Want To Save Time And Money? Here’s How To Make Easy Pork Lo Mein In Under 30 Minutes!

Are you craving a delectable Asian dish that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than pork lo mein! This classic noodle dish is a staple of Chinese cuisine and can be enjoyed by home cooks of all skill levels. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of “how to make easy pork lo mein” so you can whip up this delicious meal in your own kitchen.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make easy pork lo mein, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Noodles: 1 package (8 ounces) of dried lo mein noodles
• Pork: 1 pound of boneless, skinless pork loin, cut into thin strips
• Marinade: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Sauce: 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Vegetables: 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 cup chopped celery, 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color), 1/2 cup chopped onion
• Oil: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Prepare the Pork

1. In a large bowl, combine the pork strips with the marinade ingredients. Mix well to coat the pork evenly.
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to the package directions.
3. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to prevent them from sticking together.

Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the carrots, celery, bell peppers, and onion.
3. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
4. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Pork

1. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the same skillet.
2. Remove the pork from the marinade and discard the marinade.
3. Add the pork strips to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
2. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the pork and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Combine the Ingredients

1. Add the cooked noodles and sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the pork and sauce.
2. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the easy pork lo mein to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or hoisin sauce.

Tips for Making the Best Pork Lo Mein

• For a more flavorful dish, marinate the pork for longer.
• Use a variety of vegetables to add color and texture to your lo mein.
• If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute with a mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar.
• Don’t overcook the noodles, as they will become mushy.
• Serve the pork lo mein with your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.

The Finishing Touch: Garnish and Presentation

To elevate your easy pork lo mein dish, consider these garnishes and presentation tips:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Chopped green onions, cilantro, or basil add a pop of color and freshness.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds: Sesame seeds provide a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
• Serve in a decorative bowl: A beautiful serving bowl can make your dish more visually appealing.
• Accompany with a dipping sauce: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or chili oil, to cater to different tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken, beef, or shrimp for the pork. Adjust the cooking times accordingly.

2. What if I don’t have lo mein noodles?

You can use other types of noodles, such as spaghetti, ramen noodles, or udon noodles.

3. How do I store leftover pork lo mein?

Store leftover pork lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop before serving.