Chris' Lo Mein
Chris' Lo Mein is a flavorful Asian-inspired noodle dish featuring tender noodles stir-fried with crunchy water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and sweet peas, all coated in savory gravy. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it offers a satisfying and versatile meal for meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 5 quarts of water to a boil. Drop the noodles into boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
- Fry sliced onions in 4 tablespoons of oil until they turn brown.
- Add the drained noodles, sliced water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, sliced mushrooms, frozen pea pods, and cooked diced meat to the onions.
- Stir in the jar of La Choy brown gravy and mix well to coat all ingredients.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal texture, use fresh noodles if available, as they will give a better mouthfeel compared to dried ones. You can substitute any protein you prefer; tofu works well for a vegetarian option. If you're short on time, pre-cooked meats or rotisserie chicken can save you effort. Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chris' Lo Mein hot, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. This dish pairs beautifully with Fried Rice Oriental for a hearty meal. You can also serve it alongside a light cucumber salad to balance the richness of the gravy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to a skillet over medium heat to prevent the noodles from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it can make the noodles mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chris' Lo Mein contains roughly 1200 calories, with 12g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (131% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1925mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of noodles for this lo mein?
Absolutely! While soft noodles are traditional, you can substitute with egg noodles, udon, or even rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodle you choose to ensure they maintain the right texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the meat and using extra vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Additionally, replace the La Choy brown gravy with a vegetarian stir-fry sauce to keep the dish flavorful.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of chili sauce when mixing in the gravy. You could also serve it with chili oil on the side for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).