Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dish—garlic chicken lo mein with sautéed vegetables! Seriously, it’s a game-changer! This recipe is not only super quick to whip up, but it’s also packed with flavor that makes your taste buds dance. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of garlic filling the kitchen was enough to make anyone hungry. I just couldn’t wait to dig in!
Now, the beauty of this garlic chicken lo mein is how versatile it is. You can toss in whatever veggies you have lying around—bell peppers, broccoli, carrots—you name it! It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, plus it’s surprisingly healthy too. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a staple in your home, and you’ll be dreaming of those delightful flavors long after the last bite.
So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this deliciously satisfying recipe that’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this incredible garlic chicken lo mein with sautéed vegetables to life! I always recommend using fresh ingredients for the best flavor—trust me, it makes a difference!
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (I love using a colorful mix of bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on this—garlic is the star here!)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Garlic Chicken Lo Mein with Sautéed Vegetables
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—cooking this delicious garlic chicken lo mein with sautéed vegetables! I promise, it’s easier than you think, and each step is packed with flavor. Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
First things first, you’ll want to cook those lo mein noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then toss in the noodles and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender but not mushy; trust me, you’ll want that perfect texture! Once they’re done, drain them and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep them from sticking together, which is key for that stir-fry magic!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Now, let’s move on to the chicken! Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the sliced chicken. Cook it for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You want that beautiful sear on the chicken; it adds so much flavor! If you see any bits sticking to the pan, don’t worry—those will mix in later and enhance your dish!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Next up is the garlic! Add the minced garlic to the pan with the chicken and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn—burnt garlic is a no-go! This step is where the magic happens; the aroma will fill your kitchen and make you feel like a gourmet chef!
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Time to add those colorful mixed vegetables! Toss them into the pan and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re tender but still have a nice crunch. I love the pop of color from the bell peppers and the freshness of the broccoli—it just makes the dish so inviting! If you like a bit more texture, don’t overcook them; you want some bite!
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, giving everything a good toss to combine. Then, add in the cooked lo mein noodles and mix everything together. Make sure the noodles are coated in that lovely sauce; it’s what makes this dish shine! You might want to give it a few extra minutes over the heat, just to warm everything through and let those flavors meld together.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, season your masterpiece with salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy! Give it a final toss, and wow, are you ready to serve! I like to plate it up hot and maybe sprinkle a few sesame seeds on top for a little extra flair. Trust me, your family and friends will be raving about this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick meal that you can whip up in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- The flavors are out of this world, thanks to the garlic and savory sauces that coat every noodle and veggie.
- It’s super easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins—feel free to get creative!
- This dish is not only delicious but also healthy, packed with lean protein and colorful veggies.
- It’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup for you and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Garlic chicken lo mein is a family favorite that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike!
Tips for Success
Alright, let me share some of my top tips to make sure your garlic chicken lo mein with sautéed vegetables turns out absolutely perfect every time! These little nuggets of wisdom are what I wish someone had told me when I first started making this dish!
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Make sure to keep an eye on your lo mein noodles while they cook. You want them al dente—firm to the bite—because they’ll continue to cook a bit when you toss them with the other ingredients. A quick rinse under cold water after draining helps prevent stickiness too!
- Use high heat for stir-frying: The secret to a great stir-fry is cooking over high heat. This helps to sear the chicken and veggies quickly, locking in all those delicious flavors and keeping that perfect crunch in your vegetables.
- Prep everything in advance: I can’t stress this enough—have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens fast, and you don’t want to be scrambling to chop veggies while your chicken is cooking!
- Experiment with sauces: Feel free to adjust the soy sauce and oyster sauce to your taste! If you like it a little spicier, add some chili oil or red pepper flakes. If you want it sweeter, a touch of hoisin sauce can do wonders!
- Keep it colorful: Use a variety of vegetables for not just flavor, but also that gorgeous color! It makes the dish more visually appealing and appetizing. Plus, you get a nice range of textures!
- Rest before serving: Letting your dish sit for a few minutes before serving can help the flavors meld even more, making every bite even more delicious. But trust me, it’s hard to wait when it smells this good!
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this garlic chicken lo mein with sautéed vegetables recipe, and impressing everyone at the dinner table!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this garlic chicken lo mein with sautéed vegetables! This dish isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a balanced meal. Here’s an estimated breakdown of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But overall, this garlic chicken lo mein is a healthy choice that fits well into a balanced diet! Enjoy every delicious bite without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This garlic chicken lo mein with sautéed vegetables is super versatile. You can easily swap out the chicken for tofu, shrimp, or even beef if that’s what you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly so everything is cooked perfectly!
What vegetables work best in this recipe?
I love using bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, but feel free to get creative! Snow peas, snap peas, or even zucchini would be fantastic additions. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best texture, you can definitely make it ahead of time! Just reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. The flavors will still be delightful!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
You bet! This garlic chicken lo mein with sautéed vegetables keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Divide it into meal prep containers for a quick and easy lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just remember to store the toppings separately, if you’re adding any!
Can I make it spicy?
Of course! If you love a bit of heat, feel free to add some chili oil, crushed red pepper flakes, or even sriracha while cooking. Just start with a small amount and adjust according to your spice preference!
For more information on the health benefits of garlic, check out this Healthline article.
Print
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein with 5 Sautéed Vegetables Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful garlic chicken lo mein with sautéed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken and cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Add cooked lo mein noodles and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
- Adjust sauces to taste.
- Can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: garlic chicken lo mein, sautéed vegetables, quick meal, Chinese recipe