Craving takeout but short on time and money? This 20-minute restaurant-style Chicken Lo Mein recipe is your answer! Forget the long waits and inflated prices; this recipe delivers authentic, delicious lo mein right to your kitchen table. We'll show you how to achieve that perfectly balanced savory-umami flavor profile, with tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles, all without sacrificing quality or ease. Using readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a satisfying weekend lunch.
This recipe simplifies the process of creating restaurant-quality lo mein, breaking down the seemingly complex dish into easy-to-follow steps. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this surprisingly simple yet unbelievably flavorful meal. Ready to get started? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Wok
Ingredients
- Chicken breast
- Garlic cloves
- Ginger
- Salt: 1/3 teaspoon
- Chinese cooking wine: 1/2 tablespoon
- Black pepper: to taste
- Baking soda: 1/3 teaspoon
- Carrot
- Bell pepper: 1/2
- Mushrooms
- Snow peas
- Scallions
- Soy sauce: 1 1/2 tablespoons
- Dark soy sauce: 1 1/2 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Hoisin sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Peanut butter: 1/2 tablespoon
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Fresh lo mein noodles (or pasta)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Marinate Chicken
- Boil a pot of water for the noodles.
- Slice chicken thinly and place in a bowl.
- Add thinly sliced garlic and julienned or grated ginger to the chicken.
- Season chicken with salt, Chinese cooking wine, black pepper, and baking soda. Mix well.
- Prepare vegetables (carrot, bell pepper, mushrooms, snow peas, scallions).
- Combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and peanut butter.
Step 2. Cook Noodles and Chicken
- Cook noodles until 80% done.
- Stir-fry chicken over high heat until browned.
Step 3. Stir-fry Vegetables and Combine
- Add vegetables (except scallions) and stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Add cooked noodles and sauce to the wok. Stir well over medium heat until sauce thickens.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add scallions and stir.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Using baking soda tenderizes the chicken.
- Pre-cut vegetables can save time.
- Peanut butter makes the sauce creamier and thicker.
- Don't overcook the noodles; finish them in the wok with the sauce.
- Lo mein noodles should be slightly saucy, unlike stir-fried noodles which should be dry.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-700
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbs: 70-80g
- Protein: 35-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of noodles?
Yes! While this recipe uses egg noodles, you can substitute with other thin noodles like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. What can I do if I don't have all the vegetables listed?
No problem! Feel free to substitute with your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, snow peas, and mushrooms all work well. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
Enjoy your delicious and authentic restaurant-style Chicken Lo Mein! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend meal. Now go forth and conquer your craving for takeout – all from the comfort of your own kitchen!