Speedy Weeknight Chicken Lo Mein (Better Than Takeout!)
Alright, let's dive into this deliciousness! ever find yourself craving homemade chinese food but dreading the takeout bill? i know i have.
That's why i'm sharing my super easy lo mein noodles recipe it's quicker, tastier, and way more satisfying than ordering in.
It's got that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami that'll have you hooked.
Speedy Weeknight Chicken Lo Mein: Your New Go-To
This lo mein recipe is inspired by classic chinese cooking recipes , but made simple enough for any weeknight. lo mein noodles are a staple in homemade chinese cuisine.
It's believed to have originated in northern china, bringing comforting noodles to dinner tables for ages. forget complicated techniques. this one is so easy, it takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, and makes around 4 servings.
Why You'll Love This Lo Mein
Honestly, what's not to love? one of the main benefits, is that it is packed with protein from the chicken and plenty of veggies.
It is also ready in 30 minutes. whip it up when you need a quick and satisfying meal, like after a long day at work.
It’s the perfect family dinner, and what really makes this easy chinese recipes special is the homemade sauce it's got that takeout flavor, but you can control the sweetness and saltiness.
Trust me, you’ll feel like a proper chef after making this.
Ready to get cooking? First, let's gather our bits.
Essential Ingredients for Amazing Lo Mein
You can get most of these ingredients from your local supermarket. key players are the lo mein noodles , chicken, and a rainbow of veggies.
We can’t forget the dark soy sauce , which gives the dish its signature color and depth of flavor. the sauce is a mix of soy, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
Don't fret if you haven't got oyster sauce! hoisin sauce works a charm too.
Tips for Nailing It
- Don't overcook the noodles! Aim for al dente.
- High heat is your friend! Get that Wok Cooking char.
- Prep your ingredients! Makes the whole thing smooth.
Seriously, give this lo mein recipes a whirl. I reckon you'll be ditching the takeout menus in no time!
Alright mate, let's dive into the bits and bobs you'll need to whip up this speedy weeknight chicken lo mein .
Honestly, homemade chinese food doesn't need to be scary. this is easier than putting up an ikea shelf, promise!
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Right then, here's your shopping list. Don't worry, nothing too fancy. Remember this is an easy chinese recipes type of vibe.
- Chicken Marinade:
- Soy sauce: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Get a decent one, not the watery stuff!
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp (15 ml). This helps the chicken get all lovely and tender.
- Rice wine vinegar: 1 tsp (5 ml). Or dry sherry if you're feeling posh.
- Sesame oil: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml). Just a touch for that nutty flavour.
- The Lo Mein Proper:
- Chicken breasts: 1 pound (450g), bite sized pieces. The fresher, the better, you know.
- Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Anything neutral will do.
- Onion: 1 medium , thinly sliced. Brown or white, your call.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Gotta have garlic, innit?
- Ginger: 1 inch (2.5 cm) piece, grated. Adds a lovely zing.
- Carrots: 1 cup (120g), sliced.
- Bell peppers: 1 cup (150g), sliced. Get colourful!
- Cabbage: 1 cup (85g), sliced. Napa or green, doesn't matter.
- Lo Mein Noodles: 1 pound (450g), fresh or dried. Honestly the star of these Lo Mein Noodles .
- Green onions: 2 , thinly sliced. For garnish, adds a nice fresh bite.
- The Secret Sauce:
- Soy sauce: 1/4 cup (60 ml). Get your Dark Soy Sauce for depth.
- Oyster sauce: 2 tbsp (30 ml). Trust me on this one.
- Brown sugar: 2 tbsp (25g). Just a touch of sweetness.
- Sesame oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml). More of that good stuff!
- Cornstarch: 1 tsp (5 ml). Helps thicken the sauce.
- Chicken broth: 1/4 cup (60 ml).
- White pepper: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml). Adds a little something something.
Seasoning Notes
This is where you can get creative. Don't be afraid to experiment a bit.
- Spice it up: A dash of chili flakes never hurt anyone.
- Aromatics are your friend: Ginger and garlic are non-negotiable, though.
- Oyster sauce substitute: Hoisin sauce works a treat if you're not keen on oyster sauce. Or more soy and some brown sugar.
Equipment Needed
Alright, let's talk gear. Nothing too fancy, promise.
- Wok or large skillet: Key for Wok Cooking . Honestly, a good wok makes all the difference when you are doing Chinese cooking recipes .
- Large pot: For cooking the noodles. Pasta pot will do the trick.
If you don't have a wok, don't stress. a large skillet will do the trick. just make sure it gets nice and hot.
Now, where are my chopsticks? i'm feeling inspired to make some homemade chinese food ! check out my other lo mein recipes or try these chinese cooking recipes .
Get ready for the best lo mein of your life.
Okay, here's a section of the article, built around cooking method, that should tick all those boxes! Let's get this show on the road!
Wok This Way: Mastering My Speedy Chicken Lo Mein
Honestly, who needs takeout when you can whip up this speedy weeknight chicken lo mein faster than you can say "sweet and sour?" this isn't your average lo mein noodles recipe ; it's a flavor bomb waiting to happen! i remember one night, the rain was pouring, and i was desperate for some homemade chinese food .
The takeaway joints were quoting an hour wait. an hour! that's when i decided, "sod this, i'm making my own!".
And so, this recipe was born.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first, let's get organized. It's all about the mise en place , darling.
Essential ingredients? : chop your 1 pound of chicken into bite sized pieces, slice 1 onion thinly, mince 2 cloves of garlic, grate your ginger, and slice up those veggies.
Having everything ready cuts down on cooking time. i am a big fan of slicing and dicing veggies in advance.
Time saving tip : whisk together your sauce that's the 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1/4 cup chicken broth , and 1/2 teaspoon white pepper in a bowl.
Set it aside.
Safety first, always : Remember, when using a hot wok, don’t leave it unattended and be careful to keep water away from the hot oil.
Let's Get Cooking: The step-by-step
Alright, lights, camera, action! It's Wok Cooking time.
Marinate that chicken: in a bowl, mix the chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar , and 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil .
Let it sit for at least 15 minutes . this really helps tenderize the chicken.
Noodle Time : Cook 1 pound Lo Mein Noodles according to package directions. You want them al dente , not mushy. Drain those babies and set them aside.
Chicken to the wok : heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in your wok or skillet over high heat . add the chicken.
Stir fry until cooked through. look for a light browning, this takes about 5- 7 minutes .
Aromatics and veggies : add the 1 sliced onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, and 1 inch grated ginger to the wok.
Stir fry for about 1 minute . the aroma should be amazing. then, add 1 cup sliced carrots, 1 cup sliced bell peppers, and 1 cup sliced cabbage.
Cook until tender crisp. about 3- 5 minutes .
Sauce It Up : Pour in your sauce. Toss everything together, making sure the noodles get coated evenly. Cook for 1- 2 minutes . The sauce should thicken slightly.
Garnish and Grub : Sprinkle with 2 thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately, and prepare for a taste explosion!.
Pro Tips and Tricks (Because I've Been There!)
Don't crowd the wok : Overcrowding lowers the temperature. That means steamed veggies, not beautifully stir fried ones.
Dark Soy Sauce is your friend. A splash of it adds depth and colour. Just a splash though!
make-ahead? : You can chop the veggies earlier in the day. The chicken can marinate overnight.
Honestly, this easy chinese recipes is so simple, even i can't mess it up! and if i can do it, you definitely can! don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the sauce to your liking.
And hey, if you nail that elusive wok hei flavour, give yourself a massive pat on the back. you've earned it! this homemade chinese goodness will have you ditching the takeaway menus for good!.
You can explore other chinese cooking recipes , but this lo mein will be your goto. this lo mein recipes is a game changer!
Alright, let's talk about the recipe after the cooking is done.
Recipe Notes for the Best Lo Mein Noodles Recipe
Think of this section as your cheat sheet. it will help you tweak and perfect your homemade chinese food . these are the little things that can take your lo mein from good to oh my gosh! amazing.
Seriously, don't skip this part.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Lo Mein Recipes
Presentation matters, you know? i like to pile my lo mein noodles high in a bowl. then, i drizzle a little extra sauce over the top.
A sprinkle of those sliced green onions? chef's kiss. honestly, for sides, egg rolls are a classic. steamed broccoli is great if you are trying to be healthy.
A cold tsingtao beer? perfect!
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Leftovers? lucky you! this easy chinese recipe keeps well. stick it in the fridge in an airtight container. it should be good for about 3 days.
Freezing? i wouldn't recommend it. the noodles can get a bit mushy. when reheating, a splash of chicken broth helps keep things moist.
Nobody wants dry lo mein .
Variations: Making it Your Own
Want to spice things up? add a dash of sriracha to the sauce. for a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for tofu.
Marinate it the same way you would with the chicken. use those seasonal ingredients. asparagus in the spring? yes, please.
Use the dark soy sauce for more intense colour and flavour. it's all about experimenting!
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body
Let's be real, this is comfort food. each serving has around 550 calories, 40g of protein, 20g of fat, and 55g of carbs.
But hey, it's also packed with protein and veggies. chinese cooking recipes can be healthy, sort of . ultimately, this homemade chinese is about enjoying yourself.
And besides wok cooking is a great way to retain all the nutrients, and use far less oil.
So, there you have it! all the tips and tricks you need to make this lo mein noodles recipe your own.
Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy every bite. honestly, you've got this. give it a try and let me know what you think!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are lo mein noodles, and can I use spaghetti instead for this lo mein noodles recipe?
Lo mein noodles are typically fresh egg noodles, a bit thicker and chewier than spaghetti. While you can use spaghetti in a pinch (think of it as a "bodge job" if you're out of the proper stuff!), the texture won't be quite the same.
Look for fresh or dried lo mein noodles in the Asian section of your grocery store for the most authentic taste. Fettuccine also works well as a substitute!
How can I make this lo mein recipe vegetarian (or even vegan!)?
Going meat free with this recipe is easy peasy! Just swap out the chicken for tofu (press it first to remove excess water) or tempeh. Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Also, most oyster sauce isn't vegetarian, so substitute it with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little brown sugar to keep that umami flavour. You can also use mushroom broth to add a deeper, richer flavour!
My lo mein always ends up a bit gloopy! What am I doing wrong?
Nobody wants a gloopy lo mein - it's a right proper mess! That usually happens when the sauce isn't balanced or the noodles are overcooked. Make sure you whisk the sauce ingredients really well before adding them to the wok to prevent lumps. Don't overcook your noodles al dente is the key!
They will continue to cook in the sauce. Also, don't overcrowd the wok, cook in batches to ensure the food is properly stir fried.
Can I prep this lo mein noodles recipe in advance, and how long will it last?
You can definitely prep some components ahead of time! Chop your veggies, marinate the chicken, and whisk together the sauce. Store them separately in the fridge. Cooked lo mein is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Just be aware that the noodles might absorb some of the sauce and become a bit softer. A quick zap in the microwave should do the trick when reheating.
How can I add a bit of a kick to my Speedy Weeknight Chicken Lo Mein?
Want to spice things up like a cheeky Nando's? A pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking can give it a bit of heat! You can also add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture. If you're feeling adventurous, try using a finely chopped fresh chili when stir frying the vegetables.
Remember you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
Speedy Weeknight Chicken Lo Mein Better Than Tak
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
