(function() {
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
var componentMetadata = JSON.parse('\x7b\x22componentName\x22\x3a\x22ActionToolbar_bcfe5168-4c6e-4b8a-8181-233a0a250020\x22,\x22deferOptions\x22\x3a\x7b\x22deferComponent\x22\x3atrue,\x22deferType\x22\x3a\x22OnDemand\x22,\x22deferId\x22\x3a\x22r7372680f990a41fba67c7607d5e93e96\x22,\x22deferredContainerId\x22\x3a\x22\x2ffloatingActionToolbar\x2ffloatingActionToolbar_interop\x22,\x22deferredContainerView\x22\x3a\x22InteropDeferWrapper\x22\x7d,\x22viewName\x22\x3a\x22ActionToolbar\x22\x7d');
var configuration = {"contentId":"536932d5-ea98-4f19-b9a0-6425c4e8ea66","toolbarSettings":{"id":"bcfe5168-4c6e-4b8a-8181-233a0a250020","regAction":"FAVORITE","eSourceCode":14171,"namePassedToEvents":"ArticleStandardLongFormToolbar","buttons":[{"providerName":"pinterest","providerNamePassedToEvents":"Pinterest","shareUrlFormat":"//pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url={0}","id":"63cf42f0-8fed-4b1c-acbe-0fe44811231d","allowedForAnonymousUsers":true,"type":"Social","displayName":"Pinterest","namePassedToEvents":"Pinterest","cssClassName":"atButtonPinterest","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false},{"addFavoriteErrorMessage":"Sorry, something went wrong. Please save again.","removeFavoriteErrorMessage":"Error occurred while removing from favorites","regAction":"FAVORITE","eSourceCode":14171,"isCurrentUserAnonymous":false,"isFavoriteItem":false,"id":"351369d5-f1b1-4a90-b495-16074575bb8a","allowedForAnonymousUsers":false,"type":"Favorite","displayName":"Save","namePassedToEvents":"Favorite","cssClassName":"atButtonFavorite","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false},{"providerName":"facebook","providerNamePassedToEvents":"Facebook","shareUrlFormat":"//facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u={0}","id":"6d176960-1afd-4a34-83b5-795429359551","allowedForAnonymousUsers":true,"type":"Social","displayName":"Facebook","namePassedToEvents":"Facebook","cssClassName":"atButtonFacebook","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false},{"templateId":"eb460499-2547-4f84-a197-60f31934a3b9","dialogHeading":"Email Article","emailCode":"PB_ContentEmail","dialogSettings":{"cancelButtonText":"Cancel","copyToSenderLabel":"Send a copy to myself","emailAddressesLabel":"* Email Address","emailInstructionText":"Separate email addresses with commas","fromText":"From:","privacyPolicyText":"\u003cp\u003e\u0026copy;2024 General Mills, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information will only be used to send an email to your friend(s) and will not be saved. Please read our \u003ca rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.generalmills.com/company/privacy-policies/privacy-policy-us\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 shape=\u0022rect\u0022\u003ePrivacy Policy\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e","requiredFieldText":"* Required","sendButtonText":"Send","senderEmailAddressLabel":"* Your Email Address","senderFirstNameLabel":"* Your First Name","sendToText":"Send To:"},"id":"2a5b12c8-299b-467d-812e-41e9a0afb70d","allowedForAnonymousUsers":true,"type":"Email","displayName":"Email","namePassedToEvents":"Email","cssClassName":"atButtonEmail","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false},{"layoutParameter":"p%3d1","id":"783fefb5-010a-4be1-b84d-f0447da7c52c","allowedForAnonymousUsers":true,"type":"Print","displayName":"Print","namePassedToEvents":"Print","cssClassName":"atButtonPrint","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false}],"isSticky":true},"userSettings":{"isCurrentUserAnonymous":true,"isFavoriteItem":false},"pageAttributes":{"url":"https%3a%2f%2fwww.pillsbury.com%2fhow-to%2fchow-mein-vs-lo-mein","contentId":"536932d5-ea98-4f19-b9a0-6425c4e8ea66"},"recaptchaPublicKey":"6LceAigUAAAAAC8aIQvJ9yRpRl3r1ZBKbou-tIDe"};
var moduleName = 'actionToolbar';
var isVueModule = true;
GeneralMills.PandoSites.RegisterControlInstance(moduleName, configuration, componentMetadata, isVueModule)
});
})();
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
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.
(function() {
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
var componentMetadata = JSON.parse('\x7b\x22componentName\x22\x3a\x22NewsletterCTA_592b7e30-5c94-49d6-8316-3c4546d1dac2\x22,\x22deferOptions\x22\x3a\x7b\x22deferComponent\x22\x3atrue,\x22deferType\x22\x3a\x22OnDemand\x22,\x22deferId\x22\x3a\x22r3bee8e5e16cf4ef78b2b8204ea122d9c\x22,\x22deferredContainerId\x22\x3a\x22\x2fprimaryColumn\x2finteropInlineNewsletterCta\x22,\x22deferredContainerView\x22\x3a\x22InteropDeferWrapper\x22\x7d,\x22viewName\x22\x3a\x22NewsletterCTA\x22\x7d');
var configuration = {"unsubscribedNewsletters":[{"listId":"6d3e858f-4804-4f38-9b8a-712a9a5668cc","thumbnailImageUrl":"/-/media/GMI/Core-Sites/PB/Images/Shared/myaccount/newsletters/PB_Email_Thumb_200x200.gif?sc_lang=en","previewUrl":"https://morpheus3.idpk.net/email_sends/10626/preview","name":"Pillsbury\u0027s Email","isPromo":false}],"settings":{"anonymousCopy":"GET A FREE GIFT FROM PILLSBURY \u0026amp; SHUTTERFLY!","anonymousDescriptionCopy":"Pillsbury emails are full of recipes and tips that turn weeknights and holidays into memories. Sign up today and get a free customizable 8x8 picture book from Pillsbury and Shutterfly—hurry, this offer is only for a limited time!","anonymousThankYouCopy":"THANKS! YOUR FIRST EMAIL IS ON ITS WAY.","anonymousThankYouDescriptionCopy":"\u003cstrong\u003eYour Shutterfly redemption code will be sent within 48 hours.\u003c/strong\u003e Now\u0026rsquo;s a great time to create an account on Pillsbury.com so you can save your favorite recipes, get first dibs on special offers, hear the latest Pillsbury news, and more. Join for free today!","anonymousButtonText":"Sign up now","anonymousEmailInvalidErrorText":"Please enter a valid email address.","anonymousSubscribeErrorText":"We encountered an error while signing you up. Please try again.","anonymousEmailAddressPlaceholderText":"Enter your email address","anonymousEmailAddressLabel":"Email Address","anonymousLegalCopy":"By signing up, you accept our\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan style=\u0022text-decoration: underline;\u0022\u003e\u003ca rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.generalmills.com/privacy-security/us-english-privacy-policy\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ePrivacy Policy\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u0026nbsp;and agree that your information may be used across our\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan style=\u0022text-decoration: underline;\u0022\u003e\u003ca rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.generalmills.com/food-we-make/brands\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003efamily of brands\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e","requiredFieldText":"","backgroundColor":"#002E6D","accentColor":"","registrationUrl":"/register/reg-fp?RegAction=SUBSCRIBERUPGRADE\u0026esrc=14171\u0026returnUrl=%2fhow-to%2fchow-mein-vs-lo-mein","registrationLinkText":"Sign up now","enableExpandedFields":false,"hideForSessionCookieExpiration":0,"ctaType":"StandardAnonymous","location":"Inline","userState":"Anonymous","sourceCodeOverride":0}};
var moduleName = 'newsletterCta';
var isVueModule = true;
GeneralMills.PandoSites.RegisterControlInstance(moduleName, configuration, componentMetadata, isVueModule)
});
})();
(function() {
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
var componentMetadata = JSON.parse('\x7b\x22componentName\x22\x3a\x22ConsumerGeneratedContent_536932d5-ea98-4f19-b9a0-6425c4e8ea66\x22,\x22deferOptions\x22\x3a\x7b\x22deferComponent\x22\x3atrue,\x22deferType\x22\x3a\x22OnDemand\x22,\x22deferId\x22\x3a\x22r38ebba01d3ff46428184e2ac95fc149d\x22,\x22deferredContainerId\x22\x3a\x22\x2fratingReview\x2finteropRatingReview\x22,\x22deferredContainerView\x22\x3a\x22InteropDeferWrapper\x22\x7d,\x22viewName\x22\x3a\x22ConsumerGeneratedContent\x22\x7d');
var configuration = {"loaderScript":"https://apps.bazaarvoice.com/deployments/pillsbury-en_us/main_site/production/en_US/bv.js","type":"QuestionAndAnswer","language":"en","includeRatings":false};
var moduleName = 'consumerGeneratedContent';
var isVueModule = true;
GeneralMills.PandoSites.RegisterControlInstance(moduleName, configuration, componentMetadata, isVueModule)
});
})();