Chow mein is a popular Chinese-American dish that typically consists of noodles, vegetables, and meat in a savory sauce. While traditionally a fresh, made-to-order dish, canned chow mein provides a quick, convenient alternative to enjoy at home. But what exactly is in those canned chow mein noodles and sauce packets? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that go into this pantry staple.
The Noodles
The foundation of any chow mein dish is the noodles. Canned chow mein contains pre-cooked noodles that have been fried to give them a light, crispy texture. The most common noodles used are wheat-flour egg noodles or traditional Chinese egg noodles made from wheat flour, eggs, and water.
Here are some of the typical ingredients found in canned chow mein noodles:
- Wheat flour
- Eggs
- Water
- Salt
- Oil (usually vegetable oil)
- Potassium carbonate
Potassium carbonate is an additive used to give the noodles their signature yellow color and springy, elastic texture after cooking. Overall, the noodles provide the carbohydrate base and hearty bulk to chow mein.
The Sauce Packets
The sauce is what really makes or breaks any chow mein dish. Canned chow mein contains powdered sauce packets that must be reconstituted with water before mixing with the noodles. Each brand has its own proprietary sauce recipe, but most are derived from a mix of common Chinese seasonings and ingredients.
Here are some typical components found in canned chow mein sauce packets:
- Soy sauce – For salty, savory flavor
- Oyster sauce – Adds richness and savory depth
- Sesame oil – Provides nutty aroma
- Rice vinegar – Gives mild tanginess
- Sugar – Balances flavors and caramelizes during cooking
- Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce so it coats the noodles
- Spices and aromatics – Ginger, garlic, white pepper
- Artificial flavorings and MSG
- Dried vegetables – Mushrooms, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts
By combining these ingredients, the sauce provides the characteristic sweet, salty, and savory flavors people expect in chow mein. The sauce gives the dish most of its signature taste.
The Vegetables
No chow mein would be complete without lots of crunchy vegetables mixed throughout. Canned chow mein includes a medley of vegetables like:
- Bean sprouts
- Celery
- Onions
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Water chestnuts
- Bamboo shoots
The vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and refreshing crunch. Canned varieties typically use vegetables that are pre-cooked or dried to extend shelf life. The vegetables rehydrate and soften when the dish is prepared.
The Meat/Protein
Authentic chow mein recipes can contain a variety of protein ingredients like chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu. However, most canned chow mein opts to go vegetarian. The vegetables and noodles make a satisfying meatless meal on their own.
That said, some brands do include some protein such as:
- Dried soy protein
- Textured vegetable protein
- Dried mushroom pieces
These vegetarian protein sources add some extra hearty substance. But overall, canned chow mein focuses more on the noodles, sauce, and veggies rather than meat.
Preservatives
To achieve a long shelf life, canned foods like chow mein require preservatives. Some common preservatives used include:
- Sodium bisulfite – Prevents oxidation
- Calcium propionate – Inhibits mold
- Potassium sorbate – Prevents bacterial growth
- Sodium benzoate – Antimicrobial preservative
Without these preservatives, the noodles would quickly spoil and go rancid. Though preservatives get a bad rap, the amounts used in food are small, tightly regulated, and ensure the product is safe to eat after months of storage.
Nutrition Facts
Though not the most nutritious choice, canned chow mein can provide some nutrients in addition to calories and carbs. Here are the nutrition facts for a typical 1 cup serving of canned chow mein:
| Calories | 290 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 760mg |
| Carbs | 44g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 7g |
As you can see, canned chow mein is fairly high in sodium, carbohydrates, and calories. But it does contain a small amount of protein and fiber. Overall, canned chow mein should be enjoyed occasionally as more of a treat rather than a regular part of a healthy diet.
Vitamins and Minerals
In terms of vitamins and minerals, a 1 cup serving of canned chow mein contains:
- 4% DV Iron
- 2% DV Calcium
- 4% DV Vitamin C
- 8% DV Vitamin A
So you’ll get small amounts of important nutrients like iron, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A from canned chow mein.
Cooking Instructions
Cooking up canned chow mein is a simple process, which is part of its convenience appeal. Here are the basic steps:
- Boil water in a pot or kettle.
- Pour the dried sauce packet into a bowl or wok.
- Mix in the boiling water as indicated on the package.
- Stir until the sauce is smooth, dissolved, and thickened.
- Add the block of dried chow mein noodles.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles.
- Add in desired vegetables.
- Cook over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently.
- Remove from heat and serve.
And that’s all there is to it! In less than 10 minutes, you can have a hot meal of chow mein ready to eat. The noodles soak up the flavorful sauce and become tender as they cook. Feel free to get creative and add your own veggies or protein source to suit your tastes.
Storage and Shelf Life
Unopened cans of chow mein have an impressively long shelf life. Most brands can be stored for 1-2 years at room temperature. The preservatives allow the noodles and sauce to remain safe and edible for years in the sealed can.
However, once opened, canned chow mein should be eaten within 3-5 days. Transfer any leftover noodles and sauce to a sealed container in the fridge. Discard if you notice any sour or rotten smells after several days.
For optimal freshness and flavor, try to use canned chow mein within a month or two of purchasing. Over time, the noodles can dry out or the sauce can lose its zest.
Popular Brands
There are a variety of brands producing canned chow mein for sale in supermarkets. Here are some of the most popular options:
- La Choy – The most well-known brand, sold in distinctive blue cans.
- Chow Mein Express – Budget-friendly basic chow mein.
- StarKist – Known for their tuna, they also make chow mein.
- Dynasty – A higher-end product sold at Asian grocers.
- Kroger – The grocery chain’s private label brand.
La Choy dominates the market, but trying some of the alternatives can let you find your favorite canned chow mein product.
Nutritional Comparison of Brands
While the overall ingredients are similar across brands, there can be some variation in nutrition profiles. Here is a nutritional comparison of some popular canned chow mein products (per 1 cup serving):
| Brand | Calories | Fat | Sodium | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Choy | 290 | 9g | 760mg | 44g | 2g | 6g | 7g |
| Chow Mein Express | 300 | 10g | 800mg | 46g | 2g | 7g | 6g |
| StarKist | 280 | 8g | 690mg | 42g | 3g | 5g | 8g |
| Dynasty | 270 | 7g | 720mg | 40g | 3g | 4g | 9g |
As you can see, Dynasty brand has slightly lower calories, fat, and sodium compared to competitors. But all brands are fairly similar nutritionally since the ingredients are largely the same.
Health Concerns
While canned chow mein makes for an easy meal, there are some health concerns to keep in mind:
- Sodium – The sauce has high amounts of sodium, which may exacerbate hypertension.
- Preservatives – Some people experience sensitivities to preservatives like MSG.
- Acrylamide – The cooking process creates this potentially carcinogenic compound.
- BPA – Trace amounts of this endocrine disruptor may leach from the can lining.
Moderating portion sizes and not relying too heavily on canned foods can help mitigate these health risks. Canned chow mein is very convenient, but should be enjoyed in moderation.
Homemade Chow Mein vs. Canned
For the ultimate in freshness and customization, homemade chow mein is tough to beat. Here is how homemade typically compares:
| Homemade | Canned | |
|---|---|---|
| Noodles | Fresh egg noodles | Pre-cooked dried noodles |
| Sauce | Made from scratch | Powdered sauce packet |
| Vegetables | Fresh vegetables | Rehydrated dried vegetables |
| Flavor | Authentic, nuanced | Uniform, less complex |
| Texture | Tender noodles and crunchy vegetables | Soggy noodles and vegetables |
| Convenience | More time consuming | Ready in minutes |
Homemade has a clear edge when it comes to quality and taste. But canned provides satisfying chow mein with almost zero effort. Ultimately, choose based on your time constraints and cravings!
Conclusion
Canned chow mein offers a quick and convenient way to enjoy a flavorful Chinese-American favorite. While not quite as fresh or authentic as homemade, it provides tasty noodles, vegetables, and sauce with little fuss. Moderating portion sizes and sodium intake allows you to indulge in this pantry staple as an occasional treat.
By understanding the main ingredients that go into canned chow mein, you can appreciate everything that comes in those handy noodles and sauce packets. So next time a chow mein craving strikes, crack open a can for a fast meal that hits the spot!