Caribbean-Style Chow Mein – Chicken marinated with green seasoning loaded up with vegetables over chow mein noodles is so much better than take-out. And the Asian-Caribbean fusion results in an incredible flavor explosion.
Chow mein and lo mein in the Caribbean? Well, yeah! After all, plenty of Chinese immigrants migrated to the Islands and contributed to the food culture. Though not as prominent as other countries, it’s definitely worthy of mention.
This Caribbean-style chow mein is quick, easy, and overflowing with flavor. It delivers a plate full of texture and contrasting flavors. Plus, it has everything we want in a meal: chunks of meat, vegetables, and good old carbohydrates.
It’s super versatile! You make it repeatedly, switching up the ingredients without repeating the same recipe twice. I’m offering just one way of hundreds. I always play with it, changing it according to my mood.
The Caribbean Twist on Chow Mein
So, what gives this recipe a Caribbean style? Just the spices (green seasoning and hot sauce or peppers). But I’m warning you, these few spices pack a punch.
Green seasoning is a must-have Caribbean spice and herb blend, and I always have some handy. Yes, you can get it at most Caribbean grocery stores, but homemade green seasoning is da bomb.
Ingredient List
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless thighs are my go-to because they’re juicier and can handle longer cooking time.
- Marinade – Green seasoning, ginger, garlic, white pepper, and oyster sauce deliver the perfect Asian-Caribbean fusion. The cornstarch will thicken the sauce when you’re ready to assemble.
- Chow Mein Sauce – Oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame oil infuse deliciousness perfectly balanced with umami and a touch of sweetness.
- Chow Mein Egg Noodles – Lo mein uses fresh noodles, and chow mein uses fresh or dried. But don’t worry, you can use whatever noodles you have. But ramen works fine if you can’t find them.
- Veggies – Stir fry broccoli, red bell pepper, carrots, snow peas, onion, chili pepper, and optional parsley and cilantro in a bit of oil for a one-pot wonder.
How to Make Caribbean-Style Chow Mein
- Prep Veggies – Make sure the vegetables are sliced and ready to go. (Photo 1)
- Marinate – Place the chunks of chicken, green seasoning, ginger, garlic, white pepper, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl and mix well. Let it marinate while you prepare the vegetables and other ingredients. (Photo 2)
- Noodles – Cook the chow-mein-style egg noodles according to package directions, drain well, and set aside.
- Sauce – In a small bowl, mix oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and water.
- Cook Chicken – Heat a large skillet (or wok if you have one) with about 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Then add chicken and let it rest for about 30 seconds before turning it over. Flip and cook for a minute. Toss in the chili pepper and continue stirring. (Photo 3)
- Stir Fry Veggies – Add broccoli, carrots, snow peas, bell pepper, and onions, starting with the hardest vegetables because they take the longest to cook. (Photo 4)
- Assemble – Stir continuously until they reach the desired tenderness. You may have to add some oil as needed to prevent burning. Toss in the cooked egg noodles and chow mien sauce, and stir to coat with the sauce evenly. (Photos 5-6)
- Garnish – Add the scallions and herbs. Stir to distribute evenly and adjust to taste with oyster or soy sauce.
- Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- I like slicing the chili pepper for more heat, but when making it for kids, I throw it in whole because I want the flavor, not the heat.
- Chinese egg noodles are the classic ingredient in chow mein, but any noodle, even spaghetti, works fine. I ran out, so I used Japanese udon noodles instead, which worked out just fine.
- Gluten-free 100% buckwheat soba noodles are an excellent replacement for chow mein noodles.
Variations
- I cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces this time, but shrimp and chicken breast also work well.
- Use whatever veggies you have in your refrigerator. Hey, this is the perfect opportunity to clean out the fridge and use up the vegetables you have on hand. Great idea, right?
What Pairs With Caribbean-Style Chow Mein
Boiled dumplings are a Caribbean classic, and a side of crab rangoon or pulled pork eggrolls can’t be wrong.
Erica says
What can you use instead of oyster sauce
imma africanbites says
Hi, Erica. Soy sauce would be fine.
Fi says
Love this recipe, been using it for about 2 years or more now. The kids just love it. I tend to make it without any meat or fish, sometimes I’ll add fresh king prawns or make salmon teriyaki on the side . Thank you for sharing
ImmaculateBites says
Awesome ! Glad to hear it worked out well for you.
Angelique says
Just tried making it for the first time… Wow!! Better than any restaurant ๐
imma africanbites says
Awww. Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback.
Madiha Nawaz says
I love Chow Mein and this Caribbean version of it not only looking looks tempting but the recipe sounds very delicious too!
Thanks for sharing!
LydiaF says
This looks like a lot of fun! I checked out your green seasoning and love it. We buy something called sofrito from the Latin section of the grocery that seems to be similar (and not what they sofrito in Spain which has tomatoes and peppers). It looks simple to make yourself and I love the idea of freezing it to have on hand to add to dishes like this.
Nicky says
My family loves traditional lo mein, but I like this spin on it. It has been a while since I’ve had Caribbean food, but I love the flavors.
Ana says
Delicioso!