Chow mein in Minnesota

Minnesota is home to two unique styles of chow mein^[1]

Minnesota-style chow mein

Minnesota-style chow mein is made with celery, bean sprouts, and topped with processed chicken. It is topped with crispy noodles similar to lo mein, and served on white rice. Meats used in this style include ground beef, pulled pork, or shrimp. It was invented in the 1920s, and was likely invented to cater to the local palate. The dish is actually more similar to lo mein than chow mein.^[2][3]

Mock chow mein

Minnesota is also home mock chow mein, which is also known as chow mein casserole,^[1] and hotdish chow mein. Mock chow mein is baked in a casserole dish with cream soup and ground beef mixed in, it often includes rice as well. It is somewhat common in Lutheran potlucks. similairly to Minnesota-style chow mein it is topped with crispy noodles.^[4]