12:42:00 PM
Two of the most popular dishes in the Chinese-American canon have similar names. “Mein” means noodles, so whether you order chow mein or lo mein, you’ll end up with egg-enhanced wheat noodles on your plate. But the dishes are prepared differently, which is why chow mein has the slight edge from a health standpoint.
Actually, make that very slight: Neither chow mein nor lo mein is a good choice if you’re watching your sodium levels, since both preparations usually include high-sodium sauces such as soy, fish, and hoisin. And both can weigh in at as much as 1,000 calories per serving, with high fat and carb counts to match. But if your diet permits, it’s easy to figure out why both meins are so popular; they’re delicious, colorful, and wonderfully flavorful one-dish meals.
What is Lo Mein?
Lo mein is make with fat, round, dense noodles that bear some resemblance to thick spaghetti. In Chinese, “lo” implies tossing, which is exactly how lo mein is prepared. The noodles are added to the pan to soak up sauce toward the end of cooking, which is why lo mein is typically the gloopier and fattier of the two dishes.
Fat, round Lo mein noodles are typically cooked in sauce. Photo by Meredith
Lo Mein Noodles
A delicious vegetarian meal, or add your favorite meat.
Photo by Sherri
What is Chow Mein?
Chow mein has many meanings in the U.S. “Chow” translates as frying, so the crisp noodles that are sold in a can or served at a restaurant with hot mustard and red sauce qualify as chow mein.
Chow mein noodles can be served cripsy or cooked. Photo by Meredith
Chow mein, unlike lo mein, is a dish in which the noodles – whether fresh or dry – are stir-fried separately, then added to vegetables. Meat is optional.
Chicken Chow Mein Casserole. Photo by Meredith
Spicy Beef and Broccoli Chow Mein
Chow mein noodles are cooked separately for this satisfying take on a Chinese-American classic.
Photo by Deb C
Authentic Chow Mein with Chicken and Vegetables
Check out dozens of other Chinese food recipes.
Find more cooking how-tos and dinner inspiration on Allrecipes Dish.
The post Chow Mein and Lo Mein: What is the Difference? appeared first on Allrecipes Dish.
from Allrecipes Dish
0 comments:
Post a Comment