Lo mein

Lo mein is a popular Chinese dish that has gained widespread popularity across the globe, particularly in American Chinese cuisine. The dish consists of wheat flour noodles that are boiled and then stir-fried with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, chicken, beef, or seafood. The name "lo mein" comes from the Cantonese words "lo" meaning "tossed" and "mein" meaning "noodles", which reflects the method of preparation where the cooked noodles are tossed with a sauce and other ingredients in a hot wok.

Ingredients and Preparation

The primary ingredient in lo mein is wheat flour noodles, which can vary in thickness and type. The noodles are first boiled until they are soft and then drained. In a separate wok or frying pan, other ingredients such as sliced vegetables (commonly onions, bell peppers, cabbage, and carrots), proteins (like chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu), and aromatics (such as garlic and ginger) are stir-fried. The boiled noodles are then added to the wok, and everything is tossed together with a sauce. The sauce typically includes soy sauce, oyster sauce, and possibly sesame oil, along with sugar and cornstarch to thicken.

Variations

Lo mein is known for its versatility and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. Variations may include:

• Vegetable Lo Mein: A vegetarian version that focuses on a variety of stir-fried vegetables.
• Chicken Lo Mein: Incorporates stir-fried chicken pieces.
• Beef Lo Mein: Uses slices of beef as the primary protein.
• Shrimp Lo Mein: Features stir-fried shrimp among the ingredients.
• House Special Lo Mein: A combination of different proteins like chicken, beef, and shrimp, making it a hearty option.

Cultural Significance

Lo mein is a staple dish in both traditional and American Chinese cuisine. It is often served in Chinese restaurants worldwide and is a popular choice for take-out. The dish's ease of preparation and flexibility in terms of ingredients have contributed to its popularity. In Chinese culture, noodles symbolize longevity and prosperity, making lo mein a common dish during celebrations and festivals.

Comparison with Chow Mein

Lo mein is often compared to chow mein, another popular noodle dish. The main difference lies in the preparation of the noodles. While lo mein noodles are boiled and then tossed with ingredients, chow mein noodles are stir-fried until crispy before being mixed with the other components. This results in a textural difference between the two dishes, with lo mein being softer and chow mein having a crunchier texture.

See Also

• Chinese cuisine
• Noodle
• Stir frying
• American Chinese cuisine