### Quick Homemade Chow Mein Recipe

#### Description
Enjoy a delicious and quick homemade Chow Mein, featuring tender noodles stir-fried with your choice of chicken or tofu, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends!

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#### Ingredients
– **8 oz** chow mein noodles
– **2 tablespoons** vegetable oil
– **1 cup** sliced chicken breast (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
– **1 cup** bean sprouts
– **1 cup** shredded cabbage
– **1/2 cup** sliced bell peppers (red and green)
– **1/2 cup** sliced carrots
– **3** green onions, chopped
– **2 cloves** garlic, minced
– **1 tablespoon** soy sauce
– **1 tablespoon** oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
– **1 teaspoon** sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

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#### Instructions

1. **Preparing the Noodles**:
– Boil a large pot of water.
– Add chow mein noodles and cook according to package instructions (3-5 minutes) until al dente.
– Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

2. **Preparing the Ingredients**:
– While noodles cook, slice chicken breast into thin strips (or cube tofu).
– Chop green onions, slice bell peppers, and shred cabbage.
– Have all ingredients ready.

3. **Cooking the Protein**:
– In a large wok or non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
– Add sliced chicken (or tofu) and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
– Remove from pan and set aside.

4. **Stir-Frying the Vegetables**:
– In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil.
– Add minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
– Add bell peppers, cabbage, and carrots; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender but crisp.
– Add bean sprouts and green onions; stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.

5. **Combining Everything**:
– Return cooked chicken (or tofu) to the pan. Toss to combine.
– Add cooked chow mein noodles and gently mix.
– Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir to coat noodles evenly.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. **Final Touches and Serving**:
– Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
– Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with additional green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

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#### Notes
– For added flavor, marinate chicken or tofu in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking.
– Customize with other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms.
– For heat, add sliced chili peppers or chili sauce during stir-frying.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce.

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#### Prep Time
15 minutes

#### Cook Time
20 minutes

#### Total Time
35 minutes

#### Yield
Serves 4