We know that the origin of this main dish is Asian, but in Guatemala it has elements and variations that make it unique and very tasty. Dare to make this Guatemalan style version of Chow Mein.
In Guatemala, this recipe has become a popular option for those seeking a quick and flavorful meal.
It is a dish of stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables, served hot and accompanied by soy sauce.
The most common version includes egg noodles, carrots, onion, celery, cabbage, and chicken or pork meat.
The noodles are cooked beforehand and set aside while the vegetables and meat are stir-fried in a pan with oil.
Soy sauce and other seasonings like garlic and ginger are added to the mixture and cooked over high heat until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Then, the noodles are added and everything is mixed together before serving. This recipe is easy to prepare at home and can be customized to suit individual preferences.
A bit of its history
It is believed that Chow Mein was created by Chinese workers who migrated to the United States in the 19th century to work in mines and railroads.
The recipe was adapted to local ingredients and became popular as a quick and economical meal.
In Guatemala, this dish was introduced in the early 20th century when the first Chinese immigrants arrived in the country.
Nowadays, it is a very popular street food in the country, especially in the capital city and local markets.
It is often sold by street vendors and served in generous portions at affordable prices.
Preparation tips
First, it is recommended to use egg noodles or Chinese noodles, which can be found in specialty stores or the Asian food section of the supermarket.
It is also important to cut the vegetables into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly and retain their crunchiness.
Additionally, it’s advisable to cook the meat separately and add it at the end to prevent overcooking and loss of flavor.
Finally, avoid overcrowding the pan with too many ingredients, so they can be stir-fried properly and not turn soft. With these tips, you can prepare a delicious meal at home.
Chow Mein
Ingredients
1 pound of Chicken, cut into small pieces
1 Chow Mein pasta package
1 Medium carrot, cut into strips
1 Green bell pepper, cut into strips
1 Red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 Chayote, cut into strips
1 Chopped celery into strips
2 Garlic
1 Onion, cut into strips
Olive oil
½ cup of Soy sauce
Salt and black pepper
Preparation
Step 1 : In a pan, add olive oil and fry the chicken, seasoning with black pepper, garlic, and salt.
Step 2 : In a separate pot, add olive oil and fry the carrots, chayote, celery, onion, green, and red peppers.
Step 3 : Next, add the fried chicken and vegetables, cooking over low heat.
Step 4 : While the chicken and vegetables cook, boil water in a pot and add the pasta with salt.
Step 5 : Once the pasta is cooked, remove from heat, cool with cold water, and drain.
Step 6 : Finally, add the chow mein pasta to the chicken and vegetable mixture, mix well, and add soy sauce to taste.
Step 7 : Cook for another 5 minutes until all ingredients are well combined.
Video
Preparation (simple version)
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