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Chicken lo mein is a beloved Chinese-American dish renowned for its savory flavors and comforting appeal. Tender chicken slices, crisp vegetables such as cabbage and carrots are stir-fried to perfection. Combined with chewy egg noodles, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. The dish is elevated with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Infusing every bite with a rich umami taste. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful indulgence, chicken lo mein offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that is sure to satisfy cravings and leave diners wanting more.
What type of noodles to use in Lo Mein
This really depends on your personal preference but here is what I suggest. Either Lo Mein or Yau Mein. Yau mein and lo mein are both types of Chinese noodles, but they differ in several key aspects:
- Ingredients: Yau mein noodles are made from wheat flour, water, and eggs, giving them a yellowish hue and a slightly chewy texture. Lo mein noodles can vary in composition but are typically made from wheat flour and water, without eggs.
- Texture: Yau mein noodles are generally thicker and chewier compared to lo mein noodles, which tend to be thinner and softer.
- Preparation: Yau mein noodles are often used in soups and stir-fries, where their chewy texture holds up well to cooking. Lo mein noodles, on the other hand, are typically boiled or steamed and then stir-fried with ingredients such as vegetables, meat, and sauce.
- Flavor: Due to their egg content, yau mein noodles have a richer flavor compared to lo mein noodles. Lo mein have a more neutral taste and readily absorb the flavors of the ingredients they are cooked with.
In summary, while both yau mein and lo mein are types of Chinese noodles, they differ in ingredients, texture, preparation, and flavor, making them suitable for different types of dishes and culinary applications. I grew up with the flavor and texture of yau mein which is why I recommend that instead.
Important ingredients in Chicken Lo Mein
In terms of vegetables, there aren’t too make “important” ingredients, just things that I enjoy putting in mine.
- Noodles: These wheat noodles are the foundation of the dish, providing a hearty base for the other ingredients. They are often available fresh or dried and can be found in Asian grocery stores or the international aisle of supermarkets. Refer to the paragraph above for my choice of noodles.
- Protein: Common protein choices include thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs, beef, shrimp, pork, tofu, or a combination of these. The protein is marinated for flavor before cooking.
- Vegetables: A variety of vegetables can be used in lo mein, such as sliced cabbage, carrots, garlic, and spring onions. These add color, texture, and nutrition to the dish.
- Sauce: The sauce is a crucial component of lo mein, providing flavor and moisture to the dish. It typically includes a combination of light and dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and corn starch.
- Oil: Vegetable oil or sesame oil is used for stir-frying the ingredients. It helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and sometimes sugar are used to season the dish to taste.
- Garnishes (Optional): Thinly sliced green onions or sesame seeds,can be used as garnishes to add visual appeal and freshness to the finished dish.
By combining these ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying lo mein dish that’s perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Adjust the quantities and ingredients according to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients
Chicken ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1½ tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp white pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp corn starch
Noodles/vegetables
- 400 g yau mein or lo mein
- 1 cup chopped cabbage
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 3 spring onions
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp oil as needed
Sauce
- 1½ tbsp regular soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- ½ tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1½ tbsp water
- ½ tbsp sugar
- ½ tbsp corn starch
Instructions
Chicken
- Cut chicken into 1 inch pieces.1 lb chicken thighs
- Season chicken with soy sauce, white pepper, salt, and corn starch, mix well1½ tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp white pepper, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp corn starch
- Into a high heat wok, add 1 tbsp oil and sear until cooked through, set aside.
Noodles/vegetables
- Mix together all sauce ingredients into a bowl.1½ tbsp regular soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, ½ tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1½ tbsp water, ½ tbsp sugar, ½ tbsp corn starch
- Cook yau mein or lo mein according to package instructions.400 g yau mein or lo mein
- Add boiling water into yau mein noodles for 1 minute, strain and set aside.
- Into a hot wok, add 1 tbsp of oil, begin to sautee cabbage, carrots, whites of green onion, and garlic. 30 seconds.1 cup chopped cabbage, 1 cup chopped carrots, 3 spring onions, 4 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp oil as needed
- Add strained noodles along with the pre mixed sauce and chicken.
- Continue to toss until sauce has thickened, noodles are cooked, and everything is mixed well.
- Finished with greens of spring onions.
