1In a small bowl, combine 2 1/2 tablespoons (38 grams) of soy sauce, 1 1/2 tablespoons (22 grams) of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons (40 grams) of hoisin sauce, and 1 teaspoon (4 grams) of toasted sesame oil.
2Whisk in 2 teaspoons (5 grams) of corn starch until completely combined and set aside.
3If using a wok, season it by adding enough vegetable oil to make a puddle, heating over medium-high heat until it smokes, then discarding the oil and wiping the pan with a paper towel.
4Get a large pot of water boiling over medium-high heat.
5Add 14 ounces (400 grams) of fresh chow mein or stir-fry noodles to the boiling water.
6Boil for about 10 to 20 seconds or according to package directions, then immediately drain and rinse with cold water until completely cool to stop the cooking process.
7In the wok (or a large pan), add 3 tablespoons (42 grams) of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high until very hot.
8Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1/2 inch cubes, searing in two batches to avoid overcrowding.
9Cook the chicken until every piece is cooked through and has some nice color, which will take a few minutes.
10While the chicken cooks, finely chop 7 cloves of garlic and place them in a pinch bowl.
11Julienne 1 whole carrot, finely dice 2 ribs of celery, cut 2 green onions into 1 inch segments, and thinly slice 3 1/2 cups (315 grams) of Napa cabbage.
12Remove the cooked chicken from the wok.
13Add the green onions to the wok and stir-fry for about 30 seconds or until wilted and starting to char.
14Add 3/4 of the finely chopped garlic and stir-fry until it turns a toasted golden brown color.
15Add the celery and carrots, then stir-fry for 2 minutes or until softened.
16Add the cabbage, crank the heat to high, and stir-fry for 2 minutes or until the cabbage is wilted and has a bit of char.
17Turn the heat to medium-high, add the chicken back, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until the chicken is hot again.
18Add 1 cup (85 grams) of bean sprouts and stir-fry.
19Add the noodles and stir-fry for about 45 seconds.
20Add all of the prepared chow mein sauce.
21Stir-fry and toss until the noodles are completely coated.
22Add 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of water.
23Stir-fry and toss repeatedly for about 1 minute or until the noodles are beautifully glazed and coated.
24Cut the heat and finish by tossing with the remaining garlic.
25Stir until thoroughly combined and add additional soy sauce to taste if needed.
26Serve in the pan or dish up individually, optionally topped with green onion, chili oil, or a fried egg.
Ingredients
2.5 tablespoons soy sauce
1.5 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
2 teaspoons corn starch
vegetable oil
14 ounces fresh chow mein or stir fry noodles
12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1/2 inch cubes
7 cloves finely chopped garlic
1 whole julienned carrot
2 finely diced celery ribs
2 green onions cut into 1 inch segments
3.5 cups sliced Napa cabbage
1 cup bean sprouts
2 tablespoons water
to taste additional soy sauce
optional chili oil
optional fried egg
Equipment
small bowlwhiskwokpaper towellarge potpinch bowlpan
Tips
If using a wok, season it first by adding vegetable oil, heating until smoking, discarding oil, and wiping clean.
Sear chicken in two batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
Pre-prep all vegetables before stir-frying for efficiency.
The raw garlic technique at the end perfumes the dish with a spicy, garlicky kick.