Succulent Pork Lo Mein: A Classic Chinese Stir-Fry Dish

Ingredients

  • 200 grams of lo mein noodles
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 inch of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 boneless pork chops, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 spring onions, sliced
  • 100 grams of bean sprouts
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground white pepper

Steps and instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the noodles are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic and chopped ginger to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the thinly sliced pork chops to the pan and cook until no longer pink.
  5. Add the julienned carrot and sliced bell pepper to the pan and stir fry for about 2 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  6. Add the cooked noodles, sliced spring onions, and bean sprouts to the pan. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
  7. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and ground white pepper. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  8. Pour the sauce over the noodles and stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  9. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well heated.
  10. Serve the Pork Lo Mein hot, garnished with additional spring onions if desired.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the pork with chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
  • Add a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn to enhance the flavors and textures.
  • For a spicy kick, add sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
  • Experiment with different types of noodles like udon, rice noodles, or egg noodles.
  • Include other Asian condiments such as fish sauce, black bean sauce, or chili garlic sauce for a unique flavor twist.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for added freshness and crunch.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
  • Adjust the seasonings according to personal preference by adding more or less soy sauce, oyster sauce, or hoisin sauce.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a delightful taste of Asian cuisine with this recipe for Pork Lo Mein. This dish features tender-crisp vegetables, succulent pork, and soft noodles, all tossed together in a savory sauce. The blend of sauces provides a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and salty, offering a delicious contrast to the fresh, crunchy vegetables. Making this dish at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and adjust the taste to your liking. You can also add or subtract any ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, even for beginner cooks, and the overall cooking time is relatively short, making it a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy the process of stir-frying and the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen as you prepare this dish. Served hot, this Pork Lo Mein is sure to please your palate and leave you satisfied.

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of noodles instead of lo mein noodles?
    Yes, you can use other types of noodles such as spaghetti or linguine as a substitute for lo mein noodles in this recipe.
  2. Can I use a different protein instead of pork?
    Certainly! You can use chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu as a substitute for pork in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  3. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
    Absolutely! Simply omit the pork and add more vegetables or substitute with tofu for a vegetarian version.
  4. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
    Yes, you can add or substitute with your preferred vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms, or bok choy.
  5. Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
    Certainly! If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add some chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the dish.
  6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    While it is best to enjoy Pork Lo Mein immediately after cooking, you can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
  7. Can I freeze leftovers?
    Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Pork Lo Mein. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  8. Can I adjust the sauce ingredients to my taste?
    Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amounts of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or other seasonings according to your personal preference.
  9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Also, ensure that the noodles you use are gluten-free.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Wok - A large, deep frying pan with high sides, perfect for stir-frying the ingredients.
  • Large pot - Used for boiling the noodles.
  • Strainer - To drain the cooked noodles.
  • Chopping board - For cutting and preparing the ingredients.
  • Knife - For slicing and chopping the vegetables and pork.
  • Mixing bowl - To combine the sauce ingredients.
  • Tongs - Useful for tossing and stirring the noodles and ingredients.
  • Spatula - For stirring and flipping the ingredients in the wok.
  • Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the sauce ingredients.

Origin stories

Lo Mein, which directly translates to "stirred noodles", hails from the Canton region of China. It's an integral part of Cantonese cuisine, typically enjoyed as a satisfying street food or casual family meal. The beauty of Lo Mein lies in its flexibility. Traditionally, it was a creative solution to use up leftover meats and vegetables, stir frying them with boiled wheat noodles and a savory sauce. Over time, many variations of Lo Mein have developed, such as our Pork Lo Mein, each version reflecting the unique tastes and resources of its maker. Even as it crossed oceans and settled into different countries, Lo Mein retained its humble roots, standing as a testament to the Cantonese philosophy of harmony and balance in food.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.