Chicken Chow Mein Salvadoran Style (Chow Mein Salvadoreño)

Yes, we have a version of Chow Mein in El Salvador! Now, I don't know how this became a thing and in what part of El Salvador they make it but I grew up eating my moms. I recently checked to see if it was just her making this dish but there are restaurants serving this dish and a few videos on YouTube of Salvadoreños sharing their recipe in Spanish.

What is Salvadoran style Chow Mein?

It's a mixture of vegetables such as celery, carrots, potato, güisquil (chayote), and squash sautéed, and mixed in with seasoned noodles. My mom made it with chicken, butter and of course chicken bouillon. She always used regular pasta noodles but you can use your preferred noodles.

Let me know if you or your family grew up making this dish at home! Below is my mom's Chicken Chow Mein Salvadoreño (Salvadoran style) recipe.

How to make Chow Mein Salvadoreño?

Ingredients:

• 1 güisquil (Chayote)

• 1 potato

• 1 carrot

• 1 celery stick

• 1/2 green bell pepper

• 1/2 red pepper

• 8 oz noodles

• 1 lb of shredded chicken: preferred cut and it can be boiled, roasted or grilled. If I'm lazy I'll use a rotisserie chicken.

• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• Pepper

• 3 garlic cloves

• Cilantro for garnish

• 2 tbsp of butter

Instructions:

1. In a pot place water to boil. Then add salt and cook the pasta as indicated on the package.

2. Cook and shred the chicken. Remove bones, cartilage and skin. Don't shred it too finely, leave small to medium pieces.

3. Peel and cut your veggies in long thin pieces (Juliana style) and mince the garlic.

4. Place a pot on low to medium heat, add the butter and all the vegetables. Sauté them for about 5 mins or until the potato is half way cooked

5. In a small container mix the soy sauce, chicken bouillon and the pepper.

6. Add the chicken to the pot, stir and saute for 3-4 minutes

7. Add the sauce and stir everything well. Cook until potato is done. Let it cool for about 5 mins before serving. Garnish it with Cilantro and enjoy!

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