Introduction to Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
What is Chicken Lo Mein?
Chicken Lo Mein is a popular Chinese dish that features tender chicken and soft noodles tossed together with colorful vegetables. The dish is known for its savory flavor, which comes from a blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Lo Mein noodles are typically made from wheat flour, giving them a chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a favorite for family dinners and gatherings.
Why You Should Try This Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
There are many reasons to try this Chicken Lo Mein recipe. First, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful meal on the table. Second, this recipe is highly customizable. You can add your favorite vegetables or even switch out the chicken for another protein, like shrimp or tofu. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies in your fridge!
Moreover, this Chicken Lo Mein recipe is packed with nutrients. The combination of chicken and vegetables provides a good source of protein and vitamins. Lastly, it’s a dish that everyone in the family will love. With its delightful flavors and satisfying textures, Chicken Lo Mein is sure to become a staple in your home. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal!
Ingredients for Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Essential Ingredients
To create a mouthwatering Chicken Lo Mein, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. These ingredients come together to create a delightful dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breast: 500 grams, thinly sliced. This is the main protein source that adds richness to the dish.
- Lo mein noodles: 250 grams (or 8 oz). These soft noodles are the heart of the meal, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Soy sauce: 4 tablespoons. This adds a savory depth to the dish.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Garlic brings a wonderful aroma and taste.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced. Ginger adds a zesty kick that complements the chicken.
- Bell peppers: 1 cup, sliced. Choose any color for a vibrant look and taste.
- Carrots: 1 cup, julienned. Carrots add sweetness and crunch.
- Green onions: 1/2 cup, chopped. These provide a fresh finish to the dish.
- Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons. This oil adds a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (for cooking). This is used for stir-frying the ingredients.
- Salt and pepper: to taste. These seasonings help balance the flavors.
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
If you want to elevate your Chicken Lo Mein, consider adding some optional ingredients. These can enhance the dish and make it even more delicious:
- Oyster sauce: A splash can add a rich umami flavor.
- Hoisin sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce can give your dish a unique twist.
- Broccoli: Adding a cup of broccoli florets can boost the nutritional value.
- Snow peas: These add a nice crunch and sweetness.
- Bean sprouts: Tossing in some bean sprouts at the end can add freshness and texture.
Feel free to mix and match these ingredients based on your taste preferences. The beauty of this Chicken Lo Mein recipe is its flexibility, allowing you to create a dish that suits your palate perfectly!
Step-by-Step Preparation of Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
To start, you need to prepare the chicken. Take 500 grams of chicken breast and slice it thinly. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly. In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is coated. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it infuses the chicken with flavor, making your Chicken Lo Mein even tastier!
Step 2: Cooking the Noodles
Next, it’s time to cook the lo mein noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 250 grams of lo mein noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. After cooking, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents them from becoming mushy. Set the noodles aside for later use.
Step 3: Stir-Frying the Vegetables
Now, let’s stir-fry the vegetables! In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add 1 cup of sliced bell peppers and 1 cup of julienned carrots. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crisp, adding a nice texture to your dish.
Step 4: Combining Ingredients
After the vegetables are cooked, it’s time to combine everything. Return the marinated chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink. Then, add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet. Pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Toss everything together gently for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the noodles to soak up all the delicious flavors from the chicken and vegetables.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serving
Finally, it’s time for the finishing touches! Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped green onions and cook for an additional minute. This adds a fresh flavor to your Chicken Lo Mein. Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your Chicken Lo Mein hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this delightful dish!
FAQs about Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Can I use other proteins in the Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! One of the great things about Chicken Lo Mein is its versatility. You can easily swap out chicken for other proteins. Shrimp, beef, or tofu are excellent alternatives. Each protein brings its own unique flavor and texture to the dish. If you choose shrimp, just be sure to cook them until they turn pink and opaque. For beef, thinly sliced flank steak works well. Tofu can be cubed and sautéed until golden for a delicious vegetarian option. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite protein combination!
How can I make Chicken Lo Mein Recipe healthier?
Making your Chicken Lo Mein healthier is simple! Start by using whole wheat or rice noodles instead of regular lo mein noodles. This adds more fiber to your meal. You can also increase the amount of vegetables you include. Adding broccoli, spinach, or snap peas not only boosts nutrition but also adds color and crunch. Additionally, consider using low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content. Lastly, you can use less oil when stir-frying or opt for a non-stick pan to cut down on fat. These small changes can make a big difference in the healthiness of your dish!
What can I serve with Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
Chicken Lo Mein is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience by serving it with a few side dishes. Consider pairing it with a light soup, like hot and sour soup or egg drop soup, for a warm starter. You could also serve a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar for a refreshing contrast. If you want to add a bit of crunch, spring rolls or dumplings make great appetizers. These sides complement the flavors of Chicken Lo Mein and create a delightful meal!
How do I store leftovers from Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
Storing leftovers from your Chicken Lo Mein is easy! Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If the noodles seem dry, you can add a splash of water or soy sauce to help revive them. Enjoy your delicious leftovers without losing any flavor!
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Chicken Lo Mein Recipe: Discover Quick, Delicious Tips!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and delicious Chicken Lo Mein recipe featuring tender chicken, soft noodles, and colorful vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: 500 grams, thinly sliced
- Lo mein noodles: 250 grams (or 8 oz)
- Soy sauce: 4 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced
- Bell peppers: 1 cup, sliced
- Carrots: 1 cup, julienned
- Green onions: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by slicing it thinly and marinating with soy sauce, salt, and pepper for 15 minutes.
- Cook the lo mein noodles in boiling water according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Stir-fry minced garlic and ginger in vegetable oil until fragrant, then add sliced bell peppers and julienned carrots, cooking until tender-crisp.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir-fry until fully cooked, then mix in the cooked lo mein noodles, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Stir in chopped green onions and cook for an additional minute before serving hot.
Notes
- Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat or rice noodles.
- Don’t skip the marination step for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chicken Lo Mein, Chinese recipe, quick dinner, stir-fry