Savory Pork and Vegetable Lo Mein
This Savory Pork and Vegetable Lo Mein is a family favorite that never disappoints. Rich with flavor and packed with nutrition, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender pork, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a delicious soy sauce blend creates a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy. For added convenience, you can purchase pre-shredded veggies at your local grocery store, saving you time without compromising on taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided (2 tbsp for cooking pork, 1 tbsp for vegetables))
Spaghetti
8 ounces (cooked al dente and drained)
Pork tenderloin
1 lb (sliced thinly into strips)
Onion
1 medium (sliced into wedges)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Shredded cabbage
2 cups (see note below)
Bok choy or celery
2 stalks (sliced)
Carrot
1 cup (sliced or shredded (see note below))
Sweet bell peppers
2 (thinly sliced (red, orange, or yellow))
Soy sauce
1/3 cup (used for seasoning)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2
2. Add the sliced pork tenderloin, onion wedges, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté until the pork is cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3
3. Remove the pork mixture from the skillet and set it aside, keeping it warm.
4
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil (or more if necessary) and sauté the shredded cabbage, bok choy (or celery), sliced carrots, and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 3-5 minutes.
5
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine.
6
6. Pour the soy sauce over the noodle and vegetable mix. Add the pork mixture back into the skillet.
7
7. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently until everything is heated through. If you prefer your noodles to have a deeper flavor, allow them to cook a bit longer to achieve a slightly darker color.
8
8. Once everything is perfectly cooked and piping hot, serve immediately. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Pork and Vegetable Lo Mein?
It is a nutritious family-favorite dish featuring tender pork, crisp vegetables, and spaghetti tossed in a savory soy sauce blend.
How long does it take to cook the pork?
The sliced pork tenderloin should be sautéed for about 5-7 minutes until it is cooked through and no longer pink.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 8 ounces of spaghetti, cooked al dente and drained, as the noodle base.
Can I use something other than pork tenderloin?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of pork tenderloin sliced into strips, but you can substitute other proteins if preferred.
How much soy sauce is needed for seasoning?
You will need 1/3 cup of soy sauce to give the dish its signature flavor.
What vegetables are included in this lo mein?
The recipe includes shredded cabbage, bok choy or celery, sliced carrots, sweet bell peppers, onions, and garlic.
Can I use pre-shredded vegetables?
Yes, purchasing pre-shredded vegetables like cabbage and carrots can save time without compromising the taste.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains 1/8 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which provides a mild heat that can be adjusted to your preference.
How many tablespoons of olive oil are required?
A total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil are used, divided between cooking the pork and the vegetables.
Can I substitute bok choy?
Yes, if bok choy is unavailable, you can use 2 stalks of sliced celery instead.
How should the onions be prepared?
One medium onion should be sliced into wedges before being sautéed with the pork.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The 2 garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the skillet.
How much spaghetti is required?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of spaghetti.
Should the spaghetti be cooked before adding it to the skillet?
Yes, the spaghetti should be cooked al dente and drained before being mixed with the sautéed vegetables.
What color bell peppers should I use?
You can use 2 thinly sliced sweet bell peppers in red, orange, or yellow colors.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
Sauté the shredded cabbage, bok choy, carrots, and bell peppers for 3-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
Can I cook the noodles longer for more flavor?
Yes, allowing the noodles to cook a bit longer in the skillet can help them achieve a deeper flavor and a darker color.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, the entire dish is cooked in a single large skillet or wok.
What heat setting should I use?
The skillet or wok should be heated over medium-high heat.
How do I know when the pork is done?
The pork is ready when it is no longer pink and has been sautéed for at least 5-7 minutes.
Can I adjust the amount of red pepper flakes?
Yes, the amount can be adjusted to your personal taste.
What is the final cooking step after adding the pork back?
Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently until everything is heated through.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is designed to come together quickly, making it an ideal meal for a busy schedule.
How should the pork tenderloin be sliced?
It should be sliced thinly into strips for even and quick cooking.
Can I use a wok for this recipe?
Yes, a large wok is an excellent alternative to a skillet for this stir-fry recipe.
What role does the soy sauce play?
The soy sauce acts as the primary seasoning, binding the flavors of the pork, vegetables, and noodles together.
Should the dish be served immediately?
Yes, it is best enjoyed immediately while perfectly cooked and piping hot.
Is this dish considered a healthy dinner option?
Yes, it is described as being packed with nutrition from its various vegetable and lean protein components.
What if my skillet becomes too dry while cooking vegetables?
You can add more olive oil if necessary when sautéing the cabbage, bok choy, carrots, and peppers.
What should I do with the pork while cooking the vegetables?
After the pork is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside, keeping it warm until the vegetables are ready.