Chow Mein Vs Lo Mein

Ever wondered what the real differences are between chow mein and lo mein? While it might seem like the secret lies in the noodles, the true magic happens in their preparation processes. Let’s dig into the delicious details of these two beloved Chinese noodle dishes and what makes them each unique!

Key Differences Between Chow Mein and Lo Mein

Cooking Method

• Chow Mein: The noodles are first soaked in hot water to soften them and then they're stir-fried in a hot wok with minimal sauce, creating an irresistible crispy texture.
• Lo Mein: The noodles are fully cooked and then mixed with stir-fried vegetables, protein, and a generous amount of sauce, resulting in a softer, chewier texture.

Noodle Type

Both dishes use Chinese egg noodles made from wheat flour and eggs. Chow mein can be made with either fresh or dried noodles, but it's typically preferred to have fresh noodles when making lo mein.

Sauce and Texture

• Chow Mein: Typically a dry dish with a light application of sauce, this style focuses on the crispiness of the fresh noodles.
• Lo Mein: A saucy dish where the noodles are tossed and soaked in a rich and flavorful sauce. The sauce is usually a thick glaze consistency to result in well-coated noodles while the prep method makes them tender and soft.

How to Make Chow Mein and Lo Mein

Ingredients

• Egg noodles. For Chow Mein make sure you have fresh noodles on hand.
• Your choice of protein (like chicken or shrimp)
• Vegetables. For Chow Mein these can be more delicate, like bean sprouts, cabbage, or carrots. When making Lo Mein opt for sturdier vegetables that can withstand longer cooking times in the sauce like broccoli, onion, or bell peppers.
• Sauce components. Typically these are made up of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, and other seasonings.
• Cook according to the specified variations above or find suggested recipes below.

Tips

Keep the focus on the noodles' texture. When making a lo mein the sauce is the star of the show, so take your time to balance the flavors in a way you prefer. Tamari or a high quality soy sauce can enhance the dish with a rich, complex taste, but consider low-sodium options if you'd like.

Recipes to Try

Any of the recipes you find below are easy to experiment with, so have fun changing up the veggies or proteins to a variation you'd prefer! The good news is they're all delicious, simple, and fast to prepare. Try them all and let us know your favorites!

Chow Mein Dishes

Lo Mein Dishes

Overall, choosing between chow mein and lo mein largely depends on what you’re craving—crispy, stir-fried noodles or tender, saucy ones. Regardless of which you choose for dinner, you're in for something scrumptious! So, next time you're in the mood for Chinese noodle dishes, you'll know exactly what to choose.