# Provide Me with a Large Bowl of Lo Mein and I Will Be the Happiest Individual in the Room
Lo mein is an adored noodle dish that brings happiness to many, especially when served in substantial servings. Whether it’s with beef, chicken, or simply mixed with sauce, lo mein revolves around the noodles. As we get ready for our lunar new year celebration, which will feature two types of noodles, lo mein is an essential item on the menu.
## What is Lo Mein?
Lo mein, translating to “mixed noodles” in Cantonese, is a favorite dish found in both dining establishments and home kitchens. In Mandarin, it is articulated as “lao mian.” The dish generally includes egg noodles combined with sauce, making it somewhat alike to chow mein but different in terms of preparation and texture.
There are two main varieties of lo mein: Cantonese Hong Kong style and American Chinese takeout style.
– **Cantonese Lo Mein**: This variant presents thin and chewy egg noodles accompanied by toppings and a broth on the side. The sauce is not blended in; diners are prompted to mix it into the noodles themselves.
– **American Chinese Lo Mein**: This version is noted for thicker noodles stir-fried with a soy-based sauce, vegetables, and proteins.
Both variants are delightful and suit different preferences.
## Chow Mein vs. Lo Mein
The key distinction between lo mein and chow mein lies in the noodles themselves. Lo mein noodles are thicker and chewier, while chow mein noodles are leaner and crunchier. Chow mein is cooked for a longer period, which results in a crispy texture, whereas lo mein is simply tossed, allowing the noodles to remain soft.
Both kinds of noodles are made from flour, water, eggs, and kansui, which lends them their distinctive yellow hue and chewy quality. Lo mein noodles have greater hydration, making them more tender, while chow mein noodles are drier and crisp up more during frying.
## How to Prepare Lo Mein
Making lo mein at home is easy and requires few ingredients:
1. **Prepare the Sauce**: Mix light and dark soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, sugar, and ground ginger in a small bowl.
2. **Cook the Noodles**: Follow package instructions to prepare the noodles, then drain them.
3. **Sauté the Aromatics**: Heat oil in a skillet and lightly sauté minced garlic until it becomes fragrant.
4. **Add Add-Ins**: Include vegetables and proteins as preferred.
5. **Mix**: Combine the noodles and sauce in the skillet, stirring until evenly coated.
6. **Serve**: Present hot and enjoy the flavors.
## Lo Mein Noodles
For lo mein, you can find dedicated lo mein noodles at Asian markets, or you can use spaghetti or any long pasta as a substitute.
– **Fresh Pre-Cooked Lo Mein Noodles**: These are available in the refrigerated aisle and require just a rinse with hot water before they are ready to use.
– **Fresh Uncooked Lo Mein Noodles**: Cook them as per package instructions.
– **Spaghetti**: A convenient alternative in case lo mein noodles are not available.
## Lo Mein Sauce
The sauce is what enhances lo mein, offering a rich umami taste. A simple blend of light and dark soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, sugar, and ginger creates a delightful base. You can prepare a batch in advance and refrigerate it for quick meal options.
### Ingredients for Lo Mein Sauce:
– 1/2 cup light soy sauce
– 1/4 cup dark soy sauce
– 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
– 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp sugar
– 2 tsp ground ginger
### Note:
You may add oyster sauce for an additional umami flavor, but the recipe can remain vegetarian/vegan without it.
## What is Dark Soy Sauce?
Dark soy sauce is thicker and less salty than regular soy sauce, providing a glossy sheen and caramel sweetness to dishes. It’s worth purchasing a bottle for its distinct flavor profile.
## Toasted Sesame Oil
Toasted sesame oil is vital for its nutty, fragrant taste. It differs greatly from regular sesame oil and greatly enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
## Mix-Ins
Lo mein is adaptable; you can incorporate various proteins and vegetables. Ensure everything is chopped into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
### Velveting Meat
For those fond of meat in their lo mein, the velveting technique keeps it tender and juicy. This involves marinating the meat with cornstarch, oil, and seasonings before cooking.
### Spicy Lo Mein
To introduce heat, blend your favorite hot sauce or chili oil into the sauce.
## Why You Should Prepare Lo Mein at Home
1. **Speed**: It’s quick to make, often faster than ordering takeout.
2. **Simplicity**: Requires few ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare.
3. **Customizability**: You can use any vegetables or proteins.