Indulge in the irresistible allure of our Hong Kong-Inspired Prawn Chow Mein, where the harmonious dance of flavors will whisk you away to the bustling streets of Chinatown. Let the succulent prawns, earthy Shiitake mushrooms, crispy mung bean sprouts, and aromatic scallions intertwine on your palate, creating a symphony of taste that lingers long after each delectable bite. Experience the enchantment of our Hong Kong-Inspired Prawn Chow Mein and unlock a world of culinary bliss that will awaken your senses and leave you yearning for more.
Unlock the Flavor with a Scorching Wok
Prepping this Prawn Chow Mein Noodles is a breeze once you have your fresh ingredients lined up. But remember, the secret to capturing the essence of your favorite Chinese eatery is a searing hot wok. To recreate that irresistible wok hei flavor, your wok needs to sizzle like a Chinatown kitchen!
Required Ingredients
- 8 ounces of fresh, thin Hong Kong Style Egg Noodles
- A dozen large prawns (21 to 25 size, cleaned, deveined, and butterflied)
- Vegetable oil
- A pinch of salt (1/8 teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon cornflour
- A handful of mung bean sprouts (1½ cups)
- 1 tablespoon of hot water
- A pinch of sugar (¼ teaspoon)
- A blend of soy sauces (2 teaspoons regular and 1 teaspoon dark)
- ½ teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon of oyster sauce
- 3 teaspoons of Shaoxing wine, divided
- A dash of white pepper (⅛ teaspoon)
- 3 fresh Shiitake mushrooms (if using dried ones, soak for an hour before slicing)
- A small piece of fresh ginger, julienned (2 teaspoons)
- A couple of scallions, finely julienned
Method to Madness
- Begin with boiling 2 quarts of water and cooking the noodles for just 1 minute. Rinse under cold water, then spread out to drain further.
- I advise using uncooked, cleaned frozen prawns. Keep the tails intact, as they add a lovely flavor. Use a sharp knife to butterfly the prawns, then toss them in a mixture of oil, salt, and cornflour. Keep aside.
- Wash the mung bean sprouts under cold water, leaving them in until you’re ready to cook. Drain before turning to the wok.
- Create a sauce in a small bowl by dissolving sugar in hot water, followed by soy sauces, sesame oil, oyster sauce, 2 teaspoons of Shaoxing wine, and white pepper. Set aside.
- Turn your wok to medium-high heat, adding 2 tablespoons of oil to coat the surface.
- Add the noodles in an even layer and let them crisp up for a minute or two, adjusting the heat if required. Aim for a light, even crispiness.
- Flip the noodles, add a bit more oil, and let the other side crisp up. After a couple of minutes, when you see the noodles turning golden-brown, transfer them to a plate.
- On medium-high heat, stir-fry the mushrooms in the wok for a minute, then push them aside and lower the heat.
- Add oil and ginger to the wok, letting the ginger caramelize for a few seconds before adding the prawns. Raise the heat and stir-fry along with a teaspoon of Shaoxing wine till the prawns are nearly done.
- Add the noodles back to the wok, pour over the soy sauce mixture, and quickly stir-fry until the sauce blends in well.
- Finally, toss in the scallions and bean sprouts, stir-frying for another minute or so. Your wok should be at its hottest at this point to create the wok hei flavor. Transfer the noodles to a serving dish while the scallions and sprouts are still vibrant and crunchy.
- Serve this delectable Hong Kong Inspired Prawn Chow Mein with your preferred homemade hot chili or Chiu Chow chili oil!
Not only does this dish offer a sumptuous treat to your taste buds, but it also comes packed with nutritional benefits. The prawns provide a high-quality source of protein, along with essential vitamins and minerals. Shiitake mushrooms are renowned for their immune-boosting properties, while mung bean sprouts offer a punch of vitamin C. So, this isn’t just a meal – it’s a nutritious feast!
Cooking at home gives you control over the ingredients and their quality. Choosing organic and locally-sourced ingredients will enhance the dish’s health quotient. Plus, when you stir-fry, most of the nutrients are retained, unlike in boiling or other cooking methods.
So, the next time you crave some authentic Chinese cuisine, why not try this Hong Kong Inspired Prawn Chow Mein? It’s a recipe that brings the heat of the wok, the art of stir-frying, and the benefits of wholesome ingredients, all onto your plate. Enjoy the cooking process, and most importantly, the result!