Easy Pork Chow Mein Recipe (Better Than Takeout!)

Pork Chow Mein is a flavorful, Asian-inspired noodle dish that will quickly become a new family favorite. This better-than-takeout recipe gets its delicious flavor from its savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. The veggies give it texture and crunch, and the BBQ pork adds protein and heartiness.

If you love noodles, this quick and easy recipe will become a staple in your monthly meal rotation. One of my favorite things about this BBQ pork chow mein is its versatility – you can make it feel new and fresh simply by swapping out the vegetables and even the pork!

Skip the takeout tonight and make this easy dinner idea – it will become one of your favorite Chinese dishes to make and enjoy at home! 

Chow Mein vs Lo Mein – What’s the Difference?

Chow mein features thinner, pan-fried, crispy noodles (either fresh or dried) in a “dry” dish with minimal sauce. On the other hand, lo mein noodles are thicker, boiled, softer noodles that are tossed in a thick, rich sauce to make a sauce noodle dish.

Beyond the different noodles to use, the main difference involves the preparation: “chow mein” means “stir-fried noodles” and “lo mein” means “tossed noodles” in Chinese.

Ingredients Needed

• Chow mein noodles
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Toasted sesame oil
• Spices – garlic, ginger, coriander
• BBQ pork, cooked & shredded ( I used store-bought)
• Cornstarch
• Chicken broth
• Coleslaw mix
• Lime wedges 
• Black pepper or white pepper, optional

NOTE: For more recipe details and info, please check out the handy printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How To Make Pork Chow Mein

• Cook noodles – follow package instructions, drain, and set aside.
• Make sauce – In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat and cook garlic and ginger for about 1 minute. Stir in your soy sauce mixture of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and coriander.
• Add in shredded pork – cook 2-3 minutes until heated through.
• Whisk together sauce ingredients (cornstarch and chicken broth) then add to skillet.
• Put it all together – toss in coleslaw mix and cooked noodles.
• Garnish with chives, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.

Pork Chow Mein Recipe Expert Notes and Tips

• You don’t need an Asian market to make this recipe! You can find everything you need at your local grocery store.
• Authentic Chow Mein recipes from your local Chinese restaurant may call for other ingredients such as dry sherry, mirin, or rice wine. I was able to use simple, easy-to-get ingredients and still create a flavorful sauce! I wouldn’t call this pork chow mein authentic, but it will become an instant family favorite.
• I prefer to use low sodium soy sauce to make this Chinese pork chow mein, and it tastes just as amazing.
• You can add a little more chicken broth if you need to. Avoid adding too much or the dish will become soggy.
• I recommend using a big pan or a wok.

Variations To Try

For the protein, you can swap out the pulled pork for any of these ideas:

• Strips of tender loin
• Ground pork
• Strips of chicken
• Ground beef
• Strips of tender beef
• Tofu for a vegetarian option

If you want to keep things fresh, swap out the vegetables for any of these:

• carrots
• snow peas
• frozen peas
• snap peas
• water chestnuts
• cabbage
• bok choy
• cauliflower
• broccoli
• mushrooms
• bean sprouts
• green onions

How To Serve Homemade Chow Mein

This easy recipe makes a great standalone dish that will leave you licking the bowl clean. However, if you want to add any additional flavors to your meal, I have a few suggestions:

• Try my Air Fryer Egg Rolls or Loaded Crab Rangoon Nachos as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
• Want a bite of something sweet? Try my Blackberry Lemon Dump Cake or Butter Pecan Ice Cream, or even my Copycat Crumbl Pink Sugar Cookies

Pork Chow Mein Storage Tips

First of all, I highly recommend enjoying this dish the same day you make it because it’s so amazing fresh.

That said, if you have leftovers, put them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

I don’t recommend freezing this recipe because freezing it will change the texture of the noodles and veggies.

More Amazing Chinese Recipes

If you love this pork chow mein, check out these other delicious recipes too!

• Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
• Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe
• Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
• Korean Beef And Broccoli

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