What type of noodles are best for homemade Chicken Lo Mein?

For the most authentic texture, fresh egg noodles specifically labeled as 'lo mein' noodles are ideal. If these are hard to find, dried egg noodles, spaghetti, or even linguine can serve as excellent substitutes, just ensure they are cooked until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during stir-frying.

Can I substitute other vegetables in this Lo Mein recipe?

Absolutely! This Chicken Lo Mein recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to incorporate your favorite stir-fry friendly vegetables such as broccoli florets, bok choy, mushrooms, snow peas, water chestnuts, or bean sprouts. Remember to adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they maintain a pleasant, crisp-tender bite.

What is the secret to a rich and flavorful Lo Mein sauce?

The magic of a great Lo Mein sauce lies in its balance. It typically combines savory elements like soy sauce and oyster sauce, a touch of acidity from rice vinegar, sweetness from brown sugar, and aromatic depth from sesame oil, fresh ginger, and garlic. The addition of a little cornstarch is also key, as it helps the sauce thicken to beautifully coat every noodle and ingredient.

How can I make my homemade Lo Mein taste truly 'better than takeout'?

To achieve that authentic 'better than takeout' flavor, focus on high heat and quick cooking, also known as 'wok hei'. Ensure your wok or large skillet is very hot before adding ingredients, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, and have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Don't skip the oyster sauce for its deep umami, and use fresh garlic and ginger for maximum aroma.

Easy Homemade Chicken Lo Mein: Better Than Takeout in 30 Minutes!

Name: Easy Homemade Chicken Lo Mein
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti/linguine); 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into thin strips; 1 tbsp soy sauce (for chicken marinade); 1 tsp cornstarch (for chicken marinade); 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or other high-heat oil), divided; 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color); 1 cup julienned carrots; 1 cup snap peas; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated); 1/4 cup soy sauce (for sauce); 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp cornstarch (for sauce); 2 tbsp water or chicken broth (for sauce)

Description

Whip up a flavorful and authentic Chicken Lo Mein with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles, all made at home in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti/linguine)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into thin strips
1 tbsp soy sauce (for chicken marinade)
1 tsp cornstarch (for chicken marinade)
2 tbsp vegetable oil (or other high-heat oil), divided
1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
1 cup julienned carrots
1 cup snap peas
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
1/4 cup soy sauce (for sauce)
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch (for sauce)
2 tbsp water or chicken broth (for sauce)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Toss to coat and set aside.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth. Set aside.
Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot pan. Add bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Step 6: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the vegetables. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the sauce.
Step 8: Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the noodles. Garnish with the green parts of the chopped green onions before serving immediately.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can easily swap chicken for shrimp or beef. Ensure your wok or skillet is very hot for best results!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg