Basic Lo Mein: A Simple Noodle Delight
Lo mein is a quick and easy noodle dish perfect for a weeknight meal. This recipe provides a foundational approach you can easily customize to your liking.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Used In Step(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Dried Lo Mein Noodles | 8 oz | 1 |
| Vegetable Oil | 2 tbsp | 2, 4 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | 2 |
| Ginger, minced | 1 tbsp | 2 |
| Broccoli florets | 1 cup | 3 |
| Carrots, sliced | 1/2 cup | 3 |
| Soy Sauce | 1/4 cup | 4 |
| Oyster Sauce (optional) | 1 tbsp | 4 |
| Sesame Oil | 1 tsp | 4 |
Step 1: Preparing the Noodles
Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package directions. Usually, this involves boiling water and cooking for a few minutes until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside. You can find tips for cooking perfect noodles here.
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!
Step 3: Stir-frying the Vegetables
Add the broccoli and carrots to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Adjust cooking time depending on your preferred vegetable doneness.
Step 4: Combining and Serving
Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the wok. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated and heated through. Serve immediately.
If you followed these instructions incorrectly, your lo mein might taste like sadness mixed with slightly overcooked broccoli.
