Ingredients:

• 1 pound Chow Mein noodles (either fresh or dried)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 pound protein (chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu), sliced or cubed
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinating protein)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for marinating protein)
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, celery, bean sprouts)
• Chow Mein Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the noodles: Cook the Chow Mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
2. Marinate the protein: In a bowl, combine the protein with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Cook the protein: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated protein and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
4. Sauté the aromatics: Add a little more oil to the wok if needed. Add the sliced onion and sauté until softened. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
5. Cook the vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables to the wok and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp.
6. Combine ingredients: Add the cooked protein back to the wok with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles.
7. Add the sauce: Pour the Chow Mein sauce over the mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook until the sauce has thickened slightly.
8. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations:

• For a vegetarian version, use tofu as the protein source.
• Adjust the amount of soy sauce and sugar in the sauce to your taste.
• Add a dash of chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Other vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, or snow peas can be added.