Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Lo Mein
This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Lo Mein blends tender chicken and vibrant vegetables with the delightful sweetness of pineapple, all tossed together in a savory soy sauce. Perfect as a quick one-dish meal, this recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table. It can easily be adapted for turkey or even vegetarian options, making it a versatile favorite for any night of the week. Serve it up for family dinners or impress guests with this colorful, delicious dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pineapple chunks
1 (20 ounce) can (Drained and reserved juice)
Cubed cooked chicken or turkey
1-2 cups (Pre-cooked and cubed)
Garlic
2 cloves (Minced)
Ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (For sautéing and sauce)
Carrots
2 medium (Julienned)
Green pepper
1 medium (Julienned)
Cooked spaghetti
4 ounces (Cooked and drained)
Green onions
3 (Optional, chopped)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (To thicken sauce)
Soy sauce
1/3 cup (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the pineapple chunks and reserving 1/3 cup of the juice, discarding or saving the remaining juice for another use. Set the pineapple aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the julienned carrots and green peppers, along with the minced garlic and ground ginger. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
3
Next, add the cubed cooked chicken (or turkey) to the skillet. Stir well and heat through until the chicken is warm.
4
Incorporate the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, tossing everything together gently. If using green onions, add them at this stage.
5
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, and cornstarch along with the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil until smooth.
6
Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet, stirring to combine well. Bring the mixture to a boil, and continue to stir until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2 minutes.
7
Finally, gently fold in the reserved pineapple chunks and remove from heat. Serve immediately, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Lo Mein?
It is a vibrant dish that blends tender chicken and vegetables with the sweetness of pineapple in a savory soy sauce.
How long does it take to sauté the vegetables?
The carrots and green peppers should be sautéed for about 5-7 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted for cubed cooked turkey instead of chicken.
What type of pasta is used for this lo mein?
This recipe uses 4 ounces of cooked and drained spaghetti.
How much pineapple juice should be reserved from the can?
You should reserve 1/3 cup of the pineapple juice for the sauce.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and can be adapted for vegetarian options by omitting the meat.
What size can of pineapple chunks is required?
The recipe calls for one 20-ounce can of pineapple chunks.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 cloves of garlic, minced, for this dish.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The dish includes julienned carrots, julienned green peppers, and optional green onions.
How should the carrots and green peppers be prepared?
Both the carrots and green peppers should be julienned into thin strips.
How much ground ginger is used?
The recipe requires 3/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
What is the role of cornstarch in this recipe?
One tablespoon of cornstarch is used to thicken the savory sauce.
How much soy sauce is needed for the seasoning?
You will need 1/3 cup of soy sauce to create the savory flavor profile.
How much vegetable oil is used in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil is used: 2 for sautéing and 1 for the sauce mixture.
When should the green onions be added?
Green onions can be added when tossing in the spaghetti or used later as a garnish.
How long does the sauce take to thicken?
Once the mixture is brought to a boil, it should take about 2 minutes of stirring for the sauce to thicken.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is described as a quick one-dish meal perfect for any night of the week.
Should the chicken be raw or cooked when added to the skillet?
The chicken (or turkey) should be pre-cooked and cubed before being added to the skillet.
What should I do with the remaining pineapple juice?
The recipe suggests discarding the remaining juice or saving it for another use after reserving the required 1/3 cup.
At what stage are the pineapple chunks added?
The reserved pineapple chunks are folded in at the very end, just before serving and after the sauce has thickened.
What heat setting is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The vegetables should be sautéed over medium heat.
How do you prepare the sauce mixture?
In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved juice, soy sauce, cornstarch, and one tablespoon of oil until smooth.
Is this dish considered Asian cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as Asian cuisine and is a variation of a traditional stir-fry or lo mein.
Can I garnish the dish before serving?
Yes, you can garnish the finished dish with additional chopped green onions if desired.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While specific serving numbers aren't provided, it uses 4 ounces of pasta and 1-2 cups of chicken, typical for a family meal.
Is this a good dish for guests?
Yes, the colorful presentation and delicious sweet and savory flavor make it great for impressing guests.
What makes the dish 'savory'?
The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ground ginger provides the savory element of the dish.
What is the texture of the vegetables in the final dish?
The vegetables are sautéed until they are crisp-tender, providing a nice texture alongside the soft noodles.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground?
While the recipe calls for ground ginger, fresh ginger can often be substituted for a more pungent flavor.
Is it necessary to boil the sauce?
Yes, bringing the mixture to a boil is necessary to activate the cornstarch and thicken the sauce properly.