This is a really simple recipe. It’s great for those nights that you don’t feel like cooking and you are really tired of take out. Several variations are below that will easily turn this side dish into a meal. The image is one of those variations with pork added. Serves 2.
Ingredients:
- 8 Ounces lo mien noodles. Found in the international area of your supermarket. Spaghetti can be substituted.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Red bell pepper julienned
- 1 Large carrot julienned
- 8 Oz package of white button mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 Large onion, sliced thin in half moons.
- 1/2 Cup snow peas, frozen peas or 1/2 package fresh spinach
- 1/4 Cup chopped scallions (optional for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 3 Tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce. More for the table.
- 2 Teaspoons sugar
- 1 Teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 Teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 Teaspoon Sriracha
- 1/4 Teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/3 Cup chicken stock
Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk together ingredients for the sauce. Set aside. Then in a large pot, boil lo mien according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the water after cooking.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large frying pan or wok. Add mushrooms and cook until the liquid they release is evaporated, about 3-4 minutes. Add the other tablespoon of olive oil with the garlic, red pepper, carrot and onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 more minutes. Add the peas or spinach now. Stir until spinach is wilted.
Stir in cooked lo mien and sauce mixture and gently toss to combine. Stir in any other ingredients if you have them (see below). You may need to add a little of the reserved pasta water (or more stock) if all the sauce gets absorbed. Add ¼ cup at a time until you get the consistency you want. Top with a few scallions for serving.
Variations:
Prior to cooking the mushrooms, you can sauté julienned beef, chicken or pork. When done, remove from pan and then continue with recipe above. Or, just look for leftovers in the refrigerator prior to cooking. Anything like shrimp from a shrimp cocktail, chunks of cooked chicken or sliced beef from a steak. Just about any leftover can be used to make this a real meal. Cut into bite sized pieces and add at the end to warm.
