Guyanese Style Chow Mein

I mentioned in a previous post how Guyanese food is influenced by different regions of the world. Chow mein is one such dish! I am sure by now you have figured out that this dish is influenced by the Chinese.  Oh blimey…it just dawned on me that I have no idea what Chinese chow mein tastes like!!! I have to change that…stay tuned.

Anywho, back to the Guyanese version, it’s a quick, easy, delicious and healthy dish that can be done in a vegetarian or non-vegetarian style. It’s definitely on my list of moreish dishes.

As a child growing up in Botswana, I remember really enjoying chow mein on visits to Guyana and/or the US. You can buy Guyanese style chow mein noodles in almost any store that sells West Indian goods. We did not have access to Guyanese style chow mein noodles in Botswana so naturally my parents improvised and use good old spaghetti instead. It worked quite well but Guyanese chow mein noodles have their own distinct taste.  If you can find them, I encourage you to give them a try.

Guyanese Chow Mein Noodles

Ingredients

12 ounces of Guyanese chow mein noodles (the kind I buy comes in a 24 ounce bag)
1 lb. thinly sliced chicken or beef

3 medium carrots thinly sliced

¼ medium sized cabbage or ½ a small cabbage thinly sliced

½ red bell pepper thinly sliced

½ green bell pepper thinly sliced

1 medium onion thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 scallion, thinly sliced
1 hot pepper (wiri wiri or similar) with seeds removed, finely diced (optional)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
½ teaspoon ginger powder

1 teaspoon season salt

A few shakes of black pepper to taste

A few shakes of Worcestershire sauce 

**Update: For a slightly sweet taste, add Chinese five spice powder to your chow mein. Five spice powder is made of cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel and black pepper. Add 1 teaspoon to the cooking vegetables. 

Directions

Cook noodles according to instructions on packet

Vegetable and chicken stir fry

Season chicken or beef with season salt, black pepper, ginger powder and Worcestershire sauce

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet/wok

Add chicken and stir fry until cooked

Remove chicken from skillet/wok and set aside

Return skillet/wok to stove, add 1 tablespoon of oil (if necessary)

Sauté onions, garlic and hot pepper until onions are translucent (about 2 minutes)

Add cabbage, carrots, sweet peppers and stir fry for about 3

Add soy sauce and continue to cook for about 2 minutes

If necessary, add salt to taste

Add scallions, cooked chicken or beef to mixture and let cook for another 2 minutes

Turn off heat and add noodles to vegetable/meat mixture and toss to make sure all ingredients are mixed well

Serve hot and enjoy!

Voila 

Thanks for stopping by J! Before you’re on to the next one leave a comment below and connect with me on Twitter and Facebook. One Love – SapBrown.