There’s something special about gathering around the dinner table with friends or family and digging into a steaming bowl of chicken lo mein. It’s the kinda dish that pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy spring rolls or a fresh cucumber salad.
The gentle sweetness of the noodles complements the savory chicken and fresh veggies, creating a meal that’s deeply satisfying. Whether it’s a casual weekday night or a weekend feast, you can’t go wrong with this dish. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Chinese cuisine has a special place in my heart, and lo mein is one of those dishes that brings me back to countless family dinners and late-night takeout adventures. It’s quick, it’s comforting, and it serves up the perfect blend of flavors.
But what makes an authentic chicken lo mein truly special? The balance of textures, the freshness of vegetables, and the savory richness of the chicken come together beautifully in this classic bowl of goodness.
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What is Authentic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
Authentic chicken lo mein is a popular Chinese noodle dish featuring tender chicken and a colorful array of vegetables, all tossed in a savory homemade sauce. Unlike its fried counterpart, chow mein, lo mein noodles are parboiled and combined with ingredients without frying, making it a softer and more delightful dish. You’ll see variations across regions, but the heart of the dish always remains the same: fresh, quality ingredients and a happy marriage of flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Authentic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
This chicken lo mein recipe is not just about fulfilling your cravings; it also brings together healthy ingredients without overwhelming flavors. You can swap in your favorite veggies, and it’s super versatile. The homemade sauce means you can control the saltiness, sweetness, and overall flavor profile, making it suited to everyone’s tastes. Plus, this meal is quick to prepare, perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests. Honestly, it’s a dish that will quickly become a staple recipe in your kitchen.
The Ingredients You Will Need To Make This Dish
Here’s what you’ll gather to make this delightful chicken lo mein:
Chicken:
– ½ lb chicken breast, cut into thin strips against the grain
– ½ tsp salt
– ¼ tsp white pepper
– 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (a traditional Chinese cooking wine)
– 1 tbsp light soy sauce
– ½ tbsp cornstarch
– ½ tbsp avocado oil
Vegetables:
– 1 medium carrot, sliced into thin matchsticks
– 3 cups cabbage, finely shredded
– ¼ white onion, sliced into strips
– 5 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces (keep the whites and greens separate)
– 1 tbsp ginger, minced
– 5 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ cup snow peas for extra crunch
Sauce:
– 2 tbsp light soy sauce
– 1 tbsp oyster sauce
– 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
– 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– ¼ tsp white pepper
– ½ tbsp sugar
– 1 tbsp water
– ½ tbsp cornstarch
– ¼ tsp MSG (optional)
Noodles:
– 1 lb fresh lo mein noodles (or ½ lb dried noodles, cooked according to package directions)
Oils:
– 3 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado oil)
– ½ tsp sesame oil
Note:
Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand, like bell peppers or baby corn. This recipe is all about tailoring it to your tastes!
Ingredients From : cjeatsrecipes.com
How to Make Authentic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
Making chicken lo mein is easier than you might think. It all comes down to some simple steps that will take you from raw ingredients to a delicious meal in no time. Let’s dive into the how-tos!
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, slice your chicken breast into strips about ¼ inch thick. This helps it cook evenly and remain tender. Then, season with salt, white pepper, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and avocado oil. Stir everything to coat the chicken well. Cover it and let it marinate for at least 15 to 20 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Grab a tray and arrange your prepped veggies: matchstick carrots, thinly sliced cabbage, white onion strips, chopped scallion whites, minced ginger, and garlic. Oh, and don’t forget the snow peas! This colorful array will add loads of texture and flavor to your dish.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine your stir-fry sauce ingredients. This includes light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, white pepper, sugar, water, cornstarch, and MSG, if you’re using it. Whisk everything together until combined, then set it aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Toss in your fresh lo mein noodles and cook them for about 2 minutes less than the package suggests, or until they’re just tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then allow them to dry. A little drizzle of sesame oil will keep them from sticking together.
Step 5: Sauté the Chicken
Heat a wok or a large skillet over high heat until it’s hot. Add your neutral oil, swirling it around to coat the pan. Once it’s just about smoking, toss in the marinated chicken. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set it aside, letting the residual heat work magic.
Step 6: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary, and toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 15 seconds until fragrant. Then, add your scallion whites, carrots, onions, and cabbage. Sauté these for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re slightly softened and maybe even get a bit of char. This adds depth to the flavors.
Step 7: Bring It All Together
Now, add the cooked noodles and the previously sautéed chicken back into the pan. Pour in your sauce and mix everything well. You’ll want to stir for about 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the noodles. Finally, sprinkle in the scallion greens, give it one last toss, and you’re ready to serve!
Notes
– For an even healthier version, you can use whole grain lo mein noodles or zucchini noodles.
– Make sure your ingredients are prepped before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a quick process.
– If you love heat, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
– Cooking in batches is sometimes necessary if you have a lot of ingredients to ensure even cooking.
– Always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end. You can add more soy sauce or sugar based on preference.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the noodles have dried out. This easy reheating process will breathe life back into your dish!
Serving Suggestions
1. Pair with spring rolls: Crispy spring rolls are a perfect crunchy complement.
2. Add a side of stir-fried greens: Sautéed bok choy or spinach adds a nutritious touch.
3. Include hot and sour soup: This balances the dish with a nice zing.
4. Serve with soy sauce or chili oil: Offer these on the side for customization.
5. Finish with fresh lime juice: A splash of citrus brightens the flavors beautifully.
What Other Substitute Can I Use in Authentic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe?
1. Protein variations: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different protein experience.
2. Ditch MSG: Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
3. Different noodles: Use spaghetti or rice noodles if lo mein is hard to come by.
4. Veggie swaps: Bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli can easily change up the flavor.
5. Sauce alternatives: Substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce for a sweeter version.
Authentic Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- pot
- Mixing Bowl
- cutting board
- knife
Ingredients
- Here’s what you’ll gather to make this delightful chicken lo mein:
Chicken:
- – ½ lb chicken breast cut into thin strips against the grain
- – ½ tsp salt
- – ¼ tsp white pepper
- – 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine a traditional Chinese cooking wine
- – 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- – ½ tbsp cornstarch
- – ½ tbsp avocado oil
Vegetables:
- – 1 medium carrot sliced into thin matchsticks
- – 3 cups cabbage finely shredded
- – ¼ white onion sliced into strips
- – 5 scallions cut into 2-inch pieces (keep the whites and greens separate)
- – 1 tbsp ginger minced
- – 5 cloves garlic minced
- – ½ cup snow peas for extra crunch
Sauce:
- – 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- – 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- – 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- – 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- – 1 tsp sesame oil
- – ¼ tsp white pepper
- – ½ tbsp sugar
- – 1 tbsp water
- – ½ tbsp cornstarch
- – ¼ tsp MSG optional
Noodles:
- – 1 lb fresh lo mein noodles or ½ lb dried noodles, cooked according to package directions
Oils:
- – 3 tbsp neutral oil like avocado oil
- – ½ tsp sesame oil
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, slice your chicken breast into strips about ¼ inch thick. This helps it cook evenly and remain tender. Then, season with salt, white pepper, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and avocado oil. Stir everything to coat the chicken well. Cover it and let it marinate for at least 15 to 20 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Grab a tray and arrange your prepped veggies: matchstick carrots, thinly sliced cabbage, white onion strips, chopped scallion whites, minced ginger, and garlic. Oh, and don’t forget the snow peas! This colorful array will add loads of texture and flavor to your dish.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, combine your stir-fry sauce ingredients. This includes light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, white pepper, sugar, water, cornstarch, and MSG, if you’re using it. Whisk everything together until combined, then set it aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Toss in your fresh lo mein noodles and cook them for about 2 minutes less than the package suggests, or until they’re just tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then allow them to dry. A little drizzle of sesame oil will keep them from sticking together.
Step 5: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat a wok or a large skillet over high heat until it’s hot. Add your neutral oil, swirling it around to coat the pan. Once it’s just about smoking, toss in the marinated chicken. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set it aside, letting the residual heat work magic.
Step 6: Stir-Fry the Veggies
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary, and toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 15 seconds until fragrant. Then, add your scallion whites, carrots, onions, and cabbage. Sauté these for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re slightly softened and maybe even get a bit of char. This adds depth to the flavors.
Step 7: Bring It All Together
- Now, add the cooked noodles and the previously sautéed chicken back into the pan. Pour in your sauce and mix everything well. You’ll want to stir for about 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the noodles. Finally, sprinkle in the scallion greens, give it one last toss, and you’re ready to serve!
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Frozen vegetables can be used, just add them in during the last few minutes of cooking since they’re pre-cooked.
2. Is lo mein gluten-free?
Traditional lo mein noodles are not gluten-free, but you can find rice noodles or gluten-free pasta as a substitute.
3. How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild, but feel free to add chili oil or fresh chili for heat!
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu and use a vegetarian oyster sauce.
5. What can I do if the noodles are too sticky?
If your noodles are sticking together, rinse them under cold water. A little sesame oil can also help keep them separate.
Conclusion
Cooking authentic chicken lo mein at home is not just simple; it opens up a world of flavor while keeping health in mind. It’s a quick dish that can adapt to whatever you have lying around, making it perfect for those busy nights.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and enjoy a bowl of deliciousness that will surely become a family favorite! Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments; I love hearing how you put your twist on this recipe!
