Lo Mein Recipe

Cook noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions until just tender (usually 3–5 minutes). Drain and rinse under warm water to stop cooking; toss with 1 tsp sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Make sauce

In a bowl, whisk together 5 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 cup chicken stock, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp sugar and 1 tsp sesame oil until smooth and cornstarch is dissolved. Taste and adjust (add up to 1 tbsp soy if you prefer saltier). Keep sauce nearby.

Combine 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tsp vegetable oil in a bowl. Add the 1 lb thinly sliced chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate 10–15 minutes at room temperature (or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator).

Heat a large wok or heavy skillet over high heat until hot. Add 1 tbsp of the vegetable oil. When shimmering, add the marinated chicken in a single layer; spread pieces so they sear. Cook, stirring only after 30–45 seconds, until chicken is just cooked through and starting to brown (about 2–3 minutes). Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.

Return the wok to high heat. Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add minced garlic (3 cloves) and minced ginger (1 tsp); stir-fry 10–15 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Add sliced onion, julienned carrot and sliced green bell pepper. Stir-fry 1–2 minutes until vegetables begin to soften but still have bite.

Add snow peas and half of the sliced green onions; stir-fry another 30–45 seconds.

Add the cooked noodles and reserved chicken back into the wok with the vegetables. Give the sauce a quick stir (cornstarch may settle) and pour it over the noodle mixture.

Toss everything together with tongs or two spatulas, stirring constantly, so the sauce coats the noodles and thickens slightly from the cornstarch. If pan looks dry, add 1–2 tbsp water or stock to loosen. Stir-fry 1–2 minutes until heated through and sauce clings to noodles.

Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, taste and adjust seasoning (add more soy or a pinch of sugar if desired).

Turn off heat, stir in remaining green onions, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro if using. Serve immediately.