Do Lo Mein Noodles Come With Meat? Your Guide to Ordering

Whether lo mein comes with meat depends on the order, as the dish is versatile. This guide clarifies what to expect when ordering takeout, from traditional meat-based recipes to meat-free options, offering insights to satisfy all preferences.

Quick Summary

Lo mein, a Chinese noodle dish, can contain meats like chicken, beef, or pork, but is also available as a vegetarian or vegan option. The inclusion of meat is determined by the specific dish ordered, accommodating various dietary needs.

Key Points

• Meat is Optional: Lo mein's meat content depends on the specific order.

• Protein Choices: Options include chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or a combination in 'House Special' versions.

• Vegetarian and Vegan: Vegetarian and vegan lo mein dishes are readily available, featuring vegetables instead of meat.

• Preparation: Lo mein's soft noodles are tossed with ingredients, unlike the fried noodles in chow mein.

• Vegan Sauce Check: Vegans should verify vegetarian-friendly sauces, as traditional recipes may contain non-vegan ingredients.

• Home Customization: Making lo mein at home allows for protein, tofu, or vegetable customization.

Does Lo Mein Always Include Meat?

The term 'lo mein' signifies the cooking method where noodles are tossed, not a fixed set of ingredients. While many lo mein dishes, especially in American-Chinese cuisine, include meat, it's not a requirement. Restaurants usually offer different kinds of lo mein, typically based on the type of protein added.

Menus may list options like:

• Chicken Lo Mein: Includes strips of chicken breast or thigh.
• Beef Lo Mein: Made with thinly sliced beef, such as flank or sirloin steak.
• Pork Lo Mein: Commonly uses strips of roast pork (char siu).
• Shrimp Lo Mein: Prepared with cooked shrimp.
• House Special Lo Mein: A combination of multiple proteins, often chicken, beef, pork, and shrimp.
• Vegetable Lo Mein: A meat-free version with stir-fried vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms.

Ordering Lo Mein Without Meat

It's easy to order lo mein without meat, and restaurants accommodate this request. For vegetarians or vegans, vegetable lo mein is a tasty choice. Chefs typically prepare the noodles and vegetables in the flavorful sauce without animal protein.

Vegetarians should also note that the sauce may not be plant-based due to traditional oyster sauce and stocks. Many recipes now use vegetarian oyster sauce or a soy-based sauce. Clearly specify your dietary needs when ordering, especially if vegan, to prevent the use of animal products, including hidden ingredients in the sauce.

Lo Mein vs. Chow Mein

The main difference between lo mein and chow mein is the noodle preparation and final texture. The ingredients can be similar, but the results differ.

Feature	Lo Mein	Chow Mein
Noodle Preparation	Noodles are pre-boiled until soft and then tossed with the stir-fried ingredients.	Noodles are stir-fried until crispy or fried separately into a "pancake".
Texture	Soft, chewy.	Crispy and crunchy.
Sauce	Lo mein has a thicker sauce that coats the noodles.	Chow mein has a lighter sauce added during stir-frying.
Protein	Meat and vegetables are mixed throughout the dish.	Protein and vegetables are often on top of or alongside the noodles.

Flexibility of Lo Mein

Lo mein is popular for takeout and home cooking. At home, it's a good way to use leftover vegetables and cooked proteins. This flexibility allows control over ingredients, whether with meat, tofu, or extra vegetables.

Making lo mein at home is quick and simple, often faster than delivery. The basic process is:

1. Prepare the sauce: Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasonings.
2. Cook the noodles: Boil noodles until almost al dente, drain, and set aside.
3. Stir-fry ingredients: Sauté protein and vegetables in a wok or skillet.
4. Combine: Add cooked noodles and sauce to the wok, tossing until coated and heated through.

This method ensures a customizable meal. Online recipes offer instructions for classic and unique variations. For detailed guidance, consult culinary sources like The Woks of Life.

Conclusion

Whether lo mein includes meat depends on the menu. While meat is a common addition, it's not essential, and many restaurants offer meatless versions. Lo mein's adaptability caters to various tastes and dietary needs. By understanding the options, diners can confidently order or prepare lo mein to their liking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lo mein always served with meat?

No, lo mein is not always served with meat. Restaurants usually provide meat-free options, like vegetable lo mein, to accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets.

What is in vegetable lo mein?

Vegetable lo mein includes soft egg noodles mixed with stir-fried vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, broccoli, cabbage, bell peppers, snow peas, and bean sprouts, in a savory sauce.

How do you order lo mein without meat at a restaurant?

To order meatless lo mein, ask for 'vegetable lo mein' or request to substitute the meat in a standard dish with tofu or extra vegetables. Vegans should ensure the sauce is free of animal products.

What is the difference between lo mein and chow mein regarding meat?

Both lo mein and chow mein can use similar proteins like chicken, beef, or pork. The main difference lies in their preparation, with soft, tossed lo mein noodles versus crispy, fried chow mein noodles.

Can I add different meats to lo mein?

Yes, lo mein is versatile, allowing additions of meat, seafood, or plant-based proteins such as chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, turkey, or tofu.

Is lo mein sauce typically vegetarian?

Lo mein sauce is not always vegetarian. While often soy-based, traditional recipes might include oyster sauce and chicken stock. Many places offer vegetarian sauce alternatives, so it is best to ask to be sure.

Are the egg noodles in lo mein vegetarian?

No, standard egg noodles contain eggs, so they are not vegan. Vegetarians may eat them, but vegans should request rice noodles or another egg-free option.