Hong Kong-Style Chicken Chow Mein

Step 1

For the noodles: To steam the noodles, add 2 to 3 inches of water to a wok or deep skillet and bring to a boil. Put the noodles in a steamer basket in the wok, cover and steam until soft and pliable, 3 to 5 minutes. Spray the noodles with cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2

For the chicken marinade: In a large bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, cornstarch, baking soda and salt. Add the chicken and massage the mixture into it. Let stand while you prep the sauce.

Step 3

For the sauce: Mix the chicken stock, cornstarch slurry, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, chicken powder, sesame oil and salt together in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 4

For the assembly: Heat a large wok or saucier (you want a pan that has a bowl shape to help shape your noodle cake) to high and add the cooking oil. When the oil hits 365 degrees F, spread an even layer of the chow mein noodles in the pan about 3 inches tall. Don’t disturb the nest for the first minute; afterward you can rotate to ensure even browning. Cook until light golden brown on the bottom, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook until crispy and brown on the other side, another 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the noodle nest to a serving platter and reserve. Pour off the oil into a heatproof bowl and reserve.

Step 5

To make the chicken and vegetable gravy, heat the same pan on high and add 3 tablespoons of the reserved cooking oil. Add the ginger and garlic and cook until light brown, about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken and marinade and cook, folding in the mixture and scraping the pan, until the chicken is just cooked through but still moist, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the bok choy and once they begin to wilt, add the Chinese black mushrooms and cook about 1 minute. Give the sauce bowl a good stir and pour the sauce into the pan, followed by the 1-inch scallion pieces. Allow the sauce to come to a simmer and activate the slurry to thicken, about 30 seconds. Once thick, taste and adjust the flavors if necessary. Pour the gravy, chicken and vegetables over the noodle nest. Garnish with the white pepper and sliced scallions.