Lo Mein is a popular Chinese dish that features soft noodles tossed with a variety of vegetables, proteins, and a savory sauce. Traditionally, Lo Mein is made with Chinese egg noodles, but if you don’t have them on hand, spaghetti can be a great substitute. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make delicious Lo Mein using spaghetti. This guide is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, and we’ll use simple sentences to make it easy to follow.
Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need. This recipe serves 4 people.
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
For the Noodles and Stir-Fry
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup cooked protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu), optional
Garnishes
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
- In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the chicken or vegetable broth until it dissolves.
- Combine the two mixtures and set aside. This will be your Lo Mein sauce.
Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add a pinch of salt and the spaghetti.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite).
- Drain the spaghetti and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Protein
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- If you’re using a cooked protein, add it to the skillet and stir-fry for another 2 minutes to heat through.
Combine Everything
- Push the vegetables and protein to one side of the skillet.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the empty side of the skillet.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss it in the oil to heat it up.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the spaghetti and vegetables.
- Toss everything together until the spaghetti and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the Lo Mein to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Lo Mein with Spaghetti
Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to cook the vegetables quickly and keep them crisp.
Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente. Overcooked spaghetti can become mushy when stir-fried.
Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you like or have on hand. Bok choy, cabbage, and zucchini are great additions.
Add Some Heat: If you like spicy food, add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a few drops of Sriracha to the sauce.
Make It Vegetarian: Skip the protein or use tofu to make a vegetarian version of this dish.
Why Spaghetti Works for Lo Mein
Spaghetti is a great substitute for traditional Chinese egg noodles because it has a similar texture and thickness. When cooked al dente, spaghetti holds up well in stir-fries and absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Plus, spaghetti is readily available in most grocery stores, making it a convenient option for this dish.
Nutritional Information
This Lo Mein with spaghetti is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
Calories: 350
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 800mg
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)
Conclusion
Making Lo Mein with spaghetti is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy this classic Chinese dish at home. With a few basic ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps, you can create a flavorful meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is a great addition to your repertoire. So, grab your skillet and get ready to stir-fry your way to a delicious dinner!
Related topics:
