Are you craving the tantalizing taste of P.F. Chang's signature Chicken Lo Mein but want to recreate it in the comfort of your own kitchen? Look no further! This step-by-step guide will help you replicate the irresistible flavors of this Chicken Lo Mein right at home.
If you love P.F. Chang's dishes, be sure to try my copycat recipe for Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Dynamite Shrimp, and Chicken Fried Rice.
Jump to:
What is Lo Mein
Lo Mein is a Chinese dish that consists of wheat noodles tossed with a variety of ingredients, often including vegetables and some type of protein like chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp. The noodles used in Lo Mein are typically egg noodles, and the dish is known for its savory and slightly sweet flavor profile.
The preparation of Lo Mein involves stir-frying the noodles along with vegetables and protein in a flavorful sauce. The sauce typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sometimes hoisin sauce or ginger, which contribute to the dish's distinct taste.
Lo Mein is a versatile dish, and its popularity has led to various regional and international variations. It's commonly found in Chinese-American cuisine and has become a popular choice on the menu of many Asian-inspired restaurants worldwide. The combination of tender noodles, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce makes Lo Mein a delicious and satisfying dish for those who enjoy Chinese cuisine.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Lo Mein noodles - Substitution: Egg noodles, ramen noodles, udon noodles, or even whole wheat noodles for a healthier option.
- Chicken Breasts - Substitution: Tofu, shrimp, beef, or sliced pork for different protein options. Alternatively, use a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
- Cooking Oil: Olive oil, Vegetable Oil, and Sesame Oil - Substitution: Canola oil or peanut oil.
- Garlic - Substitution: Garlic powder or granules if fresh garlic is unavailable.
- Vegetables: Mushrooms, Carrots, Snow Peas, and Bell Peppers. - Substitution: Shredded green cabbage, broccoli slaw, thinly sliced zucchini for variety, snap peas, green beans, or asparagus for a similar crunch. Use any color bell peppers or substitute them with cherry tomatoes for a different twist.
- Sauces: Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce. - Tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. Light soy sauce can be used for a milder flavor. Hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a touch of fish sauce for a similar umami flavor.
- Brown Sugar - Substitution: Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for a natural sweetener.
- Garnish: Green Onions and Toasted Sesame Seeds. - Substitution: Chopped chives or regular onion slices for a different flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes - Substitution: Sriracha, chili paste, or omit for a milder dish.
Feel free to mix and match these substitutions based on your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles:
- Boil Lo Mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Marinate the thinly sliced chicken in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and a pinch of black pepper for about 15-20 minutes.
- Create the Sauce:
- Whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in another bowl. Set the sauce aside.
- Stir-Fry Chicken:
- Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed.
- Stir-fry the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the mushrooms, carrots, snow peas, and bell peppers.
- Cook the vegetables until they are tender yet crisp.
- Combine and Toss:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the stir-fried vegetables.
- Add the cooked noodles and the prepared sauce.
- Toss everything until the noodles and ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the Chicken Lo Mein to a serving dish.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an extra flavor and presentation.
Storage
Properly storing leftovers is crucial to maintain their safety and quality. Here are some general guidelines for storing Chicken Lo Mein leftovers:
- Cooling:
- Allow the Chicken Lo Mein to cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing. It's recommended to refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours of cooking.
- Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is shallow to facilitate quick cooling.
- Leftover Chicken Lo Mein can typically be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing:
- If you don't plan to consume the leftovers within a few days, consider freezing them.
- Use airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Properly stored, Chicken Lo Mein can be frozen for about 2-3 months.
- Thawing:
- When ready to eat frozen leftovers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
- Reheating:
- Reheat leftovers thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming. This can be done in the microwave, on the stove, or in the oven.
- If using a microwave, stir the Chicken Lo Mein midway through the reheating process to ensure even heating. This single-serve microwave bowl is my favorite to use when reheating leftovers.
- Portioning:
- Consider dividing the leftovers into smaller portions before refrigerating or freezing. This allows for quicker cooling and easier reheating of individual servings.
- Quality Check:
- Before consuming, inspect the leftovers for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, unusual color, or unusual texture. If in doubt, it's better to err on the side of caution and discard the leftovers.
Remember that these guidelines are general recommendations. It's essential to use your judgment based on factors such as the specific ingredients used and how they were handled during preparation and storage. Always prioritize food safety when dealing with leftovers.
FAQ
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests Lo Mein noodles, you can use egg noodles, ramen noodles, udon noodles, or any other noodle of your choice.
Yes, you can! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure any other condiments or noodles are labeled gluten-free.
Absolutely! Prepare the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. You can also add a dash of sriracha or hot sauce for extra heat.
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Lo Mein. Use airtight freezer-safe containers or bags, which should be good for about 2-3 months.
Of course! You can mix and match vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Certainly! You can use toasted sesame oil for a similar flavor or any neutral oil if you prefer a milder taste.
Conclusion
Now that you've mastered this incredible P.F. Chang's Chicken Lo Mein recipe, you can enjoy the rich flavors and textures without leaving home. Experiment with adding different vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste buds. Share this delightful dish with family and friends, and relish in the joy of creating restaurant-quality meals in your own kitchen!
Noodle Recipes You May Like
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with lo mein noodles:
Want more recipes? Go to recipe index to see other gourmet recipes sorted by category!
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounce Lo Mein Noodles
- 2 boneless Chicken Breasts skinless (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoon Cooking Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 cup Mushrooms sliced
- 1 cup Carrots peeled (julienned)
- 1 cup Snow Peas trimmed
- 1 cup Bell Peppers sliced (assorted colors for vibrancy)
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tablespoon Oyster Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Green Onions sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds toasted (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil the Lo Mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.8 ounce Lo Mein Noodles
- In a bowl, marinate the thinly sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and a pinch of black pepper for about 15-20 minutes.2 boneless Chicken Breasts
- In another bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set the sauce aside.¼ cup Soy Sauce, 2 tablespoon Oyster Sauce, 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar, 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil, ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.2 tablespoon Cooking Oil
- Stir-fry the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the mushrooms, carrots, snow peas, and bell peppers.2 cloves Garlic, 1 cup Mushrooms, 1 cup Carrots, 1 cup Snow Peas, 1 cup Bell Peppers
- Toss the cooked chicken and stir-fried vegetables and cook until the noodles and ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer the Chicken Lo Mein to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an extra flavor and presentation.1 tablespoon Green Onions, 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds
Notes
- Add different vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds.
Comments
No Comments