Catering Chicken Lo Mein

Catering Chicken Lo Mein

Origins:

- Chicken lo mein, specifically in the "catering style," is a dish primarily found in Chinese restaurants in the United States.

- While variations exist, the dish typically features stir-fried noodles and chicken in a glutamate-rich sauce.

Characteristics:

- Noodles: Thick egg noodles are stir-fried with soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings.

- Chicken: Usually cut into bite-sized pieces and stir-fried.

- Sauce: A brown, savory sauce thickened with cornstarch and enriched with glutamate often gives the dish its distinct flavor.

- Vegetables: Commonly includes broccoli florets, carrots, water chestnuts, and other vegetables depending on the restaurant.

Flavor Profile:

- The flavor is typically umami-rich, with salty notes from the soy sauce and glutamate, and a slight sweetness from the vegetables.

- The sauce is often described as savory, bordering on slightly greasy, but with a satisfying textural contrast from the noodles.

Common Variations:

- Szechuan chicken lo mein: Includes spicy Szechuan peppercorns and a thicker sauce.

- Teriyaki chicken lo mein: Features a teriyaki-inspired sauce with a sweet and savory flavor.

- Broccoli chicken lo mein: Emphasizes the broccoli content and may feature a different sauce.

Popularity and Cultural Significance:

- Chicken lo mein is one of the most popular dishes on Chinese restaurant menus in the United States.

- Its comforting flavors and familiar ingredients make it a popular choice for catering and casual dining.

Additional Notes:

- The dish is often criticized for its reliance on glutamate, which can contribute to a savory taste but also raises health concerns.

- Many restaurants offer vegetarian or tofu options instead of chicken lo mein.

Fun Facts:

- The term "lo mein" likely originates from the Cantonese word meaning "pulled noodles," referring to the traditional method of making the egg noodles.

- The dish was likely created in American Chinese restaurants to cater to the desires of American diners for familiar Chinese-inspired flavors.