Sesame chicken lo mein is a beloved dish, a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy flavors. This popular takeout favorite is surprisingly easy to recreate at home, offering a customizable culinary adventure for everyone from seasoned chefs to kitchen novices. This comprehensive guide dives into the heart of this dish, exploring its history, variations, and providing a step-by-step recipe for achieving that perfect restaurant-quality taste in your own kitchen.
What is Sesame Chicken Lo Mein?
Sesame chicken lo mein is a stir-fried noodle dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce, tossed with flavorful lo mein noodles and vibrant vegetables. The sesame sauce is the star, providing a rich, nutty flavor profile that balances the savory notes of the chicken and the slight crispness of the vegetables. The dish often includes a touch of spice, adding another layer of complexity to its already delicious taste.
What Makes Sesame Chicken Lo Mein Unique?
What sets sesame chicken lo mein apart from other noodle dishes is its distinctive sauce. The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, and often a touch of rice vinegar creates a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. The addition of ginger and garlic further enhances its aromatic complexity, while the inclusion of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots adds a welcome textural contrast and nutritional boost.
How to Make Sesame Chicken Lo Mein at Home: A Step-by-Step Recipe
This recipe provides a foundational approach, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients:
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For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
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For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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For the Lo Mein:
- 8 oz dried lo mein noodles
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, marinate the chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic. Set aside for at least 15 minutes.
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Cook the Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
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Stir-fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and slightly browned. Remove from the wok and set aside.
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Stir-fry the Vegetables: Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender-crisp.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey/brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir-fry until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
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Add Noodles: Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the wok and toss to combine.
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Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What are the Different Variations of Sesame Chicken Lo Mein?
The beauty of sesame chicken lo mein lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to your preferences:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness. Add a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like snow peas, mushrooms, or water chestnuts.
- Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, tofu, or even pork for a different flavor profile.
- Noodles: While lo mein is traditional, you can use other noodles like udon, spaghetti, or even rice noodles.
Is Sesame Chicken Lo Mein Healthy?
Sesame chicken lo mein can be a part of a healthy diet, particularly if you focus on using lean protein, plenty of vegetables, and controlling portion sizes. Using brown sugar instead of white sugar and reducing the amount of oil used can further improve the nutritional profile.
How Many Calories are in Sesame Chicken Lo Mein?
The calorie count varies greatly depending on the recipe and portion size. A typical serving can range from 400-600 calories.
Where Did Sesame Chicken Lo Mein Originate?
While pinpointing the exact origin is difficult, sesame chicken lo mein is a testament to the culinary fusion of Chinese and American cuisines. It likely evolved from traditional Chinese noodle dishes, adapted and popularized in American Chinese restaurants.
This comprehensive guide provides a strong foundation for understanding and creating delicious sesame chicken lo mein at home. Remember to experiment with different ingredients and adjust the seasonings to your liking – the possibilities are endless!
