hoisin sauce

Hoisin sauce is often less expensive and can add a similar sweetness.

shrimp

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: tofu

Tofu is a cost-effective protein alternative.

egg noodles

🥗Healthier: whole wheat noodles

💰Cheaper: spaghetti

Spaghetti is a common substitute that is often less expensive.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is typically cheaper and has a neutral flavor.

Marinate the shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon shaing wine, 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch; stir and set aside.

Peel and chop 2-3 cloves of garlic; set aside.

Chop 2 stalks of Chinese yao choy (chois sum) into smaller pieces for even cooking.

Prepare the sauce by mixing 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a bowl; stir well.

Blanch 1 pound of eggy chame noodles in boiling water for 30-60 seconds; drain and set aside.

Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat and add 2 tablespoons avocado oil; wait until the oil ripples.

Add the noodles to the frying pan, loosening them as you go; fry until the bottom is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, moving them around to avoid burning.

Flip the noodles over and add another tablespoon of oil around the edges; brown the other side until crispy.

Remove the noodles from the pan onto a plate; turn the heat back on to medium.

Add another tablespoon of avocado oil to the pan and add the marinated shrimp; cook until they turn orange, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.

Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and add the chopped vegetables; cook for about 1 minute until the vegetables are tender.

Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cool water; add to the pan to thicken the sauce.

Add 2 eggs to the mixture and stir to combine; cook until the eggs are set and everything is well mixed.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens