Introduction
Enjoying a delicious bowl of Lo Mein is a culinary experience that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine right to your home. This recipe combines savory sauces, fresh vegetables, and tender ramen noodles to create a satisfying dish that can be easily customized to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish to serve guests, this Lo Mein recipe fits the bill. Let’s dive into the ingredients and directions that will guide you to a flavorful masterpiece.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (substitute regular soy sauce if needed)
– 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (substitute regular soy sauce if needed)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Lo Mein:
– 4–6 ounces uncooked ramen noodles
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 3 green onions, chopped (separate green parts from white parts)
– 2–3 cups julienne-cut or chopped vegetables such as carrots, red peppers, cabbage, bok choy, mushrooms, or broccoli
– 1–2 tablespoons mirin
Prep Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
This Lo Mein recipe is perfect for those looking to whip up something quick yet delicious. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delightful meal ready in no time. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
Combine the dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in a jar. Secure the lid and shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Cook the Noodles
Follow the package instructions for cooking the ramen noodles. Once they are cooked to your liking, drain them and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the chopped green onions along with your choice of julienne-cut or chopped vegetables. Stir-fry these ingredients until they are fork-tender, which should take approximately 5 minutes.
Deglaze the Pan
Pour 1–2 tablespoons of mirin into the pan to deglaze, using a spatula to loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom for added flavor.
Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add the cooked ramen noodles to the pan, along with about half of the prepared sauce. Toss all ingredients together in the hot pan until they are well combined. If necessary, add more sauce to achieve a medium brown color on the noodles.
Serve
Serve the lo mein by dishing it out onto plates or in bowls. Garnish each serving with the remaining green parts of the chopped green onions.
Notes
Ensure that the vegetables you choose are fresh and cut uniformly for even cooking. Adjust the amount of mirin and sauce according to your taste preferences. If using regular soy sauce as a substitute, the flavor may vary slightly, so adjust the sugar to balance if needed.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Sauce
To prepare the sauce, combine dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in a jar. Shake well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed for balanced flavor.
Cooking the Noodles
Follow the specific package instructions for the ramen noodles you are using. Usually, this involves boiling the noodles until al dente, then draining them and setting them aside.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables
Heat sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the green onions and your choice of vegetables. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Deglazing the Pan
To deglaze the pan, pour in mirin while scraping any browned bits from the bottom. This enriches the dish with additional flavor.
Combining Noodles and Sauce
Add the cooked noodles to the stir-fried vegetables and drizzle in half of the prepared sauce. Toss everything in the hot pan to ensure even coating, adding more sauce if necessary for desired color.
Serving the Dish
Portion the lo mein onto plates and garnish with the remaining green parts of the green onions for a fresh touch.
FAQ
Can I substitute regular soy sauce for dark soy sauce?
Yes, you can substitute regular soy sauce for dark soy sauce in the recipe, although the flavor and color may be slightly different.
What vegetables are best for lo mein?
You can use a variety of vegetables such as carrots, red peppers, cabbage, bok choy, mushrooms, or broccoli, depending on your preference.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free noodles such as rice noodles or gluten-free ramen.
Can I add protein to this lo mein recipe?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or any preferred protein to make the dish heartier.
How can I adjust the spice level of the dish?
To adjust the spice level, consider adding chili oil or fresh chili peppers while stir-frying the vegetables.
Conclusion
This lo mein recipe is a versatile and flavorful dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful meal for guests. The combination of textures and flavors from the fresh vegetables, savory sauce, and tender noodles creates a comforting plate that can be customized to suit personal preferences. Enjoy exploring what ingredients you have on hand and make this dish your own.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Use the same sauce ingredients to stir-fry a mix of your favorite vegetables such as snow peas, bell peppers, and baby corn for a quick and nutritious meal.
Chicken Lo Mein
Add sliced chicken breast to the stir-fried vegetables for a protein-rich version of lo mein that still retains all the delicious flavors of the original recipe.
Tofu Stir-Fry
For a vegetarian option, substitute cooked tofu for the noodles. Stir-fry tofu with the vegetables and sauce for a hearty dish packed with plant-based protein.
Shrimp and Broccoli Noodles
Incorporate shrimp along with steamed broccoli to give the lo mein a delightful seafood twist.
Spicy Variation
Add a teaspoon of chili paste or flakes to the sauce for a spicy rendition that brings an extra kick to your lo mein.
Peanut Noodles
Mix in some peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy, nutty flavor. Serve with sliced cucumber and carrots for added crunch.
