Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein

why make this recipe

Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein is a beloved dish that brings together the irresistible flavors of crispy chicken, tender noodles, and vibrant vegetables. This recipe stands out because it combines the comforting appeal of Chinese takeout with the convenience of home cooking. Making this dish at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that your family enjoys a healthier version, free of additives and heavy sauces typical in restaurant fare. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use fresh vegetables and customize the recipe to your taste.

Not only is the dish delicious, but it’s also versatile; you can tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet fancy enough for a weekend dinner. With just one pan needed, clean-up is a breeze. The vibrant colors of the mixed vegetables along with the shiny sesame sauce make this meal visually appealing, and the mix of garlic and sesame oil fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma that makes everyone excited to eat.

how to make Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein

Making Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein is a straightforward process that can be completed in under 30 minutes. This quick cooking time makes it ideal for busy individuals or families who crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Below is a detailed breakdown of the ingredients, directions, and tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

To create delicious Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 4 oz lo mein noodles
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, snow peas)
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Green onions for garnish

Directions

Follow these simple steps to prepare Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein:

1. Prepare the Noodles: Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. After they are cooked, drain them and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

3. Add Vegetables and Garlic: Next, add the mixed vegetables and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté everything for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant in color.

4. Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, take a small bowl and mix the soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and water until everything is smooth and well combined. This sauce will add great flavor to your dish.

5. Combine the Ingredients: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the pan. Stir everything well to ensure that the chicken and veggies are coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the pan. Toss everything together to coat the noodles with the flavorful sauce.

7. Serve and Garnish: Serve the Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein hot. For an extra special touch, garnish each serving with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

how to serve Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein

Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein is best served freshly cooked while it’s hot. You can dish it out in large bowls for family-style dining or individual plates for a more formal setting. To create an inviting presentation, sprinkle some sesame seeds and green onions on top of each serving. You may also want to consider pairing it with a side of spring rolls or a light soup for a well-rounded meal.

For drinks, traditional options include tea, which can complement the flavors of the dish. However, you can serve it with any drink that you enjoy, such as iced tea, lemonade, or even bubbly water.

how to store Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein

If you find yourself with leftovers, you’re in luck! Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein stores well and can be reheated without losing much of its original flavor and texture. To store it:

1. Cool the Dish: Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature before storing them.
2. Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the cooled dish into airtight containers. This helps keep it fresh and prevents any odors from other foods in the fridge from affecting its flavor.
3. Refrigerate: Store the containers in the refrigerator. The dish can be kept for up to 3 days.
4. Reheat: To reheat, simply transfer the desired portion to a skillet over medium heat. You can add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to loosen up any thickened sauce. Stir frequently until heated through.

tips to make Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein

To ensure that your Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein is a success every time, keep the following tips in mind:

• Prep Ahead: To save time on busy days, consider prepping your ingredients ahead of time. Slice the chicken, chop the vegetables, and mix the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

• Choose Fresh Vegetables: Fresh vegetables not only taste better but also enhance the nutritional value of your dish. Feel free to mix and match based on what’s in season or what you have at home.

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken. It should be golden brown and cooked through but tender, not dry.

• Use High Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat ensures that the chicken gets a nice sear while allowing the vegetables to cook quickly, retaining their color and crunch.

• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a bit more honey to your mixture. Taste the sauce before adding it to the pan, and adjust to your liking.

variation

There are numerous variations you can try with this recipe. Some popular ideas include:

• Add Tofu: For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with firm tofu. Press the tofu to drain excess moisture, then slice and sauté it until golden before proceeding with the recipe.

• Different Noodles: If you can’t find lo mein noodles, you can use other types of noodles, such as spaghetti or rice noodles. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

• Spicy Version: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding minced ginger or chili flakes to the garlic while sautéing. Alternatively, drizzle some sriracha on top before serving.

• Add Nuts: For added crunch, toss in some toasted cashews or peanuts during the final mixing stage. This also adds a wonderful nutty flavor to the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen mixed vegetables. Just make sure to cook them long enough to heat through, usually just a few minutes. They can save you a lot of prep time!

2. How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, it should be golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you cut into the chicken, it should no longer be pink inside.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Also, ensure that the noodles you choose are gluten-free.

4. What type of soy sauce is best for this dish?

A regular light soy sauce is typically used for this recipe; however, if you want a richer flavor, use dark soy sauce. Just keep in mind that dark soy sauce is stronger in taste and color, so you may want to adjust the quantity used.

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By using fresh ingredients and following these simple steps, you’ll find that making Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein at home is not only easy but incredibly rewarding. Everyone will appreciate the delicious flavors and beautiful presentation, making it a favorite for many family meals! Enjoy your cooking experience, and don’t forget to share this delightful dish with friends and family.

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