Craving a quick and delicious Chinese-inspired meal? Look no further than Lo Mein Noodles! This dish is a delightful combination of stir-fried noodles, fresh vegetables, and savory sauce. It’s a popular choice at Chinese restaurants and can easily be recreated at home. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, Lo Mein is versatile and can be made with your choice of protein, including chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. Follow this recipe for a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings a taste of China right to your kitchen.
Ingredients List
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 onion, finely sliced
- 300g (10 oz) chicken breast or other protein, sliced 0.5 cm thick
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into batons (4 x 0.75 cm)
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced (or 2 small ones)
- 6 green onions, cut into 5 cm (2-inch) lengths
- 500g (1 lb) fresh Lo Mein, Hokkien, or medium-thickness egg noodles, prepared as per packet instructions
- 1/4 cup (65 ml) water
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine or Mirin
- 1 teaspoon white sugar (omit if using Mirin)
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (substitute with black pepper)
Garnish (Optional)
- Finely sliced green onions
Required Kitchen Tools
To make Lo Mein Noodles efficiently, it’s helpful to have these kitchen tools on hand:
- Wok or Large Skillet: This is essential for stir-frying the ingredients quickly and evenly at high heat.
- Mixing Bowls: To mix the sauce ingredients and marinate the protein.
- Spatula or Tongs: For stir-frying and handling the noodles and vegetables.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For slicing vegetables and protein.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements of the ingredients, especially for the sauce.
Having these tools will make the cooking process smoother and help you achieve that authentic Lo Mein taste and texture!
Preparing the Protein and Vegetables
Preparing the Chicken
Begin by slicing the chicken breast into thin strips, about 0.5 cm thick. This size ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly during stir-frying. If you prefer another protein, such as beef, shrimp, or tofu, simply slice or prepare them similarly. Set the prepared protein aside as you get ready to stir-fry.
Preparing the Vegetables
Next, prepare the vegetables. Slice the onion thinly, peel and cut the carrots into batons (about 4 x 0.75 cm), and slice the red bell pepper. Cut the green onions into 5 cm (2-inch) lengths. These vegetables will add color, crunch, and flavor to your Lo Mein, making it a visually appealing and delicious dish.
Mixing the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine 4 teaspoons of cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Chinese cooking wine or Mirin, 1 teaspoon of white sugar (omit if using Mirin), 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional), and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper. Mix well to create a smooth sauce. This savory sauce will coat the noodles and vegetables, infusing them with rich flavors.
Stir-Frying the Ingredients
Cooking the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable or peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken to the wok. Stir-fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Stir continuously to prevent the chicken from sticking to the wok and to ensure even cooking. Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables
In the same wok, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil. Add the finely minced garlic and sliced onion, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. Next, add the carrots and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, followed by the sliced red bell pepper. Continue to stir-fry the vegetables for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch. Stirring constantly at high heat ensures the vegetables are cooked evenly and retain their vibrant colors.
Adding the Green Onions
Once the carrots and bell peppers are slightly tender, add the green onions. Stir-fry them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until they start to soften. The green onions add a mild, fresh flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
Combining the Ingredients
Adding the Noodles and Chicken
With the vegetables stir-fried to perfection, it’s time to add the cooked Lo Mein noodles. If you are using fresh noodles, ensure they are prepared according to the package instructions before adding them to the wok. Add the noodles to the wok, along with the cooked chicken. Use a spatula or tongs to gently toss the noodles, chicken, and vegetables together, ensuring that they are well combined.
Incorporating the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles, chicken, and vegetables in the wok. Continue to toss everything together, making sure the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly. The cornstarch in the sauce will help it thicken slightly, creating a glossy, flavorful coating on the noodles. Add 1/4 cup of water to the wok to help the sauce distribute evenly and prevent the noodles from sticking. Stir-fry everything for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to simmer and the flavors to meld together.
Finishing Touches and Serving
Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Once everything is well combined and the sauce has thickened, taste the Lo Mein to check if any adjustments are needed. You can add a pinch more soy sauce for extra saltiness or a dash of white pepper for a bit more heat. The key is to achieve a balanced flavor where the savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic elements all come through.
Garnishing
For a final touch, garnish your Lo Mein with finely sliced green onions. This adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color that makes the dish visually appealing. You can also sprinkle a few sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor. Garnishing your dish makes it look restaurant-quality and adds an extra layer of taste to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Lo Mein is a versatile dish that can be served on its own as a satisfying main course. For a more substantial meal, you can pair it with other Chinese-inspired dishes like spring rolls, dumplings, or a light cucumber salad. Lo Mein is also great for meal prepping – you can divide it into portions and store it in the fridge for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Lo Mein, allow it to cool completely before storing. Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. Lo Mein can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying over a few days.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, simply add a splash of water to the Lo Mein to help retain moisture and prevent the noodles from drying out. You can reheat it in a microwave for 1-2 minutes or stir-fry it in a pan over medium heat until heated through. This method ensures the Lo Mein stays flavorful and the noodles remain soft and delicious.
Mastering Lo Mein Noodles at Home
Making Lo Mein Noodles at home is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite takeout. The key lies in the balance of flavors from the soy sauces, the hint of sesame oil, and the fresh crunch of vegetables, all coming together to create a harmonious meal.
Versatility and Customization
One of the best things about Lo Mein is its versatility. You can customize this dish to suit your taste preferences or use what you have on hand. Swap chicken for beef, shrimp, or tofu to change up the protein, or experiment with different vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for added variety. You can also adjust the sauce to be sweeter or spicier, depending on your preference.
Enjoying and Sharing
Lo Mein Noodles are perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even solo meals. The ease of preparation makes it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner, and the flavors are sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Don’t hesitate to share this delicious dish with friends and family or enjoy it all by yourself! Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you can feel confident experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature version of Lo Mein.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Lo Mein is a delightful way to bring the flavors of Chinese cuisine into your kitchen. It’s a dish that is comforting, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through creating a delicious meal that will quickly become a household favorite. So grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of cooking up some tasty and satisfying Lo Mein Noodles!
Happy cooking!