# Will This Soy Sauce Chow Mein Contribute to a Longer Life?
Perhaps, perhaps not, but it will unquestionably enhance the deliciousness of your life. In Lunar New Year customs, the consumption of noodles signifies longevity. The noodles’ length is thought to symbolize a long life, so longer noodles are considered better. Although the scientific foundation for this belief may be debatable, one thing is evident: a dish of noodles brings happiness.
## The Noodle Lover
Food enthusiasts have clear preferences: noodle aficionados, rice aficionados, and bread aficionados. I proudly consider myself a noodle aficionado. The solace and gratification that noodles offer are unmatched. If I had to make a choice among noodles, rice, and bread, I would marry noodles without a second thought, while reluctantly parting ways with bread. The idea of losing any carbohydrate is profoundly unsettling, as I’ve faced the challenges of a carb-free diet previously.
## Soy Sauce Chow Mein
Now, let’s explore the soy sauce chow mein recipe. Known as **si yau wong chow mein** (soy sauce king fried noodles), this dish is a cornerstone in many Asian culinary traditions, commonly enjoyed at breakfast or lunch. You can find it at congee noodle establishments or dim sum venues. The traditional version comprises soy sauce, noodles, chives, and bean sprouts, but I’ve incorporated beef for an additional protein punch.
### Ingredients and Variations
The charm of soy sauce chow mein resides in its straightforwardness, allowing for numerous adaptations based on the types of soy sauce utilized and their ratios.
### Where to Purchase Chow Mein
Fresh chow mein noodles are available in the refrigerated area of Asian grocery stores, often marked as Hong Kong style egg noodles, chow mein noodles, or thin egg noodles.
### The Soy Sauces
The two primary varieties of soy sauce employed in this dish are **dark** and **light** soy sauce. Both can be found in Asian grocery stores and increasingly in mainstream supermarkets. For an authentic flavor, it’s ideal to use Chinese soy sauce.
– **Light Soy Sauce**: This is a thin, reddish-brown sauce that is salty and crucial for seasoning and dipping.
– **Dark Soy Sauce**: Thicker and darker, this sauce is less salty and imparts a rich caramel hue to dishes due to longer fermentation.
If you must choose one type, opt for light soy sauce because of its versatility in various recipes.
### Cooking Equipment
Although a wok is not strictly essential for creating chow mein, it certainly elevates the cooking experience. A round-bottomed carbon steel wok is perfect for stir-frying, especially on a gas stove.
### Cooking Technique: Hot Wok, Cold Oil
To effectively heat a carbon steel wok, start it dry until it becomes slightly smoky, then pour oil around the rim. This method prevents sticking and reduces the amount of oil required.
## Other Dishes for Your Lunar New Year Celebration
I hope you will attempt to make this king soy sauce chow mein. It’s pure comfort cuisine that captures the essence of celebration and happiness.
### Recipe: Soy Sauce Chow Mein with Beef
**Servings**: 2
**Prep Time**: 10 minutes
**Cook Time**: 10 minutes
**Total Time**: 20 minutes
#### Ingredients
**Beef**:
– 1/2 lb beef, thinly sliced
– 1 1/2 tsp light soy sauce
– 1 tsp cornstarch
– 1/2 tsp shaoxing wine (optional)
**Noodles**:
– 2 tbsp water
– 1 tbsp light soy sauce
– 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce
– 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
– 1/2 tsp sugar
– 2 tbsp neutral oil
– 8 oz fresh chow mein noodles
– 3.5 oz bean sprouts (approximately 1.5 cups)
– 3 green onions, julienned
#### Instructions
1. Combine the beef with the marinade ingredients and set aside.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauces, sesame oil, and sugar to create the sauce. Set aside.
3. Immerse the noodles in hot tap water for one minute, gently separating them, then drain thoroughly.
4. Heat a small amount of oil in a large non-stick pan or wok over high heat. Once smoking, add the beef and stir-fry until browned. Remove from the pan.
5. Add more oil to the wok, allow it to smoke, then add the noodles. Cook, tossing until slightly crispy and heated through (about 2-3 minutes).
6. Pour in the sauce, tossing to coat the noodles. Return the beef, sprouts, and green onions to the wok, tossing until the sprouts are cooked to your preference. Serve and savor!
### Nutrition Facts
– **Calories**: 561
– **Fat**: 33.5g (52%