What To Know
- This delectable dish harmonizes the vibrant flavors of tender chicken, succulent vegetables, and a tantalizing spicy sauce, creating an explosion of taste in every bite.
- Enhance your meal with a side of steamed rice or a refreshing salad for a balanced and satisfying dining experience.
- Store leftover spicy chicken lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prepare to embark on a tantalizing culinary journey as we present our extraordinary spicy chicken lo mein recipe. This delectable dish harmonizes the vibrant flavors of tender chicken, succulent vegetables, and a tantalizing spicy sauce, creating an explosion of taste in every bite. Indulge in this symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
To create this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for stir-frying
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup snow peas
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles, cooked and drained
- 1/4 cup spicy sauce (recipe below)
Spicy Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
Preparation: A Culinary Symphony in Motion
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken strips, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside for 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Spicy Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together all the ingredients for the spicy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened. Set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the broccoli, snow peas, and carrots. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove from the wok and set aside.
4. Cook the Chicken:
- Wipe the wok clean and heat over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked noodles to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Add the cooked chicken, vegetables, and spicy sauce. Toss to combine.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the spicy chicken lo mein to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
Variations: A Culinary Canvas for Creativity
1. Vegetable Medley:
- Feel free to customize the vegetable selection. Consider adding baby corn, snap peas, or bok choy for a colorful and flavorful stir-fry.
2. Spice Level Adjustment:
- Tailor the spiciness to your preference. Reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.
3. Protein Alternatives:
- Experiment with different protein options. Shrimp, tofu, or tempeh are excellent substitutes for chicken.
4. Noodles Galore:
- Explore various noodle options. Udon, ramen, or soba noodles can add a unique texture to your dish.
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Culinary Experience
1. Accompaniments:
- Enhance your meal with a side of steamed rice or a refreshing salad for a balanced and satisfying dining experience.
2. Garnishes Galore:
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced scallions, or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
3. Condiments:
- Offer a variety of condiments, such as soy sauce, chili oil, or hoisin sauce, to allow diners to customize their spice level and flavor preferences.
Storage and Leftovers: Preserving Culinary Delights
1. Refrigeration:
- Store leftover spicy chicken lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating:
- Reheat the lo mein in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated to your liking.
3. Freezing:
- For longer storage, freeze the lo mein in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips and Tricks: Mastering the Art of Spicy Chicken Lo Mein
1. Marination Magic:
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse it with flavor and tenderize the meat.
2. Wok Mastery:
- Use a well-seasoned wok or a large skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking.
3. Stir-Fry Technique:
- Maintain high heat and stir-fry the ingredients quickly to preserve their texture and vibrant colors.
4. Sauce Perfection:
- Simmer the spicy sauce for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
5. No Soggy Noodles:
- Drain the noodles thoroughly before adding them to the wok to prevent them from becoming soggy.
A Culinary Adventure Concludes: A Symphony of Flavors Remembered
Our spicy chicken lo mein recipe is a testament to the harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and colors. Embark on this culinary journey and experience the tantalizing fusion of tender chicken, succulent vegetables, and a vibrant spicy sauce. With its versatility and customizable options, this dish will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Bon appétit!
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Can I use a different type of noodle?
A: Yes, you can use udon, ramen, or soba noodles as alternatives to lo mein noodles.
Q: How can I make the dish less spicy?
A: Reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.
Q: What vegetables can I add or substitute?
A: Feel free to add baby corn, snap peas, or bok choy to the stir-fry. You can also substitute the broccoli, snow peas, or carrots with your preferred vegetables.
Q: Can I use a different type of protein?
A: Yes, you can use shrimp, tofu, or tempeh as alternatives to chicken.
Q: How do I store leftover spicy chicken lo mein?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
