Pork Lo Mein
Skip the takeout! This classic Pork Lo Mein features tender strips of pork, chewy egg noodles, and crisp vegetables all tossed in a deeply savory and satisfying sauce. It's a one-pan wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Components (5 minutes)
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the sliced pork with 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Mix well and set aside to marinate.
- c.In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: 3 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 2 tbsp chicken broth, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook Noodles (5-7 minutes)
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions until al dente (just tender with a slight bite).
- c.Drain the noodles immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with 1 tsp of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir-Fry Pork (3-4 minutes)
- b.Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat until it is very hot, almost smoking. Add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
- c.Carefully add the marinated pork in a single layer. Let it sear for 1-2 minutes without moving, then stir-fry until it's browned and cooked through.
- d.Remove the pork from the wok and set it aside on a plate.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-Fry Vegetables (4-5 minutes)
- b.Return the wok to high heat and add the remaining 2 tbsp of vegetable oil.
- c.Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the julienned carrots and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- e.Add the shredded napa cabbage and snow peas. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until all vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve (2 minutes)
- b.Return the cooked pork to the wok with the vegetables.
- c.Add the cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over everything.
- d.Using tongs, toss everything together quickly and continuously for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the noodles and pork are well-coated and heated through.
- e.Stir in the green parts of the scallions, give it one final toss, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender pork, slice it thinly against the grain. Partially freezing the pork for 15-20 minutes makes it much easier to slice.
- 2Stir-frying is a high-heat, fast-cooking method. Have all your ingredients (mise en place) prepped and ready by the stove before you begin.
- 3Do not overcook the noodles. They will cook further in the wok, so pulling them when they are al dente is crucial to avoid mushiness.
- 4A very hot wok is key to achieving 'wok hei' (the breath of the wok) and keeping vegetables crisp. Don't be afraid to turn up the heat.
- 5If your wok or skillet isn't large enough, cook the vegetables in batches to prevent them from steaming instead of stir-frying.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the pork with thinly sliced chicken breast, beef flank steak, peeled shrimp, or pressed firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Vegetable MedleyVegetable Medley
Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or bean sprouts. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use gluten-free rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Pork is a complete protein source, providing essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Rich in Vitamins and Fiber
The variety of vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and snow peas offers a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and dietary fiber, which supports vision, immunity, and digestive health.
Provides Sustained Energy
The noodles serve as an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which are broken down slowly by the body to provide a steady and sustained release of energy.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this Pork Lo Mein contains approximately 650-700 calories, making it a substantial and satisfying main course.