Recipes Lo Mein

Lo Mein is a popular Chinese dish known for its delicious, savory flavors and versatility. Traditionally made with egg noodles, Lo Mein is stir-fried with a variety of vegetables, proteins, and a rich sauce. This dish is a staple in many Chinese households and restaurants, offering a quick and satisfying meal that can be easily customized to suit individual tastes.

Ingredients

To prepare Lo Mein, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Noodles:

• 8 oz (225g) egg noodles or spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for boiling the noodles)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 8 oz (225g) chicken breast or tofu, sliced thinly (optional for protein)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth

Preparation and Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil a large pot of water and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
2. Add the egg noodles or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. If using protein, add the sliced chicken or tofu and cook until fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, white pepper, and chicken or vegetable broth.
2. Pour the sauce over the stir-fried vegetables and protein, stirring well to combine.

Step 4: Combine Noodles with Stir-Fry

1. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet or wok with the vegetables and sauce.
2. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the Lo Mein from heat and transfer it to serving plates or bowls.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips

• Noodle Selection: While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute with spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles for different textures.
• Protein Variations: Lo Mein can be made with chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or even a mix of seafood for a more luxurious dish.
• Vegetable Choices: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bok choy depending on your preference.
• Sauce Adjustments: Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by adding more sugar or soy sauce to taste.
• Meal Prep: Lo Mein is great for meal prepping. Prepare in bulk and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Variations

• Spicy Lo Mein: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Lo Mein: Skip the protein or use tofu and load up on a variety of vegetables.
• Shrimp Lo Mein: Use shrimp as the main protein, cooking it first until pink and then setting it aside before stir-frying the vegetables.

Calorie Information

The calorie content of Lo Mein can vary depending on the ingredients used and portion sizes. On average:

• A serving of Lo Mein (approximately 1.5 cups) contains around 400-500 calories.
• Calories can be reduced by using less oil, opting for lean proteins like chicken or tofu, and increasing the vegetable content.

Conclusion

Lo Mein is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, Lo Mein offers a satisfying, well-balanced meal that’s easy to make at home. By experimenting with different proteins, vegetables, and sauces, you can create endless variations of this classic dish that will keep your taste buds happy and your body nourished.