Mary KellyWhen I think of the rich, savory delight that is P.F. Chang’s Lo Mein noodles, my mind races to what I can serve alongside it to create an unforgettable meal. Pairing dishes is like setting the stage for a beautiful performance; they each play their part to amplify the others. Here are a few ideas:
The sweetness of honey garlic chicken complements the saltiness of lo mein. The crispy chicken contrasts nicely with the soft noodles.
Light and crispy spring rolls provide a refreshing crunch that balances the flavors of the lo mein. A zesty salad with a hint of peanut can brighten the richness of the noodles, making every bite a delight. With these pairings, your meal will be a memorable one.
I remember the first time I had P.F. Chang’s Lo Mein noodles. The fragrant wafts of garlic and ginger filled the air. Each bite was a delightful dance of flavors. I became obsessed with recreating that dish at home.
Let me take you on a journey through the intricacies of making P.F. Chang’s Lo Mein noodles, complete with insights that will turn you from a casual cook into a noodle aficionado. The more I made this dish, the more I understood its beauty. It’s not just food; it’s an experience, a story told through flavors.
Why This Recipe Works
When crafting this dish, I realized a few key dynamics make it exceptional. Here’s why it stands out:
1. Use of Fresh Vegetables: Fresh veggies not only add flavor but also texture. No one likes soggy noodles. Incorporating colorful bell peppers, crunchy bean sprouts, and vibrant scallions enhances both taste and visual appeal.
2. Balanced Sauce: Finding the right balance in the sauce is critical. The mix of soy sauces, chili garlic sauce, and oyster sauce produces a harmonious depth of flavor. Each ingredient plays its role, no overpowering the others.
3. Noodle Quality: The foundation of any good lo mein is the noodles. Using authentic Chinese egg noodles ensures a delightful chewiness that elevates the dish beyond mere convenience foods.
4. Quick Cooking Method: Timing is everything in cooking. By using high heat for stir-frying, the veggies remain crisp, and the noodles soak up flavors without becoming mushy. This technique keeps the dish lively, just like the ambiance of the restaurant itself.
How Does It Taste Like?
Let’s talk about taste. P.F. Chang’s Lo Mein noodles are a sensory experience. Imagine a burst of umami from the dark soy sauce, a hint of sweetness from the oyster sauce, and a gentle kick from the chili garlic.
The crunch from fresh vegetables adds a layer to the flavor profile. Each mouthful feels like a celebration, like a little party on your taste buds.
What Sets This Recipe Apart?
What differentiates my take on P.F. Chang’s Lo Mein from others is the emphasis on freshness. Unlike some variations that rely heavily on pre-packaged sauces, this recipe encourages you to craft the sauce from ingredients you’ll soon find in your pantry.
Utilizing quality noodles and vegetables means you are essentially the chef and the artist of your plate!
The Ingredients
Let’s dive into what you will need for this culinary endeavor. Here’s the list:
Main Ingredients:
- ½ cup fresh bean sprouts
- ¾ cup carrots, julienned into 2″ sticks
- ¾ cup green bell peppers, sliced into 2″ strips
- ¾ cup red bell peppers, sliced into 2″ strips
- 1 tablespoon scallion white parts, thinly sliced into rings
- ½ tablespoon finely minced garlic
- 0.268 pounds Chinese egg noodles (approximately 3 nests from a packet, 122 grams)
- ¾ cup scallion greens, cut into 2″ lengths
- ½ cup canola oil (for stir-frying)
Chicken Marinade Ingredients:
- ¾ cup chicken breast, cut into 1.5″ thin strips (0.42 pounds or 192 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cornstarch (cornflour)
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, for a fragrant kick)
Lo Mein Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for a tangy balance)
Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the cooking process. Here’s how to whip up these delightful noodles.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Before anything else, you need to marinate the chicken. In a bowl, mix the chicken strips with brown sugar, cornstarch, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, the grated ginger. Let it sit for about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
While the chicken is marinating, boil water in a large pot. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain them and set aside.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Chicken
In your largest skillet or wok, heat half the canola oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. It should sizzle joyfully. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the rest of the canola oil. Toss in garlic and white parts of the scallion. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the carrots, bell peppers, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the veggies are just tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the drained noodles. Now, it’s time for the sauce. In a bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients. Pour it over the chicken and noodles, and toss everything together so it’s coated evenly. Stir-fry for another minute for all those wonderful flavors to mingle.
Step 6: Finish with Scallions
Finally, add the scallion greens. Toss once more to combine. Remove from heat.
Notes
Here are some tips to elevate your cooking game:
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: They should be slightly undercooked since they will continue cooking in the stir-fry.
- High Heat is Key: Always cook on high heat for a proper stir-fry and to avoid sogginess.
- Stay Organized: Have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking; it makes the process much smoother.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest produce available. It really makes a difference in flavor.
- Experiment With Proteins: Try swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
How Do You Store This?
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them. Let the noodles cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about three days.
To reheat, microwave them for a minute or two or heat gently in a skillet with a splash of water.
Sides for P.F. Chang’s Lo Mein Noodles
Enhancing your dining experience can be simple with the right sides. Here are some great suggestions:
1. Egg Drop Soup: A light soup with fluffy egg droplets can act as a perfect starter, preparing your palate for the lo mein.
2. Fried Rice: Whether you opt for plain fried rice or a combination with vegetables, it pairs beautifully with the lo mein, offering a delightful textural contrast.
3. Steamed Dumplings: These little pockets of flavor complement lo mein well, giving you that ultimate Asian dining experience.
Ingredient Substitutes
Sometimes, life throws curveballs. Here are some alternatives for key ingredients:
1. Chinese Egg Noodles: If you can’t find these, opt for spaghetti or rice noodles. They’ll still give you a great base.
2. Chicken: For a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh will do nicely. Just marinate them in the same mix for taste.
3. Bell Peppers: Any color or type of bell pepper will work, but if you’re in a pinch, zucchini or snap peas could step in beautifully.
4. Oyster Sauce: If you’re avoiding shellfish, a mix of soy sauce and a splash of hoisin can mimic that flavor profile.
P.f. Chang’s Lo Mein Noodles Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh bean sprouts
- ¾ cup carrots julienned into 2″ sticks
- ¾ cup green bell peppers sliced into 2″ strips
- ¾ cup red bell peppers sliced into 2″ strips
- 1 tablespoon scallion white parts thinly sliced into rings
- ½ tablespoon finely minced garlic
- 0.268 pounds Chinese egg noodles approximately 3 nests from a packet, 122 grams
- ¾ cup scallion greens cut into 2″ lengths
- ½ cup canola oil for stir-frying
- ¾ cup chicken breast cut into 1.5″ thin strips (0.42 pounds or 192 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cornstarch cornflour
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger optional, for a fragrant kick
- ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar optional, for a tangy balance.
Instructions
- Before anything else, you need to marinate the chicken. In a bowl, mix the chicken strips with brown sugar, cornstarch, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, the grated ginger. Let it sit for about 20 minutes.
- While the chicken is marinating, boil water in a large pot. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain them and set aside.
- In your largest skillet or wok, heat half the canola oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. It should sizzle joyfully. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the rest of the canola oil. Toss in garlic and white parts of the scallion. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the carrots, bell peppers, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the veggies are just tender but still crisp.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the drained noodles. Now, it’s time for the sauce. In a bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients. Pour it over the chicken and noodles, and toss everything together so it’s coated evenly. Stir-fry for another minute for all those wonderful flavors to mingle.
- Finally, add the scallion greens. Toss once more to combine. Remove from heat.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: They should be slightly undercooked since they will continue cooking in the stir-fry.
- High Heat is Key: Always cook on high heat for a proper stir-fry and to avoid sogginess.
- Stay Organized: Have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking; it makes the process much smoother.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest produce available. It really makes a difference in flavor.
- Experiment With Proteins: Try swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
P.F. Chang’s Lo Mein noodles are not just another dish; they bring comfort, excitement, and a touch of adventure into your kitchen. By mastering this recipe, you unlock the potential to create a splendid meal that rivals any restaurant experience.
Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner or a classy gathering dish, you’ll impress friends and family alike. So, roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and let your kitchen become the backdrop to a delicious story unfolding with every bite. Happy cooking!
