### Homemade Chicken Lo Mein Recipe: A Flavorful Restaurant-Style Stir-Fry
Chicken lo mein is a mouthwatering Chinese stir fry with chewy lo mein noodles, succulent chicken chunks, and a variety of tender vegetables bathed in a delicious sweet and savory sauce. Recreating this flavorful takeout dish at home is quick and easy, taking just 30 minutes!
I love experimenting with authentic takeout recipes in my kitchen, and this homemade chicken lo mein recipe is a favorite. With its rich umami flavors and savory sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, the combination of juicy marinated chicken, chewy noodles, and fresh veggies makes it a complete and satisfying meal for the whole family.
**Why I Love Homemade Chicken Lo Mein**
1. **Just Like the Real Deal:** Homemade Chinese takeout has become a hobby for me, and this chicken lo mein recipe comes pretty close to the flavors of a restaurant dish.
2. **Quick and Easy:** I love how simple and quick it is to whip up homemade noodle dishes like chicken lo mein on busy weeknights, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish.
3. **Adaptable:** Making chicken lo mein at home allows me to customize the recipe to my liking, whether adding extra sauce, more veggies, or trying out different proteins.
### What You’ll Need
To create this delicious chicken lo mein dish, you’ll need a few key Asian pantry staples:
– **Chicken:** Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra flavor and tenderness.
– **Soy Sauce:** Use traditional soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
– **Noodles:** Look for authentic lo mein noodles or substitute with spaghetti if needed.
– **Sesame Oil:** Essential for that authentic Asian flavor.
– **Vegetables:** Carrots, cabbage, and green onions are traditional choices, but feel free to customize with your favorite veggies.
### How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** Toss chicken with soy sauce and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Sauce:** Mix together all sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
3. **Cook the Noodles:** Boil noodles until al dente, then drain and set aside.
4. **Sauté Chicken and Veggies:** Brown the chicken with sesame oil, then add veggies and sauté until tender.
5. **Combine Ingredients:** Add noodles and sauce to the skillet, toss to coat, and serve garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
This step-by-step guide shows how easy and quick it is to create a mouthwatering chicken lo mein at home. Customize it with your favorite veggies, proteins, or adjust the sauce to your taste.
### Tips and Variations
– **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** Keep an eye on the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy.
– **Salt the Water:** Season the water when boiling the noodles for added flavor.
– **Be Gentle:** Stir noodles gently to avoid breakage when mixing in the sauce.
– **Try Different Proteins:** Swap chicken for beef, shrimp, or tofu for a unique twist.
– **Add More Veggies:** Experiment with your favorite vegetables to enhance the dish.
– **Low Carb Option:** Substitute noodles with zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
### Frequently Asked Questions
**Q: Why is it called lo mein?**
A: “Mein” translates to noodles in Chinese, with “lo mein” meaning “tossed noodles.”
**Q: Are lo mein noodles thick or thin?**
A: Traditional lo mein noodles are thick and fresh, while chow mein noodles are thinner and perfect for stir-frying.
### Serving Suggestions
Pair your chicken lo mein with Chinese boneless spare ribs, shrimp fried rice, or appetizers like spring rolls and crab rangoon. Add Asian cucumber salad, sautéed vegetables, or oyster mushrooms for a complete and satisfying meal.
### Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Refrigerate leftover chicken lo mein for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave gently to enjoy the flavors again.
### Conclusion
Homemade chicken lo mein is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a flavorful and authentic restaurant-style stir-fry in just 30 minutes. Customize it to your liking and wow your family with this mouthwatering Asian-inspired recipe!
