Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein

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Why Make This Recipe

Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein is not only delicious but also a great dish to prepare for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory noodles in a tasty sesame sauce. It’s a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Making this dish at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring you use fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken. Plus, this meal comes together in a short time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet flavorful.

Another great reason to prepare Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein is the versatility of the recipe. You can tweak it according to your personal taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you prefer more vegetables, a spicy kick, or even a vegetarian version, this recipe can adapt. It’s also a great way to use up leftovers or ingredients you might have in your fridge. Lastly, it’s a budget-friendly option; cooking at home typically costs less than dining out while providing you with a hearty meal that everyone will love.

How to Make Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein

Making Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein is straightforward and fun. Here, we will break down the process into easy steps. You’ll find that with just a few ingredients and a little preparation, you can create a flavorful dish that’ll impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken breast, sliced
8 oz lo mein noodles
2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
3 tbsp sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions for garnish

Directions:

Cook the Noodles: Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re done, drain the noodles and set them aside for later use.
Heat the Oil: In a large pan or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Make sure not to let the oil smoke as it heats.
Cook the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the hot oil. Sauté the chicken until it is browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure an even cook.
Add Vegetables and Garlic: Once the chicken is ready, add in the mixed vegetables and minced garlic. Stir-fry everything together until the vegetables are tender-crisp. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, take a small bowl and mix the soy sauce, honey, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper. This sauce will coat the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
Combine Everything: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mix. Stir well to ensure everything is coated in the sauce.
Add the Noodles: Next, add the cooked lo mein noodles to the pan. Toss everything together until all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
Serve It Up: Once everything is well mixed and heated, your dish is ready to be served! Transfer it to plates and garnish with chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and color.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein

Serving Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein is easy. Since it is a complete meal consisting of protein, vegetables, and carbs, you can serve it right from the pan onto individual plates. If you’re hosting a dinner or a gathering, consider serving it family-style in a large bowl or serving dish, allowing guests to help themselves. This method encourages a casual atmosphere and makes it easy for everyone to get as much as they like.

For drinks, Asian-inspired beverages like iced green tea or lemonade work well. You could also serve this meal with dumplings or spring rolls on the side for a more extensive feast. Finally, make sure to have extra soy sauce and chili sauce available for those who might want a little more flavor!

How to Store Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein

If you find yourself with leftovers—though this dish tends to go quickly—you’ll want to store it properly to maintain its freshness. Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. If you’re using the stove, add a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent drying out as you heat the dish over low to medium heat while stirring occasionally.

If you’d like to store it for a more extended period, consider freezing the dish. Again, let it cool completely, and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then follow the reheating instructions above.

Tips to Make Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein

Creating the perfect Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein can be achieved with a few helpful tips:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables greatly enhance this dish. Opt for a mix of your favorite crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for color and texture.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s cooking to prevent it from drying out. The chicken should be cooked through but still juicy.
Noodle Cooking Time: Make sure to cook the lo mein noodles just until they are al dente to avoid mushiness when mixing them with the rest of the dish.
Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste! Want it sweeter? Add more honey. Prefer it saltier? Increase the soy sauce.
Add Spice if You Like: If you’re someone who enjoys a kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili along with the garlic.
Use High Heat for Stir-Frying: Getting your pan hot enough helps to create a good stir-fry. It can give the dish a wonderful, smoky flavor.
Garnish: Don’t skip the garnishing step! Chopped green onions add not just visual appeal but also a burst of fresh flavor.

Variation

While Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein is already a fantastic dish, there are numerous ways you can vary it to keep things interesting. Here are a few ideas:

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Use a plant-based soy sauce or another vegan alternative for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
Different Proteins: Switch the chicken for shrimp or beef. Adjust the cooking time according to the protein being used to ensure it is cooked properly.
Additional Flavors: Incorporate different sauces, such as a teriyaki glaze or a spicy chili paste, into the mix for a unique flavor twist.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or bok choy into the mix for varied textures and flavors.
Noodle Variety: Instead of lo mein noodles, consider using udon noodles or rice noodles for a different take on the dish.

FAQs

Q1: Can I prepare Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein in advance?
Yes, you can! Both the chicken and noodle components can be prepared ahead of time and combined just before serving. This is a great option for meal prep.

Q2: What should I do if my lo mein noodles are sticky?
If the lo mein noodles stick together, rinse them under cold running water briefly after cooking. This helps remove excess starch, preventing them from clumping. Toss them in a teaspoon of sesame oil before adding them to the stir-fry for added flavor.

Q3: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables can be an excellent time-saver, and they are just as nutritious as fresh ones. Just add them to the pan with the chicken and allow them to cook through.

Q4: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce, often labeled as tamari, and check the lo mein noodles to make sure they are made from rice or another gluten-free grain.

Q5: Is it okay to add more sauce?
Yes, if you like it saucier, simply double the sauce ingredients in the recipe. Just ensure you adjust the salt accordingly to avoid making it too salty.

With these pieces of information, you’ll easily be able to whip up your own delicious Sesame Chicken and Lo Mein! Enjoy your cooking adventure!