Combination Lo Mein
A classic Chinese-American takeout favorite made right at home! This dish features tender egg noodles tossed in a savory sauce with a trio of juicy chicken, tender beef, and succulent shrimp, all stir-fried with a colorful medley of crisp vegetables. It's a complete, satisfying meal that comes together faster than delivery.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Ingredients (Mise en Place)
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the sliced chicken and beef. Add 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch, tossing to coat well. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- c.In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 4 tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and white pepper to create the sauce. Set aside.
- d.Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and toss with 1 tsp of canola oil to prevent sticking.
- e.Ensure all vegetables, garlic, and ginger are chopped and ready.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Proteins
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering.
- c.Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until just browned. Do not overcook. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- d.Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove and set aside with the beef.
- e.Add the shrimp to the hot wok and cook for 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the other proteins.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir-fry Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the wok. Swirl to coat.
- c.Add the garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the carrots, red bell pepper, and shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- e.Add the shredded cabbage and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Return the cooked noodles and all the cooked proteins (beef, chicken, shrimp) to the wok with the vegetables.
- c.Add the fresh bean sprouts.
- d.Pour the prepared sauce over everything.
- e.Using tongs, toss everything together quickly and thoroughly for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the noodles and proteins are heated through and evenly coated in the sauce.
- f.Turn off the heat and stir in the green parts of the green onions.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Divide the lo mein among four bowls and serve immediately while hot.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor and texture, use a carbon steel wok over high heat. This helps achieve the characteristic 'wok hei' or 'breath of the wok' smoky flavor.
- 2Do not overcrowd the wok. Cook proteins in batches to ensure they sear properly rather than steam, which keeps them tender and flavorful.
- 3Prep is key! Stir-frying is a very fast cooking process. Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you turn on the heat.
- 4To prevent soggy noodles, make sure they are well-drained and slightly undercooked (al dente) before adding them to the wok. Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process instantly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Omit the meats and shrimp. Use 1 block (14 oz) of pressed, cubed firm tofu or 2 cups of mixed mushrooms (like cremini and oyster). Replace the oyster sauce with a vegetarian stir-fry sauce or mushroom-based oyster sauce.
SpicySpicy
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce, Sriracha, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free, and substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or spaghetti.
Different VegetablesDifferent Vegetables
Feel free to swap vegetables based on what you have. Broccoli florets, snow peas, bok choy, and water chestnuts are all excellent additions.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
Combining chicken, beef, and shrimp provides a high-quality, complete protein source essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The variety of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage offers a wide range of essential nutrients, including Vitamin C for immunity, Vitamin A for vision, and dietary fiber for digestive health.
Provides Sustained Energy
The egg noodles are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady release of energy to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.
Frequently asked questions
The main difference is in the noodle preparation. For Lo Mein, the noodles are fully cooked separately and then tossed with the sauce and other ingredients at the end. For Chow Mein, the noodles are often par-boiled and then stir-fried until crispy.