What Is Usually in Lo Mein? Main Ingredients
A steaming bowl of lo mein is a nostalgic memory for many people. Are you curious about what goes into lo mein? Let’s explore together!
What Is Usually in Lo Mein?
First and foremost, noodles are the star of lo mein. The noodles are usually hand-pulled, with even thickness and a chewy texture.
When it comes to the sauce, that’s the soul of lo mein. There are various types of sauces, such as Three Delights, Fried Bean Paste, and Tomato and Egg. Especially with Three Delights Lo Mein, the ingredients are abundant, including shrimp, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, gluten, and five-spice dried tofu. The taste is rich and unforgettable.
Aside from the sauce, the side vegetables are also an essential part. Common side ingredients include cucumber strips, bean sprouts, soybeans, and spinach. These add color and a refreshing crunch to the dish.
In addition, some unique side ingredients, like pink rice noodles and sweet-and-sour gluten strips, bring more flavor and texture to the lo mein.
Of course, different regions have their own unique flavors and ingredients for lo mein. For example, some places add minced garlic to the dish for a richer flavor, while others may include seafood or meat to enhance the variety of textures.
What Is the Difference Between Chow Mein and Lo Mein?
The main differences are as follows:
Cooking Method
Fried Noodles: The noodles are boiled until about 70% cooked, then drained and quickly stir-fried with the ingredients until slightly crispy. Finally, seasoning is added.
Lo Mein: The noodles are boiled until fully cooked, then drained and mixed with the sauce and other ingredients. It’s not stir-fried a second time.
Texture of Noodles
Fried Noodles: The noodles are chewy, with a slightly crispy exterior due to the stir-frying.
Lo Mein: The noodles are soft and moist because they absorb the sauce, making them more tender.
Sauce Characteristics
Fried Noodles: The sauce is light and refreshing, primarily used to season the dish without making the noodles too wet.
Lo Mein: The sauce is thicker, allowing the noodles to absorb it fully, making the dish flavorful and rich.
Ingredient Pairing
Fried Noodles: The ingredients are stir-fried with the noodles, enhancing the crispy texture and the flavor of the stir-fry. It pairs well with vegetables like carrots, onions, and bean sprouts.
Lo Mein: The ingredients and noodles are mixed separately, with the sauce being the highlight. It’s often paired with fried eggs, sliced meats, or cooked vegetables.
Style Characteristics
Fried Noodles: Suitable for those who prefer dry and chewy noodles, with a focus on the “fried” aroma.
Lo Mein: Suitable for those who enjoy soft noodles with a rich, flavorful sauce, with a focus on the fresh taste of the “mixed” ingredients.
Is Lo Mein Good or Bad for You?
Lo mein’s main ingredient is noodles, which are rich in carbohydrates and provide energy. They also contain a small amount of protein and B vitamins, making it relatively balanced nutrition. The soft texture is easy to digest, which is gentle on the stomach, especially for people with digestive issues.
However, lo mein does have some downsides. For instance, nutrients can leach into the water when boiling the noodles, leading to a loss of some of the noodle's nutritional value. Additionally, if the sauce or seasonings are too greasy or salty, it can lead to excess fat and sodium intake, which isn’t ideal for your health.
Therefore, when enjoying lo mein, it’s a good idea to pair it with some vegetables and protein, such as carrots, bean sprouts, fried eggs, or sliced meats, to balance the nutrients. Also, opt for a lighter sauce and reduce high-sodium, high-oil seasonings to make the dish healthier!
What Is the Chinese Name for Lo Mein?
The Chinese name for Lo Mein is actually “捞面” (Lao Mian).
Lo Mein is the Cantonese transliteration of “捞面,” a classic Chinese noodle dish. The characteristic of lo mein is that the noodles are fully cooked, then mixed with rich sauces and various ingredients to create a soft and chewy texture, coated in a flavorful sauce.
Authentic Vegetable Lo Mein Recipe
Ingredients
Noodles: Choose either wheat noodles, hand-pulled noodles, or bamboo-shoot noodles.
Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, bean sprouts, spinach, etc.
Seasonings: Soy sauce, dark soy sauce (for color), oyster sauce, salt, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger.
Toppings: Fried egg, chopped green onions.
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the broccoli into small florets, slice the carrots into strips, cut the shiitake mushrooms into slices, and chop the spinach into pieces. Rinse the bean sprouts and set them aside.
Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the noodles, and cook until they are no longer white in the center. Drain and rinse under cold water, then drain again and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Heat some oil in a pan, add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant. Add the carrots and shiitake mushrooms, and stir-fry until they soften.
Season: Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and sugar. Stir well, then add a little water and bring it to a boil. Add the bean sprouts and spinach, stir-fry until just wilted.
Mix with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the pan and stir well, making sure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and vegetables.
Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Stir everything together before serving.
Tips
You can adjust the vegetables to your preference.
When boiling the noodles, add a pinch of salt to give them a better texture.
Adding a little sugar helps balance the salty flavors for a better overall taste.
Can Lo Mein Be Made Spicy?
Yes, lo mein can be made spicy.
If you find the taste of lo mein too bland, you can add some chili peppers to spice it up.Chilies stimulate the taste buds and enhance your appetite.
If you like it extra spicy, feel free to add more chili sauce.
For those who prefer milder heat, add a little less chili to suit your taste.
You can also include small chili circles or pickled peppers for a layered and distinctive spicy flavor.
Additionally, when choosing side ingredients, you can opt for refreshing and cooling options like cucumber strips, bean sprouts, or lettuce to balance the spice and add variety to the texture.
