Pork Lo Mein is a classic Chinese dish that combines savory slices of pork with fresh vegetables and noodles, all tossed in a deliciously flavorful sauce. This recipe captures the essence of traditional lo mein while allowing for customization to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a fan of Asian cuisine or simply craving a satisfying meal, Pork Lo Mein is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure to create this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients:
Pork Marinade:
- ⅓ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 ¼ – 1 ½ lbs pork tenderloin, sliced thin
Lo Mein Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger or ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Pork Lo Mein:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 8 ounces Chinese noodles or lo mein noodles
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 ½ cups shredded green cabbage or napa cabbage
- 4 green onions, sliced thin
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine the reduced-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add the thinly sliced pork tenderloin and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
2. Prepare the Lo Mein Sauce:
- In another bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, granulated sugar, Chinese cooking wine, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.
3. Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the Chinese noodles or lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Cook the Pork Lo Mein:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork slices and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion, carrot matchsticks, and sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add shredded cabbage and sliced green onions to the skillet and continue to stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Return the cooked pork slices to the skillet. Pour the prepared lo mein sauce over the pork and vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the pork and vegetables. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional sliced green onions if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Noodle Options: If Chinese noodles or lo mein noodles are unavailable, you can use spaghetti or linguine as a substitute.
- Protein Variation: Feel free to substitute the pork tenderloin with thinly sliced chicken breast, beef sirloin, or shrimp.
- Vegetable Varieties: Customize the vegetable mix according to your preference. Broccoli florets, snap peas, mushrooms, or bean sprouts are great additions or substitutions.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of minced garlic, grated ginger, or crushed red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto:
- Noodle Substitute: Use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles as a low-carb alternative to Chinese noodles.
- Sweetener Substitute: Replace granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Vegetable Focus: Load up on low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, cabbage, and green onions while keeping the carb count low.
Low-Carb:
- Portion Control: Limit the amount of noodles and focus on increasing the ratio of vegetables and protein in the dish.
- Sauce Modification: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to reduce the carb content of the sauce.
- Healthy Fat Boost: Add extra healthy fats such as avocado slices or a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor and satiety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make Pork Lo Mein ahead of time? A: Yes, Pork Lo Mein can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked pork for this recipe? A: Absolutely! Leftover cooked pork, such as roast pork or grilled pork chops, can be sliced thinly and used in place of marinated pork tenderloin for a quicker preparation.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free. Additionally, ensure that the noodles you use are certified gluten-free.
Q: Can I add extra vegetables to Pork Lo Mein? A: Of course! Feel free to customize the vegetable mix by adding your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or bean sprouts for added flavor and texture.
Q: Can I make Pork Lo Mein without meat? A: Yes, Pork Lo Mein can be made vegetarian by omitting the pork and using tofu or tempeh as a protein substitute. Alternatively, you can increase the amount of vegetables for a veggie-packed version.
Pork Lo Mein is a versatile and flavorful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine to your table. With its tender slices of marinated pork, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re following a keto, low-carb, or gluten-free lifestyle, Pork Lo Mein can be easily customized to suit your dietary preferences while delivering on taste and texture. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
