Lo mein noodles are a popular Chinese dish consisting of soft wheat noodles stir-fried with a variety of vegetables and meats. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and other spices, giving it a savoury and slightly sweet flavor. The name “lo mein” translates to “tossed noodles” in Cantonese, referring to the way the dish is prepared. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal enjoyed by anyone who loves Chinese cuisine.
Historical Origins of Lo Mein
Chinese Culinary Roots
Lo mein is a Chinese dish made with egg noodles, vegetables, meat, and a savoury sauce. The name means “tossed noodles” in Cantonese. It has been enjoyed for centuries and has evolved to include a variety of ingredients and flavors.
Lo Mein in American Chinese Cuisine
Lo Mein was introduced to the United States in the late 19th century by Chinese immigrants. It quickly became a popular dish in American Chinese cuisine, and today it is a staple of Chinese takeout menus across the country.
In American Chinese cuisine, lo mein is often made with a thicker noodle and a sweeter sauce than traditional Chinese lo mein. It is also sometimes served with a variety of vegetables and meats, including chicken, beef, shrimp, and pork.
Preparation of Lo Mein
Traditional Cooking Techniques
First, the noodles are boiled in a pot of salted water until they are cooked through but still slightly firm. Once the noodles are cooked, they are drained and rinsed under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.
Next, the vegetables, meat, or seafood are stir-fried in a wok with oil, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings. Once the ingredients are cooked through, the cooked noodles are added to the wok and tossed with the vegetables and meat until everything is well combined.
Finally, the dish is seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, or other sauces to add flavor and depth to the dish. Some cooks may also add a splash of sesame oil or rice vinegar to enhance the flavour of the dish.
Variations in Preparation
While the traditional preparation of lo mein involves boiling the noodles and stir-frying them with vegetables and meat, there are many variations in the preparation of this dish.
Some cooks may choose to use different types of noodles, such as egg noodles or rice noodles, to create a different texture or flavour. Others may add different vegetables or meats to the dish to create a unique flavour profile.
Some variations of lo mein may also include additional ingredients such as bean sprouts, mushrooms, or bamboo shoots, to add texture and flavour to the dish.
Common Ingredients in Lo Mein Dishes
Lo mein is a popular Chinese dish that consists of soft wheat noodles, vegetables, and protein. The dish can be prepared in many different ways, and the ingredients used can vary depending on the recipe. However, some common ingredients are typically found in lo mein dishes.
Proteins
Protein is an important component of lo mein dishes, and there are many different options to choose from. Some of the most common proteins used in lo mein dishes include:
- Chicken: Chicken is a popular choice for lo mein dishes. It is usually sliced into small pieces and stir-fried with vegetables and noodles.
- Beef: Beef is another popular protein option for lo mein dishes. It is usually sliced thinly and stir-fried with vegetables and noodles.
- Shrimp: Shrimp is a popular seafood option for lo mein dishes. It is usually stir-fried with vegetables and noodles.
- Tofu: Tofu is a vegetarian protein option for lo mein dishes. It is usually sliced into small pieces and stir-fried with vegetables and noodles.
Vegetables
Vegetables are an important component of lo mein dishes, and they add flavour, texture, and nutrition to the dish. Some of the most common vegetables used in lo mein dishes include:
- Carrots: Carrots are a popular vegetable option for lo mein dishes. They are usually sliced thinly and stir-fried with other vegetables and noodles.
- Broccoli: Broccoli is another popular vegetable option for lo mein dishes. It is usually chopped into small pieces and stir-fried with other vegetables and noodles.
- Snow Peas: Snow peas are a popular vegetable option for lo mein dishes. They are usually stir-fried with other vegetables and noodles.
- Bok Choy: Bok choy is a leafy green vegetable that is often used in lo mein dishes. It is usually chopped into small pieces and stir-fried with other vegetables and noodles.
Sauces and Seasonings
Sauces and seasonings are essential for adding flavour to lo mein dishes. Some of the most common sauces and seasonings used in lo mein dishes include:
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a salty, savoury sauce that is often used in lo mein dishes. It is usually added to the stir-fry sauce or drizzled over the noodles.
- Oyster Sauce: The oyster sauce is a sweet and savoury sauce that is often used in lo mein dishes. It is usually added to the stir-fry sauce.
- Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is a flavorful oil that is often used in lo mein dishes. It is usually drizzled over the noodles for added flavour.
- Garlic and Ginger: Garlic and ginger are often used to add flavour to lo mein dishes. They are usually chopped finely and stir-fried with the other ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Caloric Content
Lo mein noodles are a type of Chinese egg noodles that are commonly used in stir-fry dishes. They are made from wheat flour, eggs, and water and are typically boiled before being added to a dish. One cup of cooked lo mein noodles contains approximately 220 calories, which makes them a relatively low-calorie option when compared to other types of pasta.
Dietary Considerations
While lo mein noodles are a good source of carbohydrates, they are not particularly high in protein or fibre. For those looking to increase their protein intake, adding chicken, beef, or tofu to a lo mein dish can help. Additionally, adding vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers can increase the fibre content of the dish.
It is important to note that lo mein noodles are not gluten-free, as they are made from wheat flour. Individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should avoid consuming lo mein noodles. Additionally, lo mein dishes often contain high amounts of sodium due to the use of soy sauce and other sauces in the cooking process. Those with high blood pressure or other health concerns related to sodium intake should consume lo mein dishes in moderation.
Recipes and Cooking Tips
Lo mein noodles are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some tips and recipes to help you make the most of them:
Cooking Tips
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, but be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and lose their flavour.
- Rinse the noodles with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
- Toss the noodles with a little bit of oil to prevent them from sticking together while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.
- Use a wok or large skillet to stir-fry the noodles with your desired vegetables and protein.
Recipes
Vegetable Lo Mein
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. lo mein noodles
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 tbsp. oyster sauce
Instructions:
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions.
- Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the bell peppers, onion, broccoli, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked noodles to the pan and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the soy sauce and oyster sauce and stir to combine.
- Serve hot.
Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. lo mein noodles
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snow peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 tbsp. oyster sauce
Instructions:
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions.
- Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the pan and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, until cooked through.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, snow peas, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked noodles to the pan and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the soy sauce and oyster sauce and stir to combine.
- Serve hot.
Related
FAQs About Lo Mein
Lo mein is a popular Chinese dish that consists of egg noodles stir-fried with vegetables, meat, and sauce. Here are some frequently asked questions about Lo Mein:
What is the difference between lo mein and chow mein?
The main difference between lo mein and chow mein is the type of noodles used. Lo mein uses egg noodles, which are soft and chewy, while chow mein uses thin, crispy noodles that are fried until they are crunchy. Additionally, lo mein is typically stir-fried with vegetables and meat, while chow mein is often served with a sauce or gravy.
Is lo mein gluten-free?
No, lo mein is not gluten-free. The noodles used in lo mein are made from wheat flour, which contains gluten. However, there are gluten-free alternatives available, such as rice noodles or zucchini noodles.
What are some common ingredients in lo mein?
Some common ingredients in lo mein include:
- Vegetables: such as carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
- Meat: such as chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp.
- Sauce: such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or sesame oil.
Is lo mein a healthy dish?
It depends on how it is prepared. Lo mein can be a healthy dish if it is made with plenty of vegetables and lean protein and is not overloaded with sauce. However, many restaurant versions of lo mein are high in calories, sodium, and fat due to the large amounts of oil and sauce used in the cooking process.
