Chinese takeout is a beloved staple in many households. When you get that craving for savory noodles and tender shrimp, two dishes always top the list shrimp chow mein and shrimp lo mein But what exactly sets these noodle classics apart?
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between shrimp chow mein and shrimp lo mein and provide tips for making both dishes at home Read on to become a noodles expert!
An Overview of Chow Mein and Lo Mein
Chow mein and lo mein are two of the most popular items found on Chinese restaurant menus in the United States. They both consist of noodles, protein, and vegetables, but the preparation method sets them apart.
Chow mein features stir-fried noodles that get crispy from frying. The name “chow mein” means “stir-fried noodles” in Chinese. This dish likely originated in China but became popularized in the U.S. through Chinese American cuisine.
Lo mein consists of soft noodles tossed in a sauce along with other ingredients. The name “lo mein” means “tossed noodles” in Chinese. Lo mein also has roots in Chinese cuisine but became a staple of American Chinese food.
While vegetables and meat can vary, shrimp is a favorite protein addition to both dishes. The succulent shrimp pairs perfectly with the noodles and vegetables. Now let’s look at some key differences between shrimp chow mein and shrimp lo mein.
Noodle Differences
The main distinction between chow mein and lo mein lies in the noodles themselves:
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Chow mein uses crisp, fried noodles. The noodles are fried separately before being tossed with other ingredients. This frying allows them to get crispy and golden brown.
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Lo mein uses soft, boiled noodles. The noodles are briefly boiled then combined with vegetables and protein. The soft texture allows them to soak up flavors.
Chow mein uses thin Chinese egg noodles or dried noodles that become crisp once fried. Lo mein uses fresh, soft Chinese egg noodles that are briefly boiled.
So chow mein has a crispy noodle texture, while lo mein noodles are soft and chewy. But the differences don’t stop there…
Cooking Method Differences
Beyond the noodles themselves, shrimp chow mein and shrimp lo mein are prepared quite differently:
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Chow mein: The noodles are fried separately from the other ingredients to make them super crispy. Then they are tossed together with shrimp, veggies, and sauce.
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Lo mein: The soft noodles get combined with shrimp, vegetables, and sauce all at once, usually toward the end of cooking. Everything gets tossed together.
Chow mein uses higher heat to get the noodles and ingredients crispy, while lo mein relies on fast tossing to evenly coat the noodles with sauce.
So chow mein has a fried noodle texture and lo mein has a soft, saucy texture. Both are delicious in their own way!
Flavor Differences
The flavors of shrimp chow mein vs. shrimp lo mein also differ subtly based on preparation:
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Chow mein often has more pronounced smoky and salty flavors from frying the noodles and meats in oil at high heat.
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Lo mein sauce adheres to the boiled noodles, allowing for punchy sauces that permeate the whole dish. Expect bolder, wetter flavors.
As a result, shrimp lo mein often tastes more intensely flavored, while shrimp chow mein has lighter seasoning and lets the crispy noodles shine.
Common Ingredients
Though prepared differently, shrimp chow mein and shrimp lo mein share some key ingredients:
- Protein: Shrimp, chicken, pork
- Noodles: Chow mein or lo mein egg noodles
- Vegetables: Cabbage, onion, celery, bell pepper, bean sprouts, carrots
- Flavorings: Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar
- Garnishes: Green onion, cilantro
Within this basic framework, the ingredients can vary significantly based on preferences and what’s on hand. Almost any protein or vegetable complements the noodles nicely.
Making Chow Mein and Lo Mein at Home
Want to skip takeout and make crispy shrimp chow mein or saucy shrimp lo mein at home? Here are some tips:
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For chow mein: Parboil dried or fresh noodles briefly. Fry them in oil until crispy before adding other ingredients. Use high heat for the wok.
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For lo mein: Boil fresh lo mein noodles just until softened, then add to stir fried shrimp and veggies. Quickly toss everything to coat noodles in sauce.
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Common additions: Try adding garlic, ginger, frozen veggies, green onion, bean sprouts, baby corn, or water chestnuts.
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Flavor hacks: Use sesame oil, rice vinegar, hoisin, sriracha, etc. to amp up the flavors.
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Prep ahead: Wash and chop veggies and shrimp in advance for quicker cooking.
With the right noodles, high heat, and bold flavors these classics are easy to make at home for a filling weeknight dinner. Chow down!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is healthier, shrimp chow mein or shrimp lo mein?
Shrimp lo mein is generally healthier, as chow mein uses more oil for frying the noodles. But both dishes can be made relatively healthy by using lean protein, lots of veggies, and easy on the salt, oil, and heavy sauces.
What’s the difference between lo mein and pad thai?
Pad thai is a Thai noodle dish made with rice noodles, while lo mein uses Chinese egg noodles. Pad thai also has distinctive sweet/sour/salty flavorings like tamarind and fish sauce.
Can I use spaghetti instead of Chinese noodles?
Yes, spaghetti or linguine can be substituted in a pinch. The texture won’t be quite the same but the flavor will still be delicious.
Is shrimp chow mein gluten free?
No, traditional chow mein contains wheat noodles so it is not gluten free. But you can make gluten free chow mein using rice noodles instead.
Which noodles are thinner, lo mein or chow mein?
Chow mein noodles are thinner than lo mein. They start out dried for frying, while lo mein uses fresh, thicker boiled noodles.
The Takeaway on Shrimp Chow Mein and Lo Mein
While these noodle dishes share some DNA, their textures and flavors differ. Crisp, lightly seasoned shrimp chow mein provides textural contrast with soft veggies and shrimp. Saucy shrimp lo mein soaks up bold flavors for a satisfying mouthfeel.
Both classics deserve a spot in the noodle lover’s repertoire. So whether you’re in the mood for crispy fried noodles or soft boiled noodles, you can choose between shrimp chow mein or shrimp lo mein to customize your Chinese food experience.
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How Are Chow Mein and Lo Mein Noodles Prepared?
To make chow mein noodles, you can fry them one at a time to make a “noodle pancake,” and then you can pour the stir-fried meat and vegetables over the fried noodles. The chow mein noodles can also be stir-fried with meat/poultry and vegetables.
When making lo mein, the noodles are often added near the end of cooking to heat them through and mix them with the sauce and other ingredients. Alternately, the parboiled noodles may be tossed with a sauce and the stir-fried ingredients poured over.
To make sense, lo mein recipes often call for more sauce than chow mein recipes. This is because the sauce is what makes any lo mein dish great. 1:06.
What Type of Noodles Are Used in Each Dish?
Both lo mein and chow mein are made with Chinese egg noodles—wheat flour noodles with egg added. For lo mein, fresh egg noodles that are about 1/4-inch thick work best. For chow mein, you can use either fresh or dried noodles. Either way, the noodles need to be softened in boiling water before cooking. Before using, dried noodles need to be boiled in water for 5 to 6 minutes. Fresh egg noodles, on the other hand, only need to be boiled for 2 to 3 minutes. How long the noodles need to cook will depend on how thick they are, so make sure to follow the directions on the package if there are any. But whether you use fresh or dried noodles, you should boil them until they are just done, but not too soft. This is what the Italians mean when they say “al dente,” which means “cooked to the tooth.”
If Chinese egg noodles arent available, Italian pasta such as fettucini or linguini makes a handy substitute. A “quick and dirty” lo mein can be made by using Ramen noodles with a flavor packet.
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