Chicken lo mein is a beloved dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken, vegetables, and noodles into a delightful meal. This chicken lo mein recipe will guide you through creating a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a comforting meal, this recipe has you covered.
The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion
Chicken lo mein is versatile and suits various occasions. It’s perfect for special gatherings or even fridge-clearing days when you want to use up leftover vegetables. The blend of tender chicken breast and chewy lo mein noodles, seasoned with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil, creates a dish that is both comforting and impressive.
How to Choose the Right Main Ingredient
Choosing the right chicken breast is crucial for the perfect chicken lo mein. Opt for fresh, organic chicken breast for the best texture and flavor. The chicken should be firm to the touch and free of any unpleasant odors. Fresh chicken ensures that your dish will be tender and juicy.
What About Seasoning?
Seasoning is key to achieving the authentic taste of chicken lo mein. Start with a mix of light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil for depth of flavor. Adding Shaoxing wine enhances the dish’s aromatic profile. For a hint of sweetness and balance, consider using a small amount of oyster sauce.
Recommended Cooking Equipment
For the best results, using a wok is essential. A carbon steel wok is ideal due to its excellent heat retention and distribution. It allows for high-heat cooking, which is necessary for achieving that perfect stir-fry texture. If you don’t have a wok, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet can be a good substitute.
How to Use Equipment Effectively
- Wok Seasoning: Before cooking, ensure your wok is well-seasoned. This prevents sticking and adds a unique flavor to your dish.
- High-heat Cooking: Preheat your wok until it starts to smoke slightly. This ensures the food cooks quickly and evenly, preserving the vegetables’ crispness and the chicken’s tenderness.
- Stir-Frying Technique: Keep the ingredients moving in the wok. This quick, continuous motion prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
Comprehensive Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 8 oz. lo mein noodles (or fresh noodles)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 scallions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons stir fry sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- Optional: MSG for enhanced flavor
Instructions
Preparation:
- Marinate the chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare your vegetables by cutting them into thin, uniform pieces.
Cooking:
- Heat the wok over high heat until smoking. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil.
- Add the marinated chicken to the wok, stir-fry until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same wok, add another tablespoon of avocado oil. Stir-fry the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add the vegetables to the wok and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp.
- Return the chicken to the wok. Add the cooked noodles, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and stir fry sauce (if using).
- Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with chopped scallions.
- Serve with a side of spicy peanut noodles or garlic noodles for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 350Total Fat: 10gCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20g
Useful Cooking Tips
- Noodle Selection: Use fresh lo mein noodles if possible for the best texture. If using dried noodles, make sure to cook them al dente.
- High-Heat Cooking: Always preheat your wok to ensure even cooking. High heat is essential for achieving that authentic stir-fry flavor.
- Wok Maintenance: After each use, clean your wok with hot water and a soft sponge. Avoid using soap as it can strip the seasoning. Dry it thoroughly and apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rusting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Wok: Avoid adding too many ingredients at once. Overcrowding lowers the wok’s temperature, leading to steaming rather than stir-frying.
- Undercooking Chicken: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before removing it from the wok. Undercooked chicken can be unsafe to eat.
- Neglecting to Preheat the Wok: Always preheat the wok before adding oil and ingredients. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this chicken lo mein recipe is a versatile, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With the right ingredients and proper cooking techniques, you can easily recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home. Enjoy the delightful combination of tender chicken, chewy noodles, and crisp vegetables in every bite. Happy cooking!
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I’m Calvin Lamb, an LA-based culinary enthusiast with a decade’s experience in five-star kitchens. My innovative dishes, inspired by seasonal flavors and sustainable practices, blend classic and modern cuisine. Besides crafting unique culinary experiences, I relish exploring new eateries and devising fresh recipes.