Garlic Chicken Lo Mein

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Description of this recipe
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a delicious, savory dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked buckwheat lo mein noodles, all tossed in a flavorful sauce. This recipe is a delightful blend of textures and tastes, featuring the aromatic punch of garlic and ginger, enhanced by the umami richness of soy and hoisin sauces.

Why you will love this recipe
This Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is not only quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner, but it also brings a taste of takeout right to your kitchen. The balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates makes it a satisfying meal that caters to various dietary preferences. With its bold flavors and colorful presentation, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

Introduction
Lo Mein, a staple of Chinese cuisine, is loved for its versatility and flavor. This Garlic Chicken version elevates the classic dish with the addition of fresh vegetables and a garlic-forward sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or a dish to serve at a gathering, Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is an excellent choice. With its easy preparation and minimal cooking time, you can whip up this delightful meal in no time.

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. This step is crucial as it infuses the chicken with flavor before cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions, but undercook them by 1–2 minutes to maintain firmness. Once cooked, drain and set aside. This slight undercooking will allow them to absorb the sauce better when combined with the other ingredients.

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 and cook until 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, which will enhance the dish’s overall flavor profile. Once done, 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. Introduce the remaining minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic. Next, add the cabbage, carrots, green onions, mushrooms, broccoli, and celery. Stir-fry these vegetables until they are tender-crisp, which will take about 5–7 minutes. This step ensures that the vegetables retain their vibrant colors and nutrients.

Step 5: Combine and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Add the undercooked noodles to the pan. 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 ingredients, which should take about 2–3 minutes. This final step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Serve
Remove from heat and serve hot. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the noodles and vegetables will retain their texture and flavor.

Tips:

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables.
  • Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or Szechuan peppercorns during the sautéing process.
  • Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before starting to cook, as stir-frying happens quickly.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 450 per serving
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 900mg

Conclusion
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein is a fantastic dish that brings the flavors of a Chinese takeout favorite into your home kitchen. With its balance of protein, fresh vegetables, and savory sauce, it’s a meal that satisfies both the palate and the appetite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try, and you may find it becoming a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

Questions and Answers about this recipe:

  1. Can I use other types of noodles instead of lo mein?
    Yes, you can substitute lo mein noodles with other types of noodles such as udon, rice noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles used.
  2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
    Absolutely! Garlic Chicken Lo Mein can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving.
  3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
    Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles and tamari sauce instead of soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients, such as hoisin sauce, are also gluten-free.
  4. What can I do if I don’t have Szechuan garlic butter?
    If you don’t have Szechuan garlic butter, you can make your own by mixing softened butter with minced garlic and Szechuan peppercorns. Alternatively, you can use regular garlic butter or just add more minced garlic to the dish.
  5. How can I make this dish spicier?
    To add heat, you can incorporate red pepper flakes, sliced fresh chili peppers, or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. Adjust the spice level to your preference for a more fiery dish!

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