Lo Mein

While many family dinners have been saved by takeout food, there is something so satisfying about whipping up a big skillet of lo mein at home. This pasta dish is easier to make than you think, plus it's a great way to get everyone to eat a hearty helping of veggies, and love it. Make sure to have all of the ingredients measured and chopped before starting. This stir-fry recipe comes together in the blink of an eye!

What is mein sauce?

This sauce is made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, and sesame oil, plus a bit of cornstarch to help thicken it slightly. If you want to spice things up, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.

What kind of noodles are used to make lo mein?

Lo mein is usually made with thick and chewy fresh egg noodles. This recipe calls for hokkien noodles which are fresh egg noodles made with wheat flour. They can be found in the Asian food section of the grocery store in pouches. Because they don't need to be boiled in a pot of water, these fresh noodles can be tossed right in the pan after most of the vegetables and chicken are done cooking. Hello, one-pot meal! If these noodles are unavailable at your local supermarket, one pound of dry linguine or spaghetti noodles can be used instead. Boil them in a separate pot of water and drain them before proceeding with the recipe.

What can you use instead of chicken thighs in lo mein?

The great thing about lo mein is its versatility for substitutions. Instead of chicken thighs, you could use chicken breasts. Or you can use shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu in this stir-fry. You can also leave out the protein altogether if you prefer.

What is the difference between lo mein and chow mein?

While they have some crossover with ingredients, these Chinese-American favorites do have some differences. Chow mein noodles can either be fresh or dried. They are boiled until almost tender before they are pan-fried with lots of veggies and protein until the noodles are golden and crispy. This is different from the chewier lo mein noodles in their thick sauce. Both are very tasty and deserve a side-by-side taste test!