Are you craving a tasty and satisfying meal? Look no further than mouth-watering Easy Lo Mein! This classic dish bursting with bold flavors and textures is a delightful adventure. The savory strands of cooked noodles, vegetables, and meat are a delicious experience. This dish will become a staple in your meal lineup due to its flavors and hearty ingredients. A quick and easy dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, lo mein is the perfect choice for any occasion. So why wait?
What is Lo Mein?
Lo mein is a classic Chinese dish that satisfies cravings for delicious comfort food. The balance of flavors and textures makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser.
The dish combines cooked noodles with meat, vegetables, and sauces. The noodles are savory and have a chewy texture. Vegetables, protein, and a flavorful sauce create a delicious taste in every bite.
One of the reasons why it has become such a popular dish worldwide is its adaptability. Make it with chicken, beef, pork, seafood, or a combination. Furthermore, vegetarians can also enjoy it by using tofu or extra veggies. With its endless possibilities, it is a perfect dish for everyone.
Another thing that sets it apart is its convenience. The dish combines simple ingredients found in most kitchen pantries. Lo mein is quick and easy to make. Additionally, it is hearty enough for lunch or dinner.
Lo mein is a winning dish offering endless possibilities, flavor, and convenience. Whether you enjoy it at a restaurant or prepare it at home, it is a satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more. Make a plate today and let your taste buds transport you to a culinary world of pure bliss!
My Lo Mein Inspiration
Chances are you have had your fair share of mediocre Asian noodle dishes. But while on a business trip through Alabama, I had the best lo mein I have ever tasted.
I was fortunate to find a Chinese restaurant in a small town. The menu did not have much to offer, but chicken lo mein was one of the few items that caught my eye. I decided to try it.
It had a unique taste, unlike any other I had ever had. The cooked noodles were perfect, and the vegetables were fresh and flavorful. I loved the sauce. There was a balance between sweet and savory, which made the sauce delicious. It was a meal to remember.
When I returned home, I was determined to recreate the dish. After some trial and error, I made a version that rivals the one I had while traveling. All it takes is fresh vegetables, quality noodles, and a flavorful sauce.
Easy Lo Mein Recipe
There is nothing better than a vegetable lo mein for comfort. This 15-minute dish is easier to make than ordering from a restaurant down the street. Plus, it’s a healthier take on the take-out classic that doesn’t sacrifice any of the taste.
This recipe is perfect for those cooking for one. Try this dish if you want to shake up your weeknight dinner routines. Check out the tips and alternatives below for some variety!
Ingredients
For the Lo mein Sauce:
- 2 tbsp. soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp. rice wine vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp. sesame oil
- 1/2 tbsp. cornstarch
- 1/2 tbsp. grated ginger
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
For the Lo Mein:
- 8-oz. soba noodles
- 1 1/2 tbsp. sesame oil
- 1/2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper
- 1/3 cup sliced onion
- 1/2cup julienne carrot
- 1/3 cup broccoli florets
- 2-cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup cooked chicken
Instructions
Cook the Noodles:
- Cook noodles according to the package instructions in a large pot.
- Drain.
Make the Sauce:
- Pour sesame oil into a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add in the garlic, onion, and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Combine the broth, soy sauce, mirin, and miso paste.
- Increase the heat until it boils.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 8-11 minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning if needed after tasting the broth.
Prepare the Lo Mein:
- Add the oils to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, bell pepper, carrots, broccoli, and garlic.
- Stir-fry for 3 minutes.
- Add the chicken, noodles, and sauce.
- Toss to combine and cook for 3 minutes.
Tips for Making Lo Mein
Use Udon Noodles:
Udon noodles are popular alternatives. They are thicker and chewier, making them great for stir-fries and noodle dishes. Try using them instead of lo mein noodles for a novel twist.
Mix and Match Vegetables:
The best thing about lo mein is you can select the vegetables used. Use Bok choy, peppers, and carrots for a delicious and nutritious dish. Go exotic with string beans and edamame.
Use Protein Alternatives:
Lo mein incorporates pork, chicken, or beef. If you want to make it vegetarian, try using tofu, tempeh, or beans for a delicious, protein-packed meal.
Try Different Sauces:
To make your dish flavorful, experiment with different sauces. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili garlic sauce are all great options.
Make It Flavorful:
Pungent sesame oil adds a nutty flavor. For a unique taste, experiment with five-spice powder. Try dark soy or low-sodium soy for other flavor profiles.
Save-Time:
Store-bought powdered or liquid pre-packaged sauce mixes are readily available. Frozen stir-fried vegetables or precut fresh vegetables reduce the prep time. Use them for quicker and easier preparation.
These alternative ingredients will help you make delicious lo mein at home. Just use plenty of vegetables, hearty proteins, and flavorful sauces.
Other Ingredients for Lo Mein
If you are looking for a way to make a delicious lo mein without relying on the same old ingredients, look no further! Here are great alternative ingredients to make a tasty lo mein at home.
Shiitake Mushrooms:
These earthy mushrooms are a great way to add flavor and texture. They are high in nutrients, and they provide a delicious umami flavor.
Bean Sprouts:
Bean sprouts are a source of fiber, protein, and vitamins. They add a crunchy texture and provide a mild flavor.
Experiment with Noodles:
Try different varieties of noodles. Ramen, thick spaghetti, rice noodles, or egg noodles are excellent choices.
Make Your Noodles:
To make an authentic lo mein, consider making your noodles. All you need is flour, salt, egg, and water. With a bit of practice, you can make perfect noodles. Find the recipe in How to Make Ramen Noodle Soup.
Asian Noodle Dishes
If you are anything like me, you love a good plate of lo mein. However, sometimes you want to switch things up and try something different. Luckily, many alternatives are delicious and satisfying.
Chow Mein:
Chow Mein is a classic Chinese dish similar to lo mein but with stir-fried noodles. They have a completely different texture. Give this dish a try if you want something with more crunch.
Pad Thai:
Pad Thai is becoming popular worldwide. This stir-fried noodle dish combines tofu, shrimp, or chicken. A garnish of crushed peanuts and cilantro tops finish the preparation. One taste and you will be a fan of Pad Thai!
Udon Noodles:
Thick, chewy udon noodles make a great alternative. They are commonly served in soups but can also be stir-fried. Combine them with veggies and protein for a hearty meal. Try them with some teriyaki sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Soba Noodles:
Soba noodles are thin, buckwheat noodles commonly used in Japanese cuisine. They have a nutty flavor and are a healthier alternative to Lo Mein. Mix them with some veggies and tofu for a wholesome meal.
Vegetable Stir Fry:
Skip the noodles altogether and try a vegetable stir fry. Mix and match your favorite veggies and protein for a healthy and satisfying meal. Be sure to use plenty of flavor-packed sauces like hoisin and soy sauce.
There are plenty of other delicious noodle dishes out there to try! If you are in the mood for something crunchy, nutty, or spicy, there is an option out there. Try one of these dishes and see if you find a new go-to dish.
Other Asian Recipes
I think Asian cuisine is delicious. If you agree, check out these other flavorful recipes. Try Homemade Bao Buns or Ramen Noodle Soup.
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