Beef Pan Fried Noodles with Garlic and Cabbage {easy recipe} (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between pan-fried noodles and lo mein? ›

Pan fried noodles deliver a crispy texture, bursting with flavor and packed with delightful ingredients. On the other hand, lo mein features soft noodles coated in tasty sauces, loaded with vegetables and meats. If you're in the mood for Asian noodles, think about what textures and flavors you're in the mood for.

If you can't find Hong Kong noodles, you can substitute thin wonton noodles. Boil them in water until they're just barely tender (under a minute), drain and carefully dry them (you don't want any excess moisture if you're planning on stir-frying), and then toss 'em with just a bit of oil.

If you are unable to find noodles that are specifically labeled as chow mein noodles or lo mein noodles, you can use linguine noodles, regular Italian spaghetti noodles, or another type of Asian noodle as a similar substitute.

Noodles is basically a type of food that is made from dough, while chow-mein is a dish made with noodles. Actually, chow mein is coined from two words 'chow' which means fried, and 'mein' refers to noodles. So the moral of the story is all chow mein are noodles, but all noodles are not chow mein.

Lo mein sauce

It's a simple umami filled mix of light and dark soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, sugar, and a hint of ginger. It's super easy to make a batch of lo mein sauce and keep it in the fridge so you can easily make lo mein whenever the craving hits.

If the food can have oil, try putting some cooking oil on the pan. Also, when cooking, lower your heat to avoid burns, which will make your food stuck to the pan. How do you keep lo mein noodles from sticking? High heat, oil, keep moving.

Let's Talk About Lo Mein Noodles

I could not find it at any of my regular places, so in its place I have used either dry ramen if you can find it (as long as you're hitting up Amazon for the soy sauce, grab a box of this ramen, too – affiliate link) and/or just regular spaghetti.

Spaghettis won't turn soggy or sticky too easily, and they can hold the sauce on its surface very well. Therefore spaghetti is a perfect substitution of chow mein to make Chinese style stir fry noodles.

Mi Fen ( 米粉) (Rice Vermicelli)

Thin, brittle, and white, it's often sold dried and in blocks in the Asian foods section of supermarkets. This type of noodle doesn't really need to be cooked; it can be soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, drained, then added to broths and stir-fries.

You fancy a quick Chinese supper, so off you go to the cupboard and – NO NOODLES!! No problem, use spaghetti. This is more or less the same recipe your takeaway would use for chow mein, and it is just as tasty.

Which is healthier, noodles or spaghetti? ›

Beyond the sensory experience, Pasta made from Durum Wheat Semolina offers notable nutritional advantages over noodles made from maida. Durum wheat semolina is rich in essential nutrients, including fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Cook and stir celery, carrots, onion, and green onions in hot oil until slightly tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add spaghetti and soy sauce mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, until heated through, about 5 minutes.

War mein, also spelled warmein or wor mein, translates from Cantonese as “deep pot noodles.” It refers to a type of noodle soup made in a deep pot, rather than a specific noodle variety. This dish is typically made using egg noodles, either thin or thick Chinese noodles.

Indeed, many readers have asked us to detail how to make them. They're basically deep-fried egg noodles (or fried wonton wrappers or egg roll wrappers). Golden brown and crunchy, they're often served in little wooden bowls as a restaurant appetizer with duck sauce and Chinese hot mustard on the side.

Traditional chow mein is made with fried noodles but often it is prepared with boiled lo mein, chow mein, or yaki-soba noodles. Then it is added to a vegetable stir fry with chicken or beef and a simple sauce. I can't call this Chow Mein recipe authentic!

Rice Noodles vs Lo Mein

Lo mein noodles are made of wheat flour, water, and egg. Rice noodles are made with rice flour and water. If you're looking for a slippery noodle to absorb the flavor of your sauce or broth, then rice noodles are the right choice for you.

In American Chinese restaurants, lo mein is a popular take-out food and is sometimes considered synonymous with chow mein. The dish is distinct from both Cantonese lo mein and Cantonese crispy chow mein.

Mein gon (面干 miàn-gān), informally referred to as crunchy noodles or crunchy chow mein, are a type of noodle-shaped cracker (or dried biscuit) used in American Chinese cuisine.

Mai fun. Also known as “rice vermicelli,” these round and thin noodles are on the drier and chewier side, with their heartier shape making them perfect for stir-fries and salads.