Pork Chow Mein Recipe : Quick, Easy & Better Than Takeout
Looking for a fast, flavorful dinner that beats takeout every time? This Easy Pork Chow Mein Recipe delivers savory, umami-packed stir-fried noodles with tender pork, fresh veggies, and a bold black bean chili sauce. Inspired by Sam the Cooking Guy, this chow mein is made in under 30 minutes and uses simple, fresh ingredients with huge flavor.
Whether you’re celebrating Chinese New Year or just craving comfort food, this dish is a must-try. Let’s dive in!
Prep Time & Cooking Details
| Task | Time |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Skill Level | Easy |
Ingredients for Pork Chow Mein
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish at home. Everything stir-fries quickly, so make sure to prep your ingredients ahead of time.
Main Ingredients:
- ½ pound pork (boneless ribs or pork chop, thinly sliced)
- ½ pound shiitake mushrooms (stems removed, sliced)
- ¼ pound sugar snap peas (sliced diagonally)
- 4 oz Hong Kong-style egg noodles (or spaghetti as a backup)
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (divided)
- A pinch of salt
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons black bean chili sauce (Lee Kum Kee or similar)
Pro Tip: Black bean chili sauce is available at Asian grocery stores or online. It gives this chow mein a rich, slightly spicy flavor that sets it apart.
How to Make Easy Pork Chow Mein at Home
This recipe uses a traditional stir-fry method. The trick is to cook each component separately, then combine everything at the end for perfect texture and balance.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by prepping everything:
- Slice pork into thin strips.
- Trim and slice mushrooms (discard stems).
- Diagonally slice sugar snap peas.
- Boil water for noodles.
- Mix soy sauce and black bean chili sauce in a bowl for your sauce.
Get all your ingredients ready before you start cooking—this dish comes together fast!
Step 2: Stir-fry the Mushrooms
In a hot pan or wok, add a splash of oil. Toss in the mushrooms and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until softened and browned. Set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Snap Peas
Add more oil and stir-fry the snap peas for 1–2 minutes. Keep them bright green and slightly crunchy. Remove and set aside with the mushrooms.
Step 4: Boil the Noodles
Boil the noodles in hot water for about 3 minutes (or follow the package instructions). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Using Hong Kong-style noodles gives this dish an authentic texture, but regular spaghetti works in a pinch!
Step 5: Cook the Pork
Add your sliced pork to the hot pan with a touch of oil. Sprinkle a small pinch of salt and stir-fry until fully cooked—about 3–4 minutes. The pork should be lightly browned with no pink left.
Step 6: Combine and Sauce
Now it all comes together:
- Return the mushrooms and peas to the pan.
- Add the cooked noodles.
- Pour the prepared sauce over everything.
- Toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the sauce.
Let the noodles soak up the flavors for 1–2 minutes on low heat, then serve hot!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Sugar | 5 g |
This recipe is protein-packed and balanced with fresh veggies. To reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce.
Variations and Substitutes
Want to make this recipe your own? Try these variations:
Add More Veggies
Toss in shredded cabbage, bell peppers, or bean sprouts for extra crunch.
Use Chicken or Tofu
Swap the pork for chicken breast or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Spice It Up
Add a dash of sriracha or extra chili garlic sauce if you like it spicy!
Why This Pork Chow Mein Is Better Than Takeout
- Fresher ingredients: No preservatives or greasy aftertaste.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or protein.
- Faster than delivery: Done in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-friendly: Costs less than a family order of takeout.
Where to Find Key Ingredients
- Black Bean Chili Sauce: Lee Kum Kee brand is popular and available online or at Asian supermarkets.
- Egg Noodles: Look for “Hong Kong-style” or “lo mein” noodles in the refrigerated or dry noodle section.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pork Chow Mein Recipe is everything you want in a homemade Chinese dish: fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With bold sauces, perfectly cooked pork, and chewy noodles, it’s a dish the whole family will love.
Whether you’re celebrating Chinese New Year or just need a quick weekday dinner idea, this pork chow mein will hit the spot every time. And once you try it, you’ll skip the takeout menu for good.
