Pork Lo Mein is a popular Chinese dish that has become a favorite comfort food around the world. This dish combines tender strips of pork with chewy noodles and a savory sauce, making it a delicious and satisfying meal. Lo Mein is a versatile dish, and you can adjust the ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences. The key to making perfect Pork Lo Mein is to balance the flavors and textures. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or just craving something flavorful, this recipe will guide you step by step.
What is Pork Lo Mein?
Lo Mein, in Chinese cuisine, refers to a dish that consists of stir-fried noodles mixed with vegetables and protein like pork, chicken, beef, or shrimp. The word “Lo” in Lo Mein means “tossed,” referring to the method of preparing the dish where the ingredients are tossed together in a wok or pan. “Mein” simply refers to noodles. Unlike Chow Mein, which is crispy, Lo Mein features soft, chewy noodles.
Pork Lo Mein uses tender cuts of pork, which are usually thinly sliced and stir-fried quickly to retain moisture and tenderness. The noodles are coated in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings, creating a balanced and flavorful meal. This dish is often served with a side of steamed rice or as a stand-alone dish.
Ingredients Needed for Pork Lo Mein
To make Pork Lo Mein, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Pork:
Pork tenderloin or pork shoulder (about 1 lb): This cut of pork is tender and cooks quickly, making it perfect for stir-frying.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a salty, umami flavor to the pork and the overall dish.
Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (1 tablespoon): A Chinese cooking wine that adds depth and a bit of sweetness to the dish. If unavailable, dry sherry can work as a substitute.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): This helps to tenderize the meat and gives it a smooth texture when cooked.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the pork.
Fresh garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic is a key flavor enhancer in Chinese cuisine.
Fresh ginger (1-inch piece, grated): Ginger adds a fresh, aromatic note to the dish.
For the Noodles and Vegetables:
Lo Mein noodles (8 oz): These thick wheat noodles are perfect for soaking up the sauce and are usually found in most Asian grocery stores. You can also use egg noodles as a substitute.
Vegetables (choose your favorites, about 2 cups total):
Carrots (1, julienned): Adds color and a bit of sweetness.
Bell pepper (1, sliced): A crunchy texture and a mild sweetness.
Snow peas (½ cup): These add a nice crunch and freshness.
Scallions (2-3 stalks, chopped): These provide a mild onion flavor and are often used as a garnish.
For the Sauce:
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): The base of the sauce that provides saltiness and umami.
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and richness to the flavor.
Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): This sweet and savory sauce balances the salty and umami flavors.
Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the hoisin sauce.
Sugar (1 teaspoon): Helps to balance the acidity and adds a little sweetness to the sauce.
Chicken broth or water (¼ cup): Used to thin the sauce slightly and create a smooth texture.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon mixed with 2 tablespoons of water): This slurry will help thicken the sauce.
Preparation: Preparing the Pork
Before cooking the Pork Lo Mein, it’s important to prep your ingredients. Start by preparing the pork.
Slice the Pork: If using pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, slice it thinly across the grain into bite-sized strips. This will allow the pork to cook quickly and stay tender. The key is to slice the pork thin enough so it cooks fast and evenly.
Marinate the Pork: In a small bowl, combine the pork with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine or dry sherry, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Mix it well and let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps tenderize the meat and enhances the flavor.
Prep the Garlic and Ginger: Mince 3 cloves of garlic and grate 1-inch of fresh ginger. These two ingredients are essential for adding a fragrant and savory base to the dish.
Preparation: Preparing the Noodles and Vegetables
While the pork is marinating, you can prepare the noodles and vegetables.
Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the Lo Mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 4-5 minutes. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and set them aside. You can toss them with a little sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together.
Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the carrots into thin julienne strips. Slice the bell pepper into thin strips, and trim the snow peas. Chop the scallions into small pieces, setting aside the white part for cooking and the green part for garnish.
Now that your ingredients are prepared, you’re ready to start cooking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking the Pork Lo Mein
Cooking Pork Lo Mein is a relatively quick process, as everything is stir-fried together. Here’s how you do it:
Step 1: Stir-Fry the Pork
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated pork.
Stir-fry the pork for 2-3 minutes, or until it is no longer pink and has a nice brown color. The key is to cook the pork quickly to keep it tender.
Once cooked, remove the pork from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same wok or skillet, add another tablespoon of sesame oil if necessary. Add the white part of the chopped scallions, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. You want them to retain some crunch for the best texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and ¼ cup of chicken broth or water.
In another small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry.
Once the vegetables are cooked, pour the sauce mixture into the pan and bring it to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan, stirring constantly to thicken the sauce. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Step 4: Combine the Noodles and Pork
Return the cooked pork to the pan along with the cooked noodles. Toss everything together, making sure the noodles, pork, and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
Stir-fry everything for an additional 1-2 minutes, just enough to heat the noodles and pork through.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once everything is combined, garnish with the green part of the chopped scallions.
Serve the Pork Lo Mein hot, either on its own or with a side of steamed rice.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pork Lo Mein
Use Fresh Noodles: If possible, use fresh Lo Mein noodles instead of dried ones. Fresh noodles have a better texture and absorb the sauce more effectively.
Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to use other vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, or cabbage. The beauty of Lo Mein is its flexibility, so you can add whatever vegetables you like.
Don’t Overcook the Pork: Pork can become tough if overcooked, so be sure to stir-fry it quickly and remove it from the pan once it’s no longer pink.
Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: The beauty of homemade Pork Lo Mein is that you can adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more hoisin sauce or sugar. For a saltier taste, add extra soy sauce.
Make it Spicy: If you enjoy spicy food, you can add a teaspoon of chili paste or a few red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Conclusion
Pork Lo Mein is a delicious, comforting dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. By following these simple steps, you can make a satisfying meal that rivals takeout. With tender pork, chewy noodles, and a savory sauce, Pork Lo Mein is a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with family and friends. Enjoy!
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