Pork Lo Mein Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Follow Guide
Are you craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's quick to prepare? Look no further than this delicious Pork Lo Mein recipe! This dish is a classic for a reason – it's incredibly versatile, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you through creating a restaurant-quality Pork Lo Mein in the comfort of your own home.
What is Lo Mein?
Lo mein, a popular Chinese noodle dish, is characterized by its thick, chewy noodles that are stir-fried with a variety of vegetables and protein. Unlike chow mein, which uses crispier noodles, lo mein offers a softer, more tender texture. This recipe focuses on the savory deliciousness of pork, but feel free to substitute with chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu to suit your preferences.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This Pork Lo Mein recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Noodles: 1 pound of fresh or dried lo mein noodles (look for those specifically labeled "lo mein" for optimal texture).
- Pork: 1 pound of pork, thinly sliced (pork loin or tenderloin works well). You can also use pork belly for a richer flavor.
- Vegetables: The possibilities are endless! Here's a suggestion:
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions (for garnish)
- Sauce: The secret to amazing lo mein is the sauce! Here's a simple recipe:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but adds great umami)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Oil: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil for stir-frying.
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare the Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Stir-fry the Pork: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced pork and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
Stir-fry the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the vegetables (carrots, peppers, broccoli, mushrooms) and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until tender-crisp.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar, ginger, garlic powder) until smooth.
Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked pork to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles and ingredients evenly. Add the cooked noodles and toss gently to combine.
Serve: Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Pork Lo Mein!
Tips and Variations
- Add some spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha can add a nice kick.
- Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables. Snow peas, bok choy, and bean sprouts are all great additions.
- Make it a complete meal: Add some cooked shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
- Adjust the sauce: If you prefer a sweeter or saltier sauce, adjust the sugar or soy sauce accordingly.
This delicious and adaptable Pork Lo Mein recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!
