Savory Pork Lo Mein: A Step-by-Step Recipe for Restaurant-Quality Noodles at Home

Craving that familiar, comforting taste of pork lo mein from your favorite Chinese takeout restaurant? You’re not alone! This classic dish, with its tender pork, chewy noodles, and savory sauce, is a crowd-pleaser for good reason. But what if you could recreate that deliciousness in your own kitchen, using fresh ingredients and controlling every aspect of the flavor? This recipe will guide you through creating a fantastic pork lo mein dish that rivals (or even surpasses!) your usual takeout order. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy.

What is Lo Mein?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s clarify what exactly lo mein is. Lo mein, literally meaning “stirred noodles,” is a popular Chinese dish featuring thick, round wheat noodles tossed in a savory sauce with various meats, vegetables, and seasonings. It differs from chow mein, which uses thinner, fried noodles. The key to great lo mein is the perfectly cooked noodles and the flavorful, well-balanced sauce that coats every strand.

Why Make Pork Lo Mein at Home?

While ordering takeout is convenient, making pork lo mein at home offers several advantages:

• Freshness and Quality: You control the ingredients, ensuring you’re using fresh, high-quality components.
• Customization: Tailor the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables, adjusting the sauce’s sweetness or spice level, and using your preferred type of pork.
• Healthier Option: Homemade versions often contain less sodium, oil, and unhealthy additives compared to restaurant versions.
• Cost-Effective: Making a large batch of lo mein at home is often more economical than ordering takeout for the whole family.
• Satisfaction: There’s a certain satisfaction in creating a delicious meal from scratch and sharing it with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather the ingredients for our delicious pork lo mein:

For the Pork Marinade:

• 1 pound pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, cut into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick) – Pork tenderloin is leaner and cooks quickly, while pork shoulder is more flavorful but requires longer cooking.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Provides umami and saltiness. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt level.
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine) – Adds a complex flavor and tenderizes the pork. If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, you can substitute dry sherry or even a tablespoon of apple juice.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps to tenderize the pork and thicken the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil – Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper – Adds a subtle warmth and spice. Black pepper can be used as a substitute, but white pepper has a more delicate flavor.

For the Lo Mein Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons soy sauce – Again, use low-sodium to control the salt.
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce – Adds a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce as a substitute, but it will have a slightly different flavor profile. Vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms is also a great option.
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce – Adds color and a slightly sweeter, molasses-like flavor. If you don’t have dark soy sauce, you can use regular soy sauce, but the color won’t be as deep. You can also add a tiny bit of molasses to regular soy sauce as a substitute.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar – Balances the saltiness and adds sweetness. You can use light or dark brown sugar. Honey or maple syrup can also be used as a substitute, but start with a smaller amount (about 1 tablespoon) and adjust to taste.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Enhances the nutty aroma and flavor.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Thickens the sauce to a desirable consistency.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth – Adds moisture and flavor. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced – Adds a warm, spicy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced – Adds a pungent, savory flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper – Adds subtle warmth.

For the Lo Mein:

• 1 pound fresh or dried lo mein noodles – Fresh noodles are ideal for their texture, but dried noodles work well too. Look for lo mein noodles specifically, as they are thicker and chewier than other types of noodles. If you can’t find lo mein noodles, you can substitute spaghetti or linguine.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – For stir-frying. Canola oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil are also good choices.
• 1 onion, sliced – Adds a savory sweetness and texture. Yellow or white onions are suitable.
• 2 carrots, julienned – Adds sweetness, color, and crunch.
• 2 stalks celery, sliced – Adds a subtle celery flavor and crunch.
• 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced (such as shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms) – Adds an earthy flavor and meaty texture.
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) – Adds a fresh, oniony flavor and visual appeal.
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional) – Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large bowl for marinating the pork
• Small bowl for mixing the sauce
• Wok or large skillet for stir-frying
• Pot for cooking the noodles
• Colander for draining the noodles
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create your delicious pork lo mein:

Step 1: Marinate the Pork

1. In a large bowl, combine the pork strips, soy sauce (2 tablespoons), Shaoxing wine (or sherry/apple juice), cornstarch (1 tablespoon), sesame oil (1 teaspoon), and white pepper (1/2 teaspoon).
2. Mix well to ensure the pork is evenly coated.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the pork and tenderize it.

Step 2: Prepare the Lo Mein Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (4 tablespoons), oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil (1 tablespoon), cornstarch (1 tablespoon), chicken broth, minced ginger, minced garlic, and white pepper (1/4 teaspoon).
2. Stir well until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This prevents lumps from forming in the sauce during cooking.
3. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Lo Mein Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to the package directions. Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they will become mushy. They should be cooked al dente, with a slight bite.
3. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them immediately in a colander.
4. Rinse the noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
5. Set the cooked noodles aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Pork and Vegetables

1. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok and swirl to coat the surface.
3. Add the marinated pork and stir-fry until it is browned and cooked through. This should take about 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pork strips. Make sure the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
4. Remove the pork from the wok and set aside.
5. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
6. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Add the julienned carrots, sliced celery, and sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything and Simmer

1. Return the cooked pork to the wok with the vegetables.
2. Pour the lo mein sauce over the pork and vegetables.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly and is glossy.
4. Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the wok.
5. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and the pork and vegetables are well distributed.
6. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb some of the sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the pork lo mein immediately.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if desired).

Tips for Perfect Pork Lo Mein

• Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: Stir-frying in batches prevents the temperature from dropping and ensures that the ingredients cook evenly and get a nice sear.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, brown sugar, or chili flakes to suit your preferences.
• Use High Heat: Stir-frying is best done over high heat to create that characteristic wok hei (wok aroma) and prevent the ingredients from steaming.
• Prepare Everything in Advance: Having all your ingredients prepped and measured out before you start cooking will make the process much smoother and more efficient.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Overcooked noodles will become mushy and unappetizing. Cook them al dente and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli, or bean sprouts.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use Leftover Pork: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked pork. Simply skip the marinating and stir-frying steps and add the cooked pork to the wok with the vegetables.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute tofu or tempeh for the pork and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Variations and Additions

The beauty of lo mein lies in its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize your pork lo mein and make it your own:

• Add Protein: Chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu can easily replace or be added to the pork.
• Vary the Vegetables: Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), snow peas, broccoli florets, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, and bamboo shoots are all excellent additions.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or serve with a side of chili oil or sriracha.
• Make it Sweeter: Increase the amount of brown sugar in the sauce for a sweeter flavor. You could also add a touch of honey or maple syrup.
• Add Peanuts: Top with chopped peanuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and visual appeal.
• Use Different Noodles: While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can experiment with other types of noodles, such as udon noodles, ramen noodles, or even spaghetti.

Serving Suggestions

Pork lo mein is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with other Asian-inspired dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Spring Rolls: Serve with crispy spring rolls for a classic appetizer.
• Egg Drop Soup: A warm bowl of egg drop soup complements the savory flavors of the lo mein.
• Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings are a delicious side dish.
• Asian Salad: A refreshing Asian salad with a sesame vinaigrette provides a light and healthy contrast to the rich lo mein.
• Steamed Broccoli: A simple side of steamed broccoli adds a healthy dose of greens to the meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover pork lo mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, you can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from drying out. If using a skillet, heat over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

• Calories: Approximately 600-800 per serving
• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 70-90 grams

Conclusion

Making pork lo mein at home is easier than you might think! With this recipe and these tips, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that your family and friends will love. Enjoy the process of cooking, experiment with different variations, and savor the delicious flavors of homemade pork lo mein. Happy cooking!