Lo Mein Recipe
Are you ready to indulge in a savory bowl of lo mein? This classic dish is a delightful mix of stir-fried noodles, crunchy vegetables, and your choice of protein, all tossed in a rich soy-based sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this lo mein recipe is not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this beloved favorite!
Ingredients
Here is the list of ingredients:
– 8 oz lo mein noodles
– 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
– 1 cup snap peas
– 1 cup carrots, julienned
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Sesame seeds for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 10 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1/4 of the recipe):
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 10g
– Carbohydrates: 52g
– Fat: 12g
– Fiber: 4g
This nutritional information is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Toss in the sliced bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. Add cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet.
6. Drizzle soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) over the noodles.
7. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
8. Add sesame oil and mix until well incorporated.
9. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily customize this lo mein recipe by substituting the vegetables with your favorites, such as broccoli or mushrooms. Additionally, you can replace the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option or use tofu for a vegetarian protein source.
Serving and Pairings
Lo mein pairs wonderfully with a side of spring rolls or dumplings. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some crispy fried wontons for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent sticking. This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the noodles may change upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the noodles can make them mushy.
- Not preheating the skillet properly can lead to uneven cooking.
- Skipping the sesame oil will reduce flavor.
- Using too much sauce can make the dish overly salty.
- Not stirring frequently can cause ingredients to stick to the pan.
Helpful Tips
- Prep all ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process.
- Use a wok for best results; it distributes heat evenly.
- Experiment with different proteins like chicken or shrimp.
- For extra crunch, add nuts like cashews or peanuts.
FAQs
What type of noodles can I use for lo mein?
You can use fresh lo mein noodles or dried egg noodles. If you can’t find lo mein noodles, spaghetti can be a suitable substitute, though it may alter the dish’s authenticity slightly.
Can I make lo mein vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit any meat and use vegetables or tofu as your main protein source. Adjust the sauces to ensure a flavorful dish.
How can I make lo mein spicy?
To add some heat, include sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili oil during cooking. You can also serve it with Sriracha on the side for those who like it spicy.
Is lo mein healthy?
Lo mein can be healthy, especially when loaded with vegetables and lean proteins. You can also control the amount of sauce to reduce sodium content.
Can I meal prep lo mein?
Yes, lo mein is great for meal prep! Just store it in individual containers and reheat as needed. Make sure to undercook the vegetables slightly for better texture after reheating.
Conclusion
This lo mein recipe is a fantastic way to bring a taste of Chinese cuisine into your kitchen. With its quick preparation and adaptability, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the satisfaction of homemade noodles!
Lo Mein Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 cup bell peppers sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup carrots julienned
- 2 green onions chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce optional
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the sliced bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet.
- Drizzle soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) over the noodles.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add sesame oil and mix until well incorporated.
- Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
