Lo Mein: Does It Contain Mushrooms?

Lo mein is a popular Chinese dish that typically includes noodles, vegetables, and a protein such as chicken, beef, or tofu. While there are many variations of lo mein, the question of whether mushrooms are included in the dish has arisen. Some recipes for lo mein do include mushrooms, often in combination with other vegetables such as cabbage, snap peas, and scallions. However, not all lo mein recipes require mushrooms, and they can be substituted or omitted according to personal preference.

Lo mein sauce and ingredients

Lo mein is a popular noodle dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients and sauces. The name "lo mein" means "mixed noodles" in Cantonese and can refer to a variety of noodle dishes, much like how spaghetti can be ordered in various ways.

There is no one-size-fits-all lo mein sauce, but a common combination is light or low-sodium soy sauce with dark soy sauce. Dark soy sauce is known for its rich umami flavour and can enhance the taste of the dish. However, some recipes suggest that dark soy sauce is not necessary and can be substituted with other types of soy sauce or even omitted altogether. Additionally, sesame oil is often added to the sauce for extra flavour. Some recipes also include Chinese cooking wine ("Shaoxing wine"), which can be substituted with Mirin, cooking sake, or dry sherry. For a non-alcoholic version, both the cooking wine and water can be replaced with low-sodium chicken broth or stock.

Lo mein can be made with various types of noodles, including thick, thin, fresh, dried, egg, rice, ramen, spaghetti, or other long pasta. Fresh, uncooked noodles are recommended over pre-cooked ones as they are easier to prepare and less likely to break apart in the wok.

The beauty of lo mein is that it can be customised with a variety of vegetables, proteins, and spices to suit individual tastes and preferences. Common vegetables used in lo mein include mushrooms, onions, bok choy, carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage. Popular protein choices include chicken, beef, shrimp, and pork. For a spicy kick, chilli oil or chilli crisp can be added to the sauce.

Overall, lo mein is a versatile and simple dish that can be tailored to personal preferences. It does not require fancy or unusual ingredients and can be prepared quickly, making it a convenient and tasty option for any meal.

Types of mushrooms used

Lo mein is a popular Chinese dish that can be made with various ingredients, including mushrooms. While there are many types of mushrooms that can be used in lo mein, some of the most common types are shiitake, portabella, and Asian-style mushrooms.

Shiitake mushrooms are a popular choice for lo mein as they add heft and substance to the dish. They have a meaty texture and a savoury flavour that complements the other ingredients in lo mein. Shiitake mushrooms are also known for their health benefits, including being a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Portabella mushrooms are another type of mushroom that can be used in lo mein. They have a firm texture and a rich, earthy flavour that can enhance the taste of the dish. Portabella mushrooms are larger than shiitake mushrooms, so they can add a hearty and satisfying element to lo mein.

Asian-style mushrooms, such as oyster mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, and wood ear mushrooms, are also commonly used in lo mein. These mushrooms add a unique flavour and texture to the dish, and they are easily accessible in Asian markets. Oyster mushrooms have a delicate, creamy flavour, while enoki mushrooms are crisp and mild in taste. Wood ear mushrooms, also known as black fungus, have a crunchy texture and a mild flavour that can absorb the flavours of the other ingredients in lo mein.

When making vegetable lo mein, mushrooms are often combined with ingredients such as cabbage, snow peas, sugar snap peas, carrots, onions, and tofu. The mushrooms are typically sliced and cooked until the liquid evaporates, then mixed with other ingredients and sauces to create a flavourful and hearty dish.

Cooking methods

Lo mein is a Chinese dish of soft wheat and egg noodles stir-fried with meat, vegetables, and a sauce. The name "lo mein" means "stirred, mixed, or scooped noodles", referring to the scooping motion used when stir-frying the dish.

Lo mein can be made with either pre-cooked or uncooked noodles. Pre-cooked noodles can be used straight from the package, but they may be stuck together, which can cause them to break when stir-fried. Uncooked noodles are boiled before stir-frying, and it is important not to overcook them as they will be cooked further in the wok. They should be cooked al dente or under.

To cook lo mein, heat a wok or large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add a high-temperature cooking oil such as canola or peanut oil. Once hot, add garlic and ginger and cook until lightly browned and fragrant, about 20 seconds. Then add your choice of meat, such as chicken, and cook until cooked through, about 1 minute. Next, add the vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms, and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Finally, add the cooked noodles and sauce, and stir-fry until everything is combined and heated through.

The sauce for lo mein can be made by stirring together ingredients such as oyster sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, chicken stock, and cornstarch. Sesame oil has a strong aroma and flavor but burns at a low temperature, so it should be added to the sauce rather than used for cooking.

Lo mein can be served immediately, and it is best served hot.

Nutritional information

Lo mein is a dish that can be made with or without mushrooms. Some recipes for lo mein include mushrooms, such as shiitake mushrooms, while others do not. Therefore, the nutritional information for lo mein can vary depending on the ingredients used.

When it comes to nutritional information, lo mein can be high in calories and carbohydrates due to the noodles used. A single serving of lo mein, which is typically about 1 cup, can range from 250 to 400 calories. The dish also contains a significant amount of protein, with values ranging from 10 to 20 grams per serving.

In terms of micronutrients, lo mein can provide a good source of B vitamins, including niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin. It also contains essential minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium. However, it is important to note that the nutritional content can vary based on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used.

The addition of mushrooms in lo mein can enhance its nutritional profile. Mushrooms are a good source of dietary fibre, which can aid in digestion and support a healthy gut. They also contain antioxidants, such as ergothioneine and glutathione, which can help protect the body against cellular damage caused by free radicals.

Furthermore, mushrooms are a natural source of vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune function. By including mushrooms in lo mein, individuals can benefit from the nutritional properties that mushrooms offer. However, it is worth mentioning that the cooking process and other ingredients combined with the mushrooms in lo mein can impact the overall nutritional value of the dish.

Variations and substitutes

Lo mein is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. While mushrooms are a common ingredient in lo mein, they can be substituted or omitted to create a variety of flavour profiles and textures.

For a vegetarian or vegan option, mushrooms can be combined with other vegetables such as cabbage, snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. This creates a hearty and healthy dish that can be further enhanced with tofu or chickpeas for added protein.

Meat-eaters can also enjoy lo mein with mushrooms by adding chicken, beef, or shrimp. The chicken can be marinated in a mixture of light soy sauce, rice wine or sherry, sesame oil, and cornstarch before being stir-fried with the mushrooms and other ingredients.

Different types of mushrooms can also be used to vary the flavour and texture of the dish. Oyster, shiitake, king trumpet, cremini, and white button mushrooms are all suitable options, providing a range of earthy and umami flavours.

In addition to ingredient substitutions, the type of noodle used in lo mein can also be varied. Traditional lo mein noodles are thin, but spaghetti, linguine, or thicker noodles can also be used successfully. It is important, however, to cook the noodles al dente or under, as they will continue to cook when added to the wok or skillet.

Lastly, the sauce used in lo mein can be customised to suit individual tastes. The base is typically sesame oil, but garlic, ginger, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and olive oil can be added to create a more complex flavour profile. Hoisin sauce is also an option, although it is not typically used in authentic Chinese Lo Mein recipes.

Frequently asked questions