EASY CHICKEN LO MEIN RECIPE

I can still picture my college dorm room, the scent of instant noodles usually dominating the air, but every now and then, we’d pool our meager funds and order a mountain of takeout, always including a generous portion of Chicken Lo Mein, a true comfort food for broke students. Now, years later, I’ve perfected my own version, and I promise you, it’s even better than those late-night deliveries, and you’ll nail it on your first try!

Let’s Make Amazing Chicken Lo Mein!

Hey there, friend! I’m so excited you’re diving into the world of homemade Chicken Lo Mein. Seriously, this isn’t just a recipe; it’s a journey to deliciousness. I know that takeout is tempting, but trust me, once you taste the fresh, vibrant flavors of this homemade version, you’ll be hooked. And the best part? You have complete control over the ingredients, making it healthier and tailored exactly to your liking.

This recipe is designed to be approachable, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. I’ll walk you through each step, sharing tips and tricks along the way to ensure your success. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

First things first, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand; feel free to substitute or adjust based on what you have available. That’s the beauty of cooking – making it your own!

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces. I prefer thighs for their extra flavor and moisture, but breasts work great too.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Low-sodium is always a good choice.
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar: Adds a touch of tanginess. If you don’t have it, a splash of dry sherry or even apple cider vinegar will do in a pinch.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch: This helps to tenderize the chicken and thicken the sauce later.
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: A little goes a long way! This adds a nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Pinch of white pepper: Optional, but adds a subtle warmth.

For the Lo Mein Noodles:

• 1 pound fresh or dried lo mein noodles: Fresh is fantastic if you can find it, but dried works perfectly well. Just be sure to cook them according to the package directions. Egg noodles can also be used if you can’t find lo mein noodles.

For the Vegetables:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For stir-frying.
• 1 onion: Sliced.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced.
• 1 inch ginger: Minced. Fresh ginger is key for that authentic flavor!
• 1 cup sliced carrots: Adds sweetness and crunch.
• 1 cup sliced celery: Another great source of crunch.
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms all work well.
• 1 cup shredded cabbage: Adds bulk and texture.
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions: For garnish.
• Optional vegetables: Bean sprouts, bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli – the possibilities are endless!

For the Lo Mein Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce: Again, low-sodium is recommended.
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: This adds a rich, savory flavor. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the saltiness and adds a touch of sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: For that nutty aroma.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: To thicken the sauce.
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water: To thin the sauce to the right consistency.
• 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar: For a touch of tang.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: For extra ginger flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper: Optional, but adds a subtle warmth.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Cooking Time!

Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients; the process is actually quite simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a steaming plate of Chicken Lo Mein in no time.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and white pepper (if using). Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for tender and flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

While the chicken is marinating, cook the lo mein noodles according to the package directions. Be careful not to overcook them; you want them to be al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss them with a little sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, chicken broth (or water), rice wine vinegar, ground ginger, and white pepper (if using). Set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Add the onion, garlic, and ginger to the wok and stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, add the carrots, celery, and mushrooms and stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes, until they’re slightly softened. Finally, add the cabbage and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until it’s wilted.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Pour in the sauce and bring it to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Add the cooked noodles and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Lo Mein!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Lo Mein

Okay, friend, let’s talk about some insider tips that will take your Chicken Lo Mein to the next level. These are the little things I’ve learned over the years that make a big difference.

• Don’t overcrowd the wok: Stir-frying works best when the ingredients have enough space to move around. If you’re making a large batch, cook the chicken and vegetables in batches.
• Use high heat: High heat is essential for stir-frying. It helps to create that characteristic “wok hei” – a slightly smoky flavor that’s unique to stir-fried dishes.
• Prepare your ingredients in advance: This is called “mise en place” in the culinary world. Having everything chopped, measured, and ready to go will make the cooking process much smoother.
• Adjust the sauce to your liking: Feel free to add more or less of any ingredient to customize the sauce to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Add protein: Instead of chicken, you can use shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Leftovers are your friend: Chicken Lo Mein is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.

Variations and Adaptations

Now that you’ve mastered the basic Chicken Lo Mein recipe, let’s explore some variations and adaptations. This is where you can really get creative and make the dish your own!

• Spicy Chicken Lo Mein: Add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Lo Mein: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables, such as tofu, broccoli, and snow peas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the sauce.
• Shrimp Lo Mein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp. Cook the shrimp in the same way as the chicken, but for a shorter time, about 2-3 minutes, until they’re pink and cooked through.
• Beef Lo Mein: Substitute the chicken with thinly sliced beef steak. Marinate the beef in the same way as the chicken and cook it for about 3-5 minutes, until it’s browned.
• Add peanuts: Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the finished dish for added crunch and flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Chicken Lo Mein is a complete meal in itself, but it’s also delicious served as a side dish. Here are some serving suggestions and pairings:

• As a main course: Serve Chicken Lo Mein with a side of Bang Bang Chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
• As a side dish: Serve Chicken Lo Mein alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
• With appetizers: Serve Chicken Lo Mein with spring rolls, egg rolls, or dumplings.
• With soup: Serve Chicken Lo Mein with a bowl of wonton soup or egg drop soup.

For a fun twist, consider trying Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ultimate. It’s a different flavor profile but equally satisfying and comforting!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best recipes, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some common issues you might encounter when making Chicken Lo Mein, and how to fix them:

• Noodles are sticky: Make sure to rinse the noodles with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process. Toss them with a little sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together.
• Sauce is too thick: Add more chicken broth or water to thin the sauce.
• Sauce is too thin: Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
• Chicken is dry: Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. Don’t overcook the chicken; cook it until it’s just cooked through.
• Vegetables are soggy: Don’t overcrowd the wok. Stir-fry the vegetables in batches to ensure they cook evenly and don’t become soggy.

The History and Origins of Lo Mein

Lo mein is a Chinese dish consisting of wheat noodles tossed with vegetables and meat or seafood. The name “lo mein” literally means “tossed noodles” in Cantonese. It’s believed to have originated in southern China, but it has become a popular dish in Chinese restaurants around the world, often adapted to local tastes. In the United States, Chicken Lo Mein is a staple of Chinese takeout menus, and it’s often made with Americanized ingredients and flavors.

Why Make Lo Mein at Home?

While takeout is convenient, making Chicken Lo Mein at home offers several advantages:

• Control over ingredients: You can use fresh, high-quality ingredients and avoid MSG and other additives.
• Customization: You can adjust the flavors and ingredients to your liking.
• Healthier option: You can use low-sodium soy sauce, lean protein, and plenty of vegetables.
• Cost-effective: Making Chicken Lo Mein at home is often cheaper than ordering takeout.
• Satisfying: There’s nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment that comes from making a delicious meal from scratch.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Lo Mein Love!

So, there you have it – everything you need to know to make amazing Chicken Lo Mein at home. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and discover the joy of homemade Chinese food. Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and having fun. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish your own. And most importantly, enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Happy cooking, my friend! I know you’ll create a Lo Mein masterpiece!