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Chow Mein Traybake with Broccoli and Bell Peppers

Chow Mein Traybake with Broccoli and Bell Peppers

By Dimitri DemopolousOctober 24, 2023

  • Makes
    4 servings
  • Cook Time
    40 minutes
  • Rating

Inspired by a recipe in Hetty McKinnon’s cookbook “To Asia, With Love,” we created this oven-only noodle dish, but we took some liberties, swapping instant ramen for the thin Chinese egg noodles customarily used to make chow mein. The ramen doesn’t require actual cooking—it needs only to hydrate in boiling water for a few minutes. We skip the splatter and stirring of stovetop cooking by using a baking sheet and a hot oven to oven-fry noodles alongside broccoli and sweet bell peppers. To finish, we toss everything with a simple blend of oyster sauce, soy sauce and garlic (or ginger), which brings delicious umami, saltiness and sweetness.

Ingredients
  • 3

    tablespoons soy sauce

  • 2

    teaspoons oyster sauce

  • 2

    medium garlic cloves, finely grated OR 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger OR both

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 3

    3-ounce packages instant ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded

  • 3

    cups boiling water

  • 5

    tablespoons neutral oil, divided

  • 12

    ounces broccoli crowns, cut into 1½-inch florets

  • 2

    medium red bell peppers, stemmed, seeded and sliced into ¼-inch strips

Step 1

Heat the oven to 500°F with a rack in the middle position. In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ¾ teaspoon pepper and 3 tablespoons water; set aside.

Step 2

Place the noodles in a large heatproof bowl, pour in the boiling water and stir. Let stand, stirring once or twice, until the noodles are pliable, about 6 minutes, then drain. Toss with 3 tablespoons oil, then set aside.

Step 3

Meanwhile, generously mist a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. On the baking sheet, toss the broccoli with 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil, then distribute in an even layer. Roast until just starting to soften, about 4 minutes.

Step 4

Using a spatula, push the broccoli to one end of the baking sheet. Pile the bell peppers onto the center, drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and toss. Push the peppers to the opposite end of the baking sheet. Add the noodles to the center in an even layer. Roast until the broccoli is lightly charred, the peppers are tender and the noodles begin to crisp, 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 5

Remove from the oven and drizzle the noodles and vegetables with the soy sauce mixture. Using tongs, toss well. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Step 6

Optional garnish: Thinly sliced scallions OR chili-garlic sauce OR toasted sesame seeds OR a combination

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