Chicken Lo Mein is a classic Chinese dish that has won hearts around the world with its savory, tangy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles. It is the epitome of comfort food – quick to make, full of flavor, and easily customizable to suit your taste. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to make this beloved dish from scratch. We’ll dive into the history of Lo Mein, the key ingredients, and the step-by-step process to make the perfect chicken Lo Mein. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you will find everything you need to recreate this flavorful dish right in your kitchen.
The History and Origins of Lo Mein
Lo Mein is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that has been around for centuries. Its name comes from the Cantonese words “lo” (meaning “stirred”) and “mein” (meaning “noodles”), which perfectly describes the method of preparing the dish – stir-frying cooked noodles with a variety of ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and savory sauces.
The origins of Lo Mein can be traced to ancient China, where noodles have been a staple in the diet for thousands of years. While Lo Mein is a Cantonese dish, it has become a favorite in Chinese-American cuisine and is widely served in Chinese restaurants around the world. Over time, variations of Lo Mein have emerged, with different proteins, vegetables, and sauces, but the basic concept of stir-frying noodles with flavorful ingredients remains the same.
Though Lo Mein is often compared to Chow Mein, the main difference lies in the noodles and the cooking method. Lo Mein noodles are soft and chewy, and they are typically boiled before stir-frying. Chow Mein, on the other hand, uses crispy noodles that are stir-fried until they are golden brown. Despite these differences, both dishes are delicious and showcase the versatility of noodles in Chinese cooking.
The Key Ingredients in Chicken Lo Mein
Making Chicken Lo Mein involves simple ingredients that can be easily found at most grocery stores or Asian markets. While the recipe is highly adaptable, here are the key components you will need:
Chicken
The star of the dish is tender, juicy chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for Lo Mein because they are easy to slice thinly and cook quickly. Chicken thighs are slightly more flavorful and tender compared to chicken breasts, but either cut can be used depending on personal preference. The chicken is typically marinated before being cooked to enhance its flavor and tenderness.
Noodles
Lo Mein noodles are soft, wheat-based noodles that are available at most grocery stores or Asian markets. They are usually labeled as “fresh egg noodles” or “Lo Mein noodles.” You can also use other types of noodles, such as spaghetti or soba, if Lo Mein noodles are not available. However, the chewy texture of Lo Mein noodles is what gives the dish its authentic taste.
If you are making Lo Mein at home, you can cook the noodles according to the package instructions before stir-frying them. Alternatively, you can use pre-cooked fresh noodles, which will save you time in the kitchen.
Vegetables
A variety of vegetables are typically added to Chicken Lo Mein to give the dish color, texture, and nutrition. Common vegetables in Lo Mein include:
- Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) for sweetness and crunch.
- Carrots for a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Snow peas or sugar snap peas for a crisp, refreshing texture.
- Onions for a savory depth of flavor.
- Mushrooms (shiitake, button, or cremini) for earthy flavors.
- Broccoli for its slight bitterness and texture.
You can customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. The key is to include a variety of colors and textures to make the dish visually appealing and balanced.
Sauce
The sauce is what brings all the ingredients together and gives Chicken Lo Mein its signature flavor. The sauce typically includes the following components:
Soy sauce: The base of the sauce, providing saltiness and umami.
Oyster sauce: Adds richness and depth, with a slightly sweet and savory flavor.
Sesame oil: Imparts a nutty aroma and flavor, elevating the dish.
Hoisin sauce: A slightly sweet sauce that adds complexity.
Rice vinegar: Adds acidity to balance out the richness of the sauce.
Sugar: Balances out the savory and tangy flavors, providing a touch of sweetness.
Garlic and ginger: Adds aromatic depth and warmth to the dish.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish.
Together, these ingredients create a savory, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce that coats the noodles and chicken, making every bite flavorful.
Additional Ingredients
In addition to the main ingredients, you can add other flavorings to enhance the dish:
- Chili paste or sriracha for heat.
- Green onions for garnish and freshness.
- Sesame seeds for an extra crunch and flavor.
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve covered the essential ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making Chicken Lo Mein from start to finish. This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients for Chicken Lo Mein
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for marinating the chicken)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for marinating the chicken)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas
- 1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 8 oz (225g) Lo Mein noodles, cooked
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (to dissolve the cornstarch)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken. Slice the chicken breasts or thighs into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick. Place the chicken in a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10-15 minutes to tenderize and absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Slice the onion, bell pepper, and carrot into thin strips. Cut the mushrooms into slices, and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Have everything ready before you start stir-frying.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sugar. In a separate bowl, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch in 1 tablespoon water. Add this cornstarch mixture to the sauce to thicken it slightly. Set the sauce mixture aside.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir-fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the onion, bell pepper, carrot, snow peas, mushrooms, and broccoli to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp and vibrant in color.
Step 6: Combine the Chicken and Noodles
Add the cooked chicken back to the pan with the vegetables. Stir well to combine. Next, add the cooked Lo Mein noodles to the pan, gently tossing them with the chicken and vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss everything together to coat the noodles and ingredients evenly with the sauce. Let the noodles cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once the Chicken Lo Mein is ready, serve it hot with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish. Enjoy your flavorful, homemade dish!
Tips and Variations for Chicken Lo Mein
Use Fresh Noodles
For the best texture, use fresh Lo Mein noodles, as they are softer and more authentic than dry noodles. However, dry spaghetti or other noodles can also be used as a substitute if needed.
Customize with Vegetables
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge. Baby corn, cabbage, bok choy, or zucchini are all great additions to Chicken Lo Mein.
Make It Spicy
If you like your Lo Mein with a bit of heat, add some chili paste, sriracha, or fresh chili peppers to the sauce. Adjust the level of spice to suit your taste.
Add Tofu or Shrimp
For a different protein, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice, delicate flavor to the dish, while tofu provides a vegetarian option that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Gluten-Free Option
To make this dish gluten-free, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free hoisin sauce. You can also substitute the Lo Mein noodles with gluten-free rice noodles.
Conclusion
Chicken Lo Mein is a satisfying, versatile dish that is perfect for anyone craving a delicious, homemade Chinese meal. With its tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and savory sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy an authentic, flavorful dish that rivals any takeout. So gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and indulge in the goodness of Chicken Lo Mein!
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