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Lo Mein





Lo Mein Recipe

Description of the Recipe

Flavorful Lo Mein recipe with tender noodles, a variety of vegetables, and your choice of protein. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal! Lo Mein is a popular Chinese noodle dish that combines tender noodles with a variety of vegetables and proteins in a flavorful sauce.

This dish is known for its versatility, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, Lo Mein can be adapted to suit your taste. The key to a great Lo Mein is the balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors in the sauce, which coats the noodles and vegetables perfectly. This dish is quick to prepare, making it an excellent option for a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress your guests.

Ingredients – Lo Mein

For the Noodles:

  • 12 ounces Lo Mein noodles or spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 pound protein of choice (chicken breast, beef sirloin, shrimp, or tofu), sliced thinly
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 carrots, julienned
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Lo Mein

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

  1. Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the Lo Mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the noodles with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  1. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and chicken or vegetable broth. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is well blended. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Protein

  1. Cook the protein: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced protein of choice and stir-fry until it is cooked through and browned. Remove the protein from the wok and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

  1. Cook the aromatics: In the same wok, add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add the vegetables: Add the bell pepper, carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

  1. Add the noodles and sauce: Return the cooked protein to the wok. Add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over the top. Toss everything together using tongs or chopsticks, ensuring that the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
  2. Heat through: Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Garnish and serve: Transfer the Lo Mein to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade Lo Mein.

Tips and Variations for Lo Mein

  • Use fresh noodles: If available, use fresh Lo Mein noodles for an authentic texture and taste. They can be found in the refrigerated section of Asian grocery stores.
  • Vary the vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as broccoli, baby corn, or bok choy. The key is to have a variety of colors and textures.
  • Spice it up: Add a touch of heat to your Lo Mein by incorporating sliced chili peppers or a dash of sriracha sauce to the stir-fry.
  • Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and check the labels on other sauces to ensure they are gluten-free. Substitute the noodles with rice noodles or another gluten-free alternative.
  • Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and use tofu or additional vegetables for a hearty vegetarian Lo Mein.

Preparation and Cooking Time – Lo Mein

  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 900mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Lo Mein

This recipe, a dish rooted in Chinese cuisine, particularly from the Cantonese tradition, has evolved and adapted over centuries. The term “Lo Mein” translates to “tossed noodles” in Cantonese, reflecting the method of preparation where cooked noodles are tossed with sauce and stir-fried with various ingredients.

Noodles have been a staple in Chinese cuisine for over 4,000 years, with archaeological evidence pointing to the early use of wheat to make noodles. Lo Mein, as we know it today, became popular in the southern regions of China, especially in Guangdong Province, where Cantonese cuisine thrives.

Lo Mein’s adaptability made it a favorite among Chinese immigrants in the United States. The dish was quickly embraced and adapted to American tastes, often featuring a variety of meats and vegetables not traditionally found in Chinese versions. The American version of Lo Mein tends to be saucier and often includes a broader range of vegetables and proteins.

In traditional Chinese culture, noodles symbolize longevity and are often served during celebrations and festivals. Lo Mein, with its long, uncut noodles, is a common dish during the Lunar New Year, birthdays, and other significant occasions.

Despite its simplicity, Lo Mein’s ability to incorporate diverse ingredients and flavors makes it a beloved dish worldwide. It embodies the essence of Chinese cuisine—balance, flavor, and versatility—while allowing for endless creativity and personalization.