Low-Budget Lo Mein
Check out this cheap and easy "lo mein" recipe that subs in easier to get ingredients (like spaghetti noodles) that you may even already have in the fridge/pantry. For when you just gotta have some "Chinese" food.
Equipment
- Wok (Optional)
- Normal Kitchen Utensils
Ingredients
- 1 Lb Spaghetti or Linguini Or Lo Mein Noodles If You Have Them
- 6-8 C Fresh or Frozen Vegetables, Such As:
- Broccoli
- Onion Sliced
- Celery Sliced
- Cabbage Chopped
- Bell Pepper Sliced
- Jalapeño Sliced
- Carrots Julienned
- Snow Peas
- Mushrooms Sliced
- Green Onion
- 1/4 C Soy Sauce
- 2 Cloves Garlic Minced, Or 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 C Vegetable Oil
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (Optional) But Highly Recommended
- 2 Tbsp Rice Wine or Mirin (Optional)
- 1 tsp Sugar (Optional)
- Salt to Taste
Instructions
- Boil your noodles in a large pot of water (unless using lo mein noodles that do not need to be boiled). Be sure to salt the water.1 Lb Spaghetti or Linguini
- Dice and slice any vegetables that need it.6-8 C Fresh or Frozen Vegetables, Such As:
- In a separate wok or large pot, heat half the vegetable oil.1/4 C Vegetable Oil
- While the oil heats and the noodles boil, mix the minced garlic, soy sauce, (optional) sesame oil, (optional) rice wine and (optional) sugar in a bowl. If you add the sugar, add a tsp of water. Note: sugar will add a layer of sweetness and sesame oil will add a real nuttiness to the dish. I strongly recommend trying out the sesame oil.1/4 C Soy Sauce, 2 Cloves Garlic, 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil, 2 Tbsp Rice Wine or Mirin, 1 tsp Sugar
- Sauté your vegetables in the hot oil. Work in batches if the pan or wok is too small for all the vegetables to touch the metal during cooking. Add a sprinkle of salt, to help draw out moisture, and cook each batch 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are cooked through with a little bit of crunch left. Add some of the extra oil if the oil in the pan begins to run low.Salt to Taste
- Drain the pasta once boiled. Add to the pot/wok with all the cooked vegetables. Reduce the heat to low and mix in the sauce and remaining vegetable oil. Mix everything together for 2-3 minutes and cut the heat. Add salt or extra soy sauce to taste.
- Serve immediately with sriracha and soy sauce on the side. Sliced green onions also make a great garnish.
Notes
This is a definite “make it your own” dish. Let this be a basic guide and follow your inner munchies.
It goes really well with some cooked chicken or scrambled egg.