Spicy Buttered Vegetable Lo Mein with Creamy Egg Yolks
This delicious twist on classic lo mein combines buttery, spicy gochujang with an array of fresh vegetables for a flavorful and satisfying dish. Finished with a rich, creamy egg yolk and a sprinkle of scallions, this meal is both satisfying and visually stunning. Perfect for dinner parties or a comforting meal at home.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
kosher salt
to taste (none)
lo mein noodles
14 ounces (one package)
sesame oil
1 tablespoon (none)
unsalted butter
1/4 cup (none)
gochujang sauce
1/3 cup (none)
shallots
3 (thinly sliced)
savoy cabbage
1/4 large (cored and thinly sliced (about 1/2 pound))
carrots
2 (peeled and julienned)
asparagus
1 pound (trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces)
water
1/2 cup (none)
organic egg yolks
6 (for serving)
scallions
2 (thinly sliced, for serving)
korean chili flakes or red pepper flakes
optional (none)
Instructions
1
1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the lo mein noodles and cook them until al dente, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and toss them with sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
2
2. In the meantime, place a large skillet over high heat. Melt the unsalted butter in the skillet, then add the gochujang sauce and the thinly sliced shallots. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the shallots are soft and the gochujang is starting to caramelize, providing a rich aroma.
3
3. Add the savoy cabbage and julienned carrots to the skillet. Continue cooking for approximately 3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
4
4. Add the trimmed, cut asparagus to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring all the vegetables are crisp-tender.
5
5. Pour in 1/2 cup of water into the skillet to deglaze, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any caramelized bits, enhancing the flavor.
6
6. Incorporate the cooked noodles into the skillet. Fold gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt if needed.
7
7. Divide the lo mein among six serving bowls. Top each serving with one organic egg yolk, thinly sliced scallions, and a sprinkle of optional chili flakes or red pepper flakes to taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Buttered Vegetable Lo Mein with Creamy Egg Yolks?
It is a unique twist on classic lo mein that features a rich gochujang butter sauce, fresh vegetables, and a raw egg yolk topping for extra creaminess.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses noodles, vegetables, butter, and eggs.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What type of noodles are required?
You will need one 14-ounce package of lo mein noodles.
How long should I cook the lo mein noodles?
Cook the noodles in salted boiling water for approximately 5 minutes or until they are al dente.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
After draining the noodles, toss them with one tablespoon of sesame oil to keep them separate.
What is gochujang sauce?
Gochujang is a savory, sweet, and spicy fermented condiment made from chili powder, glutinous rice, and soybeans, common in Korean cuisine.
What kind of butter should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
The dish includes shallots, savoy cabbage, carrots, and asparagus.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be peeled and julienned into thin matchsticks.
How should the cabbage be prepared?
Use 1/4 of a large savoy cabbage (about 1/2 pound), cored and thinly sliced.
How do I prepare the asparagus?
Trim the tough ends of the asparagus and cut the spears into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
What is the purpose of adding water to the skillet?
The 1/2 cup of water is used to deglaze the pan, lifting caramelized bits from the bottom to enhance the overall flavor.
Is the egg yolk cooked in this recipe?
No, the organic egg yolk is placed raw on top of the hot noodles just before serving to create a creamy sauce when mixed in.
What type of eggs should I buy for this dish?
The recipe recommends using organic egg yolks for the best quality and flavor.
How do I garnish the Lo Mein?
Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and optional Korean chili flakes or red pepper flakes.
How much gochujang is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of gochujang sauce.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer Korean chili flakes at the end.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
The cabbage and carrots cook for about 3 minutes, and the asparagus cooks for an additional 2 minutes.
What flavor does the sesame oil add?
Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and prevents the noodles from sticking.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt is recommended for both the pasta water and seasoning the final dish.
Are shallots necessary or can I use onions?
While shallots provide a delicate flavor, you could substitute with finely sliced red or yellow onion if needed.
What texture should the vegetables have?
The vegetables should be cooked until they are crisp-tender.
Can I use regular cabbage instead of savoy?
Yes, while savoy cabbage is preferred for its texture, green cabbage or Napa cabbage can be used as a substitute.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, taking very little time once the vegetables are prepped.
What makes the sauce 'buttery'?
The combination of 1/4 cup of unsalted butter melted with gochujang creates a rich, velvety butter sauce.
Can I add protein to this dish?
While the recipe is vegetarian, you could easily add shrimp, chicken, or tofu if desired.
What kind of chili flakes are recommended?
Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) are recommended for an authentic flavor, but standard red pepper flakes also work.
How many scallions are needed for garnish?
You will need 2 thinly sliced scallions.
Does this recipe require any special equipment?
No, you only need a medium pot for the noodles and a large skillet for the vegetables and sauce.