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What Is the Difference in Lo Mein and Chow Mein

What Is the Difference in Lo Mein and Chow Mein?

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Last Updated on January 29, 2023 by Lauren Beck

Chow mein and lo mein are Chinese noodle dishes popular in Chinese-American cuisine. Both dishes are made with wheat-based noodles. However, there are some key differences in how they are prepared and cooked. In this article, we will explore what is the differences between chow mein and lo mein, including their ingredients, cooking methods, and texture.

What is Chow Mein?

Chow mein is a Chinese noodle dish that typically consists of stir-fried wheat-based noodles, vegetables, and protein such as chicken, beef, or shrimp.

The dish is known for its crispy texture and savory flavor.

What is Lo Mein?

Lo mein is a Chinese noodle dish that typically consists of soft wheat-based noodles, vegetables, and protein such as chicken, beef, or shrimp.

The dish is known for its soft and slightly chewy texture and savory flavor.

What Is the Difference in Lo Mein and Chow Mein?

The main difference between Lo Mein and Chow Mein is the way the noodles are prepared and cooked.

Chow Mein:

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  • The noodles are stir-fried until they are crispy.
  • It is a dry dish, with the sauce being absorbed by the crispy noodles.
  • It is usually served on a plate, with crispy noodles on top.

Lo Mein:

  • The noodles are boiled before being stir-fried resulting in a softer texture.
  • It is a wet dish, with the sauce coating the noodles.
  • It is usually served in a bowl, with the sauce and vegetables mixed in with the noodles.

The ingredients used in both dishes are similar, with both dishes consisting of wheat-based Chinese egg noodles, vegetables, and protein such as chicken, beef or shrimp, but the preparation and cooking methods are what set them apart.

How to Make Chow Mein?

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz wheat-based Chinese egg noodles
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sliced vegetables (such as cabbage, carrots, bell peppers)
  • 1 cup protein (such as chicken, beef, shrimp)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Procedure:

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the noodles. Cook the noodles according to package instructions, until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat a wok or large pan over high heat and add the oil.
  3. Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  4. Add the vegetables and protein and continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the protein is cooked through.
  5. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt and pepper.
  6. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the noodles are crispy and the sauce is evenly distributed.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chow mein!

How to Make Lo Mein?

homemade lo mein

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz wheat-based Chinese egg noodles
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sliced vegetables (such as cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers)
  • 1 cup protein (such as chicken, beef, or shrimp)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Procedure:

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the noodles. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil and sauté garlic, onions, and your choice of protein.
  3. Add the vegetables and continue to sauté for a couple of minutes.
  4. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  5. Mix everything together until the sauce is evenly distributed and the noodles are heated through.
  6. Serve hot, and enjoy your homemade Lo Mein!

What Type of Noodles Are Used in Each Dish?

Both chow mein and lo mein are typically made with wheat-based Chinese egg noodles. The egg in the noodle dough gives it a slightly different texture and yellow color.

How Are Chow Mein and Lo Mein Noodles Prepared?

Chow mein noodles are stir-fried until crispy, while lo mein noodles are boiled and then stir-fried, resulting in a softer texture.

What’s the Difference in the Cooking Method for Chow Mein and Lo Mein?

Chow mein is stir-fried to get a crispy texture, while lo mein is stir-fried after the noodles are 

boiled, resulting in a softer texture. The cooking method is the key difference in the texture of the two dishes.

Is Lo Mein Thicker Than Chow Mein?

Lo mein noodles are typically thicker than chow mein noodles because they are not crispy [1]. The boiling process makes the noodles more pliable and thicker in texture.

Does Chow Mein or Lo Mein Have More Flavor?

Both chow mein and lo mein are savory dishes with a similar taste. The main difference is in the texture of the noodles, not the flavor.

Is Chow Mein Always Crispy?

Chow mein is traditionally prepared to be crispy, but the level of crispiness can vary depending on personal preference and the cooking method used. Some restaurants may serve a softer version of chow mein, but it is not the traditional dish preparation method.

Conclusion

Chow mein and lo mein are two popular Chinese-American noodle dishes that differ mainly in texture and preparation. Chow mein is stir-fried to achieve a crispy texture, while lo mein is boiled before being stir-fried, resulting in a softer texture. Both dishes use similar ingredients, including wheat-based Chinese egg noodles, but the cooking method sets them apart. Both dishes have a similar taste, with chow mein traditionally crispy, but the level of crispiness can vary based on personal preference.

Reference:

  1. https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/cooking-tips-tutorials/a40050154/chow-mein-vs-lo-mein/
Lauren Beck
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