Quick & Spicy Vegetable Lo Mein
This Quick & Spicy Vegetable Lo Mein is a delicious twist on traditional chow mein that I crafted when I craved a quick meal without sacrificing flavor. Instead of relying on the bland taste of canned options, this dish combines vibrant vegetables, savory chicken, and a zesty sauce, all served over perfectly cooked lo mein noodles. It’s a fantastic weeknight dinner that can be whipped up in no time, and the addition of ginger pears on the side adds a refreshing touch. Perfect for those busy evenings, this recipe brings together a harmonious blend of flavors that will keep your taste buds dancing.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
lo mein noodles
12 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
sesame oil
2 tablespoons (none)
garlic, minced
1 tablespoon (minced)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (none)
low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
canned chow mein (chicken or beef)
28 ounces (opened, veggies drained)
canned chicken (or shrimp)
10 ounces (drained)
Instructions
1
Begin by opening the veggie portion of the canned chow mein and draining the excess liquid. Set aside.
2
Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the lo mein noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with hot water to remove excess starch. Return noodles to the pot and set aside.
3
In a small skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing gently until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes), being careful not to burn the garlic.
4
Once the garlic is tender, add the lemon juice and low sodium soy sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture heat through for another minute.
5
While the noodles are cooking, combine the drained vegetables from the chow mein with the drained canned chicken (or shrimp) in a separate saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat until warmed throughout.
6
Toss the cooked lo mein noodles in the skillet with the garlic oil mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
7
Serve the vegetable and chicken mixture over the noodles, garnished with extra red pepper flakes if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick & Spicy Vegetable Lo Mein?
It is a fast, flavor-packed twist on traditional chow mein that uses vibrant vegetables, savory meat, and a zesty garlic-soy sauce.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 8 primary ingredients.
What kind of noodles are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of lo mein noodles.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it includes red pepper flakes to give the dish a spicy kick.
Can I use a meat other than chicken?
Yes, you can use canned shrimp or beef as alternatives to chicken.
How much sesame oil is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of sesame oil.
What type of soy sauce is recommended?
Low sodium soy sauce is recommended to manage the salt content.
How much garlic should I use?
Use 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for this recipe.
What size of canned chow mein is used?
The recipe specifies a 28-ounce can of chow mein.
Should I drain the canned vegetables?
Yes, you should open the veggie portion of the canned chow mein and drain the excess liquid before starting.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is draining the veggie portion of the canned chow mein and setting it aside.
How do I prepare the lo mein noodles?
Boil them in salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse with hot water.
Why should I rinse the noodles with hot water?
Rinsing helps remove excess starch so the noodles do not clump.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
What temperature should I use to heat the oil?
Use medium heat to prevent the garlic from burning.
Does this recipe include lemon juice?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice is added to the sauce for a zesty flavor.
How do I warm the meat and vegetables?
Combine the drained canned vegetables and meat in a separate saucepan and heat until warmed throughout.
When do I combine the noodles with the sauce?
Toss the cooked noodles in the skillet with the garlic oil mixture once the garlic is tender and the sauce is heated.
What is a suggested side dish for this lo mein?
Ginger pears are recommended as a refreshing side dish.
Can I garnish the dish with more spice?
Yes, you can garnish with extra red pepper flakes if desired.
Is this a good recipe for weeknights?
Yes, it is designed as a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
What is the amount of canned chicken or shrimp needed?
You will need 10 ounces of drained canned chicken or shrimp.
How much red pepper flakes are in the base recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Should the garlic be fresh or canned?
The recipe calls for minced garlic; fresh is typically best for flavor.
Is this dish considered Asian-inspired?
Yes, it is tagged as an Asian-inspired stir fry.
Can I make this recipe if I don't have a wok?
Yes, the instructions suggest using a small skillet and a separate saucepan.
What do I do with the noodles after rinsing?
Return them to the pot and set them aside until you are ready to toss them with the sauce.
Does the recipe use high sodium ingredients?
The recipe specifically calls for low sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium levels in check.
Is the chicken cooked before adding it to the noodles?
Yes, the recipe uses canned chicken that is warmed through with the vegetables.
What makes the sauce 'zesty'?
The combination of lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes creates the zesty flavor profile.