Introduction
Lo Mein is a delightful dish that combines stir-fried noodles with a medley of colorful vegetables, all enveloped in a savory sauce. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with your culinary skills, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you can create a flavorful meal in no time.
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)
– 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 clove garlic, grated (optional)
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 julienned or chopped vegetables (e.g., carrots, red peppers, cabbage, bok choy, mushrooms, broccoli)
– 1–2 tablespoons mirin
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 2-3 people
With these ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you will have a delicious Lo Mein ready to serve in no time. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
Combine all sauce ingredients in a jar and shake well to mix until fully incorporated. Set aside.
Cook the Noodles
Follow the package instructions to cook the ramen noodles. Once they are done, drain them in a colander and set aside to cool slightly.
Stir-Fry 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 the julienned or chopped vegetables. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are fork-tender but still crisp.
Deglaze the Pan
Pour in 1–2 tablespoons of mirin to the pan, using a wooden spoon to gently scrape the browned bits from the bottom, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add the cooked noodles to the stir-fried vegetables along with half of the prepared sauce. Toss everything together to evenly coat the noodles and vegetables. If necessary, add more sauce to achieve a medium brown color on the noodles.
Serve
Dish out the lo mein onto serving plates or bowls and garnish with the remaining green parts of the chopped green onions. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to use any combination of vegetables based on your preference or what you have available.
Adjusting Flavor
If you’d like the dish to be sweeter, consider adding an extra teaspoon of sugar to the sauce.
Protein Additions
For added protein, you can sauté cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu along with the vegetables before adding the noodles.
Storage
Leftover lo mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Sauce
Combine dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and grated garlic in a jar. Shake well until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
Cooking the Noodles
Follow the package instructions to cook the uncooked ramen noodles until they are tender. Drain the water and set the noodles aside.
Stir-Frying Vegetables
Heat sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the white parts of chopped green onions along with julienned or chopped vegetables for about 5 minutes until they are tender.
Deglazing the Pan
Pour 1–2 tablespoons of mirin into the pan to loosen any browned bits from the bottom, enhancing the flavor of the stir-fried mixture.
Combining Noodles and Sauce
Add the cooked noodles to the stir-fried vegetables along with half of the prepared sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and the noodles achieve a medium brown color.
Serving the Dish
Dish out the lo mein and garnish it with the remaining green parts of the green onions for added flavor and presentation.
FAQ
Can I substitute light and dark soy sauce with regular soy sauce?
Yes, you can substitute both light and dark soy sauce with regular soy sauce, though the flavor may differ slightly.
What other vegetables can I use in this lo mein recipe?
You can use a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas, or any seasonal vegetables you prefer.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply ensure that the oyster sauce you use is vegetarian or substitute it with a mushroom-based sauce.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Can I add protein to this lo mein?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu to make the dish more filling. Just stir-fry the protein before adding the vegetables.
Conclusion
This delicious lo mein recipe combining a flavorful sauce with vibrant vegetables and tender noodles makes for a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. With slight variations, it can be tailored to suit personal tastes or dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy a hearty dish.
Vegetable Fried Rice
A simple fried rice dish can be made using the same vegetables and sauces. Substitute cooked rice for the noodles and toss in additional ingredients like scrambled eggs or cooked proteins like chicken or shrimp.
Asian-Style Stir-Fried Tofu
For a vegetarian option, stir-fry cubes of firm tofu with the same vegetables and sauce. This dish can be served on its own or over a bed of rice.
Sesame Noodles
Use the same noodle preparation with a few tweaks. Increase the sesame oil and alternate the sauce composition to include peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor. Toss with other ingredients like cucumber and scallions.
Lo Mein with Protein
Add your choice of proteins such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or pork to enhance the dish. Stir-fry the protein first, followed by the vegetables and sauce before combining with the cooked noodles.
Spicy Lo Mein
Incorporate chili sauce or red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture for a spicy kick. Pair it with heartier vegetables like bok choy and mushrooms for a warming meal.
Cold Noodle Salad
Chill the cooked noodles and combine them with the sauce and fresh vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers. This refreshing dish works well as a side or light main course.
