Chicken Lo Mein

Introduction:

Chicken Lo Mein is a beloved dish in Asian cuisine, known for its savory noodles, tender chicken, and colorful array of vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful sauce. This versatile and satisfying dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Asia in the comfort of your own home. In this article, we’ll explore the allure of Chicken Lo Mein, share a mouthwatering recipe, and offer insights on optimizing it for search engines.

Ingredients:

Lo Mein Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
•  tablespoon Oyster sauce or Hoisin sauce
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger or ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Chicken Stir Fry:

• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large chicken breasts cut into thin strips
• 8 ounces white button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms sliced
• 8 ounces Chinese noodles or lo mein noodles
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 medium carrots peeled and cut julienne
• 1 red bell pepper sliced thin
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage or Napa cabbage
• 4 green onions thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Set it aside for a few minutes.
2. Add a little olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until lightly browned. Flip the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Plate the chicken and work in batches if needed so you don’t crowd the pan.
3. Add a little more olive oil to the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden brown. Add them to the plate with the chicken and cover to keep warm.
4. Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of lightly salted water to boil. Cook the noodles al dente according to package instructions. Don’t overcook the noodles. Rinse and drain well.
5. If needed, add a little more olive oil to the skillet. Add the onion and carrots to the skillet over medium-high heat. Stir fry for 2 minutes, then add the bell pepper and stir fry for 2-3 minutes or until the veggies are crisp-tender. Plate the veggies and cover them loosely to keep them warm.
6. Add just a touch more oil and cook the cabbage for 2-3 minutes or just until it starts to wilt. Plate the cabbage with the other vegetables.
7. Reduce the heat on the skillet to medium-low. Whisk the sauce mixture that you set aside and add to the skillet, cooking until thickened while whisking frequently.
8. Add the chicken, veggies, and noodles to the skillet and toss to coat. Top with thinly sliced green onions and serve promptly.

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish for Presentation: Before serving Chicken Lo Mein, garnish it with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of cilantro for a pop of color and added flavor. This enhances the visual appeal of the dish and adds a touch of freshness.
2. Family-Style Serving: Consider serving Chicken Lo Mein family-style by placing the skillet or wok directly on the table. This allows everyone to serve themselves and creates a communal dining experience, perfect for gatherings or casual meals with loved ones.
3. Pair with Sides: Serve Chicken Lo Mein alongside traditional Asian side dishes such as egg rolls, spring rolls, or potstickers for a complete meal. You can also include a side of steamed rice or Asian-inspired salad to complement the flavors of the dish.
4. Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, portion the Chicken Lo Mein into individual serving bowls or plates before garnishing. This allows for neat and visually appealing servings, perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Chicken Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure that the noodles and vegetables are cooled completely before refrigerating to maintain their texture.
2. Freezing: While Chicken Lo Mein can be frozen, the texture of the noodles and vegetables may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze leftovers, store them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating: To reheat refrigerated or frozen Chicken Lo Mein, gently warm it in a skillet or microwave until heated through. If the noodles appear dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to moisten them while reheating. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
4. Reviving Flavor: If the flavors of the Chicken Lo Mein seem dull after refrigeration or freezing, you can freshen them up by adding a drizzle of soy sauce or sesame oil before reheating. This helps to enhance the savory flavors and bring the dish back to life.

FAQs:

1. Can I Use Different Proteins in Chicken Lo Mein? Absolutely! While chicken is the traditional protein used in Chicken Lo Mein, you can easily substitute it with other proteins such as beef, shrimp, pork, or tofu to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the protein you choose.

2. Can I Make Chicken Lo Mein Without Noodles? Yes, if you’re looking for a low-carb or gluten-free alternative, you can make Chicken Lo Mein without noodles. Simply replace the noodles with spiralized vegetables such as zucchini noodles (zoodles), carrot noodles, or cabbage slaw. Stir-fry the vegetables along with the chicken and sauce until tender-crisp.

3. How Do I Make Chicken Lo Mein Spicier? To add some heat to your Chicken Lo Mein, you can incorporate spicy ingredients such as chili paste, sriracha sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh sliced chili peppers. Adjust the amount of spicy ingredients to your desired level of heat, and add them during the cooking process to infuse the dish with flavor.

4. Can I Make Chicken Lo Mein Ahead of Time? Yes, you can prepare Chicken Lo Mein ahead of time for quick and convenient meals during the week. Cook the Chicken Lo Mein as directed, allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop as needed.

5. How Do I Prevent Chicken Lo Mein Noodles from Sticking Together? To prevent the noodles from sticking together while cooking, make sure to cook them in a large pot of boiling water with a generous amount of salt. Stir the noodles occasionally to prevent clumping, and avoid overcooking them to maintain their texture. After draining, rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and rinse off excess starch. Toss the noodles with a little oil to prevent them from sticking before adding them to the stir-fry.