Lo mein, meaning "stir-fried noodles" in Chinese, is a beloved dish celebrated for its versatility and satisfying flavors. From simple home-cooked meals to elaborate restaurant offerings, lo mein boasts a vast array of variations, each showcasing unique regional ingredients and cooking techniques. The heart of any good lo mein lies in the perfectly cooked noodles – achieving that ideal balance of chewiness and tenderness is key. Whether you prefer a savory soy sauce base, a rich oyster sauce variation, or a spicy Sichuan kick, the possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize your lo mein to perfectly match your palate.
This recipe focuses on creating a classic, delicious lo mein that's both quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner. We'll guide you through the essential steps, from prepping the ingredients to achieving that signature wok-tossed texture. Ready to embark on a culinary journey to create your own perfect plate of lo mein? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide!
Tools Needed
- wok
- knife
- cutting board
- pot
- colander
Ingredients
- Lo Mein Noodles (or spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine): 1 pound
- Garden Onions
- Celery
- Carrots
- Bok Choy
- Minced Garlic
- Ginger
- Soy Sauce
- Mushroom Dark Soy Sauce
- Oyster Sauce
- Chicken Broth (or water/vegetable broth)
- White Pepper
- Sesame Oil
- Bamboo Shoots
- Green Onions
- Bean Sprouts (optional)
- Oil: a couple of tablespoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Noodles and Vegetables
- Cut lo mein noodles in half. Cook for 4-5 minutes, drain, and rinse with cold water. (Optional) Add a little oil to keep strands separated.
- cut garden onions, celery, carrots, and bok choy into matchstick-sized pieces.
Step 2. Make the Sauce and Stir-fry Vegetables
- Combine soy sauce, mushroom dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, white pepper, and sesame oil. Whisk well.
- Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add garden onions, minced garlic, and ginger; stir for 30 seconds.
- Increase heat to high. Add carrots, celery, and bok choy bottoms; stir constantly for 2 minutes.
- Add bamboo shoots; stir and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Step 3. Combine Noodles and Sauce
- Add bok choy tops and green onions. Add half of the noodles and half of the sauce; toss to combine.
- Repeat step 7 with the remaining noodles and sauce.
Step 4. Optional additions
- (Optional) Add bean sprouts to the second batch of lo mein.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Use whatever vegetables you have on hand!
- Mushroom dark soy sauce gives the lo mein a smoky flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your preference. Some recipes include sugar.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-800
- Fat: 20-35g
- Carbs: 80-110g
- Protein: 20-30g
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?
Yes! While egg noodles are traditional, you can experiment with other thin noodles like wheat noodles or even rice noodles, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. What if I don't have a wok?
No problem! A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan will work just fine. Just make sure it's big enough to allow the noodles to move freely while stir-frying.
There you have it – your delicious, homemade lo mein! This recipe is a fantastic starting point for culinary experimentation; feel free to adjust the vegetables and protein to your liking. Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying meal!