Description of this recipe:
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a delightful stir-fry dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and chewy buckwheat lo mein noodles, all coated in a savory garlic sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, showcasing the bold flavors of garlic and ginger while being easy to prepare.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand, making it a great way to use up leftover produce. The combination of garlic and ginger adds depth to the dish, while the Szechuan garlic butter gives it a unique kick that will leave your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, meaning fewer dishes to wash after dinner!
Introduction
Lo Mein is a classic Chinese dish that has gained popularity worldwide for its comforting and satisfying flavors. This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein recipe takes the traditional dish to new heights with the addition of fresh vegetables and an irresistible garlic sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Perfectly cooked chicken, colorful veggies, and flavorful noodles come together to create a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Vegetables:
- 10 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 6 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
For the Noodles and Sauce:
- 8 ounces buckwheat lo mein noodles
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Szechuan garlic butter (see note)
- Cooking oil (e.g., canola or vegetable oil)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken with garlic powder, salt, pepper, fish sauce, and grated ginger. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings. This step infuses the chicken with flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles:
Boil the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions, but undercook them by 1–2 minutes to maintain their firmness. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside. This will allow them to absorb the flavors of the sauce later without becoming mushy.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken:
In a hot skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook until it turns golden brown, which should take about 6–8 minutes. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add 1 tablespoon of Szechuan garlic butter and half of the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of cooking oil if needed. Add the remaining minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until aromatic. Next, toss in the cabbage, carrots, green onions, mushrooms, broccoli, and celery. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, which should take about 5–7 minutes. This keeps the vegetables vibrant and full of nutrients.
Step 5: Combine and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Add the undercooked noodles to the mix. Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, black pepper, and the remaining Szechuan garlic butter. Toss everything together over medium heat until the noodles are fully cooked and the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients, which should take about 2–3 minutes. This step melds all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 6: Serve:
Remove the pan from heat and serve the Garlic Chicken Lo Mein hot. Garnish with additional green onions if desired for a fresh touch.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Garlic Chicken Lo Mein with a side of steamed dumplings or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil can also enhance the flavors and add an extra crunch.
Tips:
- Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have available; bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy would all work wonderfully.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of fish sauce.
- To make this dish even spicier, add red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers to the sautéed vegetables.
- If you can’t find Szechuan garlic butter, regular garlic butter works as a substitute, though you may miss the unique flavor profile.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, all enveloped in a savory garlic sauce, makes for a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, heat up that skillet, and enjoy a delightful homemade feast!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute lo mein noodles with other types of noodles such as spaghetti or rice noodles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. - How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Garlic Chicken Lo Mein gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that your noodles are made from rice or another gluten-free grain. - What can I add to make this dish spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes, sliced fresh chili peppers, or even a dash of hot sauce to the dish while cooking to increase the heat level. - Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just cook the noodles and combine everything just before serving. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out.
