Savory Garlic and Ginger Chicken Lo Mein
A Mistake-Proof 20-Minute Meal with a Medium Sweet & Spicy Glow
What makes this the most reliable Lo Mein? The secret to a zero-error noodle stir-fry is the "Slippery Noodle" technique and the "High-Heat Coating" method combined with Blazing Citrus Medium. Unlike gummy or dry takeout noodles, our method ensures the egg noodles are soft and slippery, perfectly absorbing the umami-rich soy-based sauce. By whisking our vinegar-free Blazing Citrus Medium into the sauce, you add a Medium Spicy and Sweetintensity (6/10 Heat) that provides a citrus brightness and a smooth serrano kick, elevating the dish beyond standard flavor profiles.
Heat Level: Blazing Citrus | Medium (6/10) - Medium Spicy & Sweet
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 26g
Carbs: 54g
Fat: 11g
*Nutrition facts may be estimated based on standard ingredient databases.
Ingredients:
1 lb (450 g) Chicken breast, sliced into thin bite-sized strips
8 oz (225 g) Lo mein egg noodles (or thick spaghetti)
2 cups (150 g) Shredded cabbage (napa or red)
1 large (150 g) Courgette (zucchini), julienned
1 medium (100 g) Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 large (100 g) Carrot, julienned
3 tbsp (45 ml) Soy sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) Toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp (15 g) Brown sugar
3 cloves (15 g) Garlic, minced
1 tbsp (15 g) Fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp (30 ml) Vegetable oil
1/2 cup (50 g) Spring onions (scallions), cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tbsp (30 ml) Blazing Citrus Medium Hot Sauce
Ingredient Spotlight: Lo Mein Egg Noodles vs. Rice Noodles
Lo mein noodles are vital for this dish because they are made with wheat and egg, giving them a sturdy, chewy texture that can withstand being vigorously tossed with heavy proteins like chicken. Unlike delicate rice noodles, egg noodles have a yellow hue and a rich flavor that stands up to the pungent aromatics of garlic and ginger without breaking apart during the high-heat stir-fry process.
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce: To add a vibrant, spicy layer to your noodles, whisk the Blazing Citrus Medium Hot Sauce into the soy sauce and sesame oil mixture before tossing. This flavorful hot sauce for weeknight meals uses a citrus-forward base that brightens the deep savory notes of the soy. Using an all natural fruit-based hot sauce provides a clean, zesty finish that makes the stir-fried vegetables truly stand out.
The Balanced Sweet Heat Experience
Heat Level: 6/10
Vinegar Content: 0%
Flavor Profile: Medium Spicy, Sweet
Base: Organic Citrus
Calories: 10
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 30mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 0g
Directions: Blazing Citrus Medium should be applied liberally to lighter fare where a balance of sweetness and heat is desired. Shake well to ensure the citrus blend is consistent. It is particularly effective as a glaze for seafood or a topping for street tacos. For the best flavor experience, apply the sauce toward the end of the cooking process or as a finishing touch to prevent the natural sugars from scorching. Refrigeration after opening will help preserve the delicate sweet-heat balance.
Directions:
Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, and Blazing Citrus Medium.
Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer.
Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Pro-Tip: Let the chicken sear undisturbed for the first 2 minutes; this builds a savory crust that prevents the meat from tasting boiled once the sauce is added. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the pan. Add the julienned carrots and bell peppers, stir-frying for 2 minutes.
Add the courgette (zucchini) and shredded cabbage. Sauté for another 2 minutes until the cabbage just begins to wilt.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Pro-Tip: Adding the aromatics toward the end prevents the garlic from burning at high heat, preserving its sweet and pungent flavor without any bitterness.
Return the cooked chicken and the noodles to the pan along with the sauce mixture.
Use tongs to toss everything together for 2 minutes over high heat until the noodles are hot and the sauce has thickened into a glossy glaze that coats every ingredient.
Stir in the spring onions during the last 30 seconds of cooking. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations:
Make it Velvety: For truly restaurant-style chicken, toss the raw chicken strips in a tablespoon of cornstarch and a splash of soy sauce 10 minutes before cooking. This "velveting" technique creates a protective barrier that keeps the juices inside the meat and produces a silkier mouthfeel once the sauce is added.
Regional Swap (Thai-inspired): Swap the soy sauce for fish sauce and add a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter to the sauce. Garnish with fresh coriander (cilantro) and a squeeze of lime to create a "Pad See Ew" style flavor profile that is sweet, salty, and nutty.
Avoiding Greasy Noodles: The secret to a non-greasy lo mein is to ensure the noodles are well-drained and the pan is piping hot. High heat helps the sauce emulsify with the oils, creating a silky coating rather than a puddle of oil at the bottom of the dish.
Vegetable Variety: This is a "fridge-raid" recipe. Feel free to swap the courgette (zucchini) for snap peas, broccoli florets, or bok choy. The key is to cut all vegetables into similar thin strips so they cook evenly in the fast-paced stir-fry alongside the chicken.
Achieving Wok Hei: If you have a gas stove, use the highest heat possible and keep the ingredients moving. The slight charring of the soy sauce against the hot metal is what provides that authentic, smoky "breath of the wok" flavor found in professional kitchens.
Other Users Suggest:
Replacing: Lo mein noodles.
New Measurement: 8 oz (225 g) Whole wheat spaghetti.
Why: Spaghetti is an excellent pantry substitute that has a similar "slurpable" thickness and holds the savory ginger-garlic sauce just as well as traditional egg noodles.
Replacing: Chicken breast.
New Measurement: 1 lb (450 g) Chicken thighs.
Why: Chicken thighs contain more fat, which makes them more forgiving during high-heat cooking and results in a juicier, more flavorful bite in the lo mein.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze:
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the noodles and restore the sauce's glossiness.
Freeze: Not recommended, as the vegetables lose their crispness and the noodles can become mushy once thawed.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between Lo Mein and Chow Mein? The main difference lies in the noodle preparation. Lo Mein means "tossed noodles," where soft, boiled egg noodles are added to the pan at the very end to be tossed with sauce and vegetables. Chow Mein means "fried noodles," where the noodles are stir-fried longer to achieve a crispier texture.
Can I use different proteins for this easy method? Absolutely. This zero-error recipe is highly versatile; while we use chicken, it works equally well with thinly sliced beef, shrimp, or even firm tofu batons. The key is to sear your protein on high heat first to develop a savory crust before adding the vegetables.
How does Blazing Citrus Medium change the flavor of a classic Lo Mein? Standard Lo Mein can sometimes feel overly salty or heavy from the soy and oyster sauce. Blazing Citrus Medium is 100% vinegar-free, using a grapefruit juice base instead. This adds a refreshing acidity and "Medium Spicy & Sweet" profile that cuts through the richness and makes the savory flavors pop.
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