Pork Lo Mein Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package linguine
• cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 cups snap peas
• 1 small sweet onion, chopped
• 1 (12 ounce) pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips
• 1 (8 ounce) package sliced white mushrooms
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped, divided
• teaspoon chopped fresh ginger, or to taste
• 3 green onions, sliced

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 to 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sugar, and sesame oil to create the sauce mixture.
3. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add snap peas and chopped onion, and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Add the pork tenderloin, mushrooms, red bell pepper, one-third of the chopped garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Cook for approximately 2 minutes, or until the pork is no longer pink.
5. Stir in the remaining chopped garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
6. Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir the cooked linguine into the skillet, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and ingredients.
8. Top with sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your flavorful dish!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	415	-
Total Fat	11g	14%
Saturated Fat	2g	8%
Cholesterol	37mg	12%
Sodium	794mg	35%
Total Carbohydrate	55g	20%
Dietary Fiber	5g	19%
Total Sugars	7g	-
Protein	26g	51%
Vitamin C	73mg	81%
Calcium	60mg	5%
Iron	4mg	24%
Potassium	762mg	16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin: Lo Mein, a traditional Chinese dish, has a long and rich history. The term "Lo Mein" literally translates to "stirred noodles" in Cantonese, where "lo" means stirred and "mein" means noodles. It is believed to have originated in northern China, where wheat-based noodles have been a staple of the diet for centuries. Over time, Lo Mein became a popular dish across the country, and it eventually spread globally as part of the Chinese diaspora.

Regional Characteristics

Lo Mein is primarily associated with the Cantonese cuisine of southern China, specifically in cities like Guangzhou and Hong Kong. The Cantonese style often emphasizes fresh ingredients and delicate flavors. While the basic concept of Lo Mein is universal, regional variations exist. In some areas, the dish may include different types of noodles, such as thicker wheat noodles or even egg noodles, and may be served with varying combinations of meats, vegetables, and sauces. The pork Lo Mein, featured here, is often made with tender pork tenderloin paired with vegetables like snap peas, onions, and bell peppers.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While Lo Mein is similar to other stir-fried noodle dishes like Chow Mein, the key difference lies in the preparation of the noodles. Lo Mein noodles are typically softer, boiled, and then tossed with a savory sauce and stir-fried vegetables, while Chow Mein noodles are usually fried until crispy. Additionally, Lo Mein often incorporates more vegetables, and the sauce tends to be slightly thicker, creating a richer texture. The use of pork in this version adds a savory depth of flavor, making it distinct from other variations that may feature beef, chicken, or shrimp.

Where It Is Typically Served

Pork Lo Mein is a staple in Chinese-American restaurants and is commonly found on the menu of Chinese takeout establishments. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or served at gatherings as a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. In China, Lo Mein is often served as part of a larger banquet-style meal, accompanied by other dishes like dumplings, stir-fried vegetables, and rice. This dish has also become a popular choice for home cooks, as it is easy to prepare and customizable with a variety of meats and vegetables.

Interesting Facts

• In traditional Chinese cooking, noodles symbolize longevity, making Lo Mein a popular dish for celebrations like birthdays and Chinese New Year.
• The sauce in Lo Mein is typically made from a balance of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sometimes hoisin sauce, which creates a deep umami flavor.
• Lo Mein can be made with various types of noodles, but the most common are egg noodles or wheat noodles, which are boiled before being stir-fried.
• While Lo Mein is often enjoyed with pork, the dish is incredibly versatile and can be made with a variety of proteins, including chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, making it adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a newcomer to Chinese cuisine, this Pork Lo Mein recipe offers a simple and flavorful introduction to the world of stir-fried noodles. With tender pork, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, its a dish that's sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

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