Chicken Lo Mein is a classic Chinese dish that's packed with flavor and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe brings together tender chicken, fresh veggies, and savory noodles. Let’s gather the ingredients you'll need to make this delicious dish.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced: Provides a lean source of protein for the dish.
- 1 teaspoon pepper: Adds a hint of spice to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil, divided: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Contributes a savory, umami flavor.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant and savory note.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger: Provides a fresh, zesty flavor.
- ½ cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced: Adds an earthy flavor and meaty texture.
- ½ cup onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to the stir-fry.
- ½ cup carrot, sliced: Adds color and a slight crunch.
- ½ cup sugar snap peas, halved: Adds a fresh, crisp texture.
- 4 servings cooked egg noodles: Forms the base of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon scallions, chopped, for garnish: Adds a fresh, green finish.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, season the sliced chicken with pepper, salt, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix thoroughly and set aside to marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Step 2:
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the chicken broth, remaining tablespoon of sesame oil, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly and set aside. This will be the sauce for your lo mein.
- Step 3:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until no longer pink inside, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Step 4:
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 5:
- Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms, onions, carrots, and halved sugar snap peas. Stir fry until the vegetables are tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the cooked egg noodles and reserved sauce. Cook for about 3 minutes, until everything is well-coated in the sauce and heated through.
- Step 7:
- Serve the Chicken Lo Mein garnished with chopped scallions for a fresh and flavorful finish.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Chicken Lo Mein immediately for the best flavor and texture.
- Pair with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the noodles moist.
- Garnish with extra scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Helpful Notes
- Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or baby corn to the stir-fry.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and egg noodles.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more soy sauce or hoisin sauce if desired.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Ken Hom suggests marinating the chicken longer for a more intense flavor.
- Chef Ching-He Huang recommends using fresh egg noodles for the best texture.
- Chef Kylie Kwong advises cooking the vegetables until they are just tender to retain their natural sweetness and crunch.