Lunch: Chicken Chow Mein

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Chicken Breast

Health benefits of Chicken Chow Mein

Skinless chicken breast, often heralded for its lean nutritional profile, is undeniably a powerhouse when it comes to protein content. With an impressive 21 grams of protein packed into every 100 grams of the breast, it emerges as a preferred choice for those conscious about their protein intake. Delving deeper into the nutritional matrix of chicken, one can't overlook the copious amounts of vitamin B6 it houses. This particular vitamin plays an indispensable role in our body, especially when discussing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) management.

For individuals grappling with PCOS, the internal hormonal turbulence can be overwhelming, often leading to a spike in testosterone and androgen levels. This is where vitamin B6 comes into the spotlight. Acting as a balancer, vitamin B6 diligently works behind the scenes to keep these hormones in check, ensuring they don't surge beyond desirable levels. It is this equilibrium that becomes paramount for those earnestly looking to curtail the excessive flow of testosterone and androgen. In the broader spectrum of PCOS management, incorporating foods rich in vitamin B6, like chicken breast, can be a strategic move, providing both nutritional sustenance and hormonal balance.

Ingredients

5 ounces dried yellow Shi wheat flour noodles* or medium egg noodles
1 teaspoon sesame oil, plus more as needed
11 ounces skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
Dash dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon five-spice powder
1 teaspoon chile sauce, optional
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons groundnut oil (peanut)
1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely sliced
5 ounces bean sprouts
1 large spring onion (green), sliced lengthwise
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
Freshly ground black pepper, finely ground
*Can be found at specialty Asian markets.

Instructions

Cook the noodles for 3 minutes in a pan of boiling water until al dente, or as per the package instructions. Drain, then run them under cold running water, and drain again. Drizzle with a few splashes of sesame oil, and toss through to prevent them from sticking.
Season the chicken with a splash of dark soy sauce, the five-spice powder, and chile sauce, if using. Mix well. Coat the chicken breasts lightly with the cornstarch.
Heat a wok over a high heat, add the groundnut or peanut oil, and heat until smoking. Then, add the chicken, and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until cooked through.
Add the red bell pepper, and stir-fry for 1 minute, then add the bean sprouts and green onion and stir-fry for less than 1 minute. Add the cooked noodles, and season with the light soy sauce, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, and black pepper, to taste. Stir well and serve immediately.
NotesThis is a classic takeaway dish and a classic Chinese snack - Chow mein in Mandarin Chinese is pronounced 'Chao meean and it means 'stir-noodle', i. e. stir-fried noodle.
I love this simple dish with plenty of fresh crunchy vegetables and the usual Chinese condiments of light soy sauce and toasted sesame oil - but the trick to getting a good-quality chow mein is in the quality of the noodle used. I use shi wheat flour noodles - 'shi' means 'thin' and whether yellow shi or white - they are easy to cook, 3 minutes in boiling water. Then all the ingredients go into a wok - couldn't be easier or healthier!