Chinese food has always been one of my favorite forms of cuisine. I like tasting new cuisines, but I’ve seen that many people are perplexed by the distinctions between chow mein and lo mein. It doesn’t help that both are available in a variety of flavors, including chicken. So, what is the difference between Chicken Lo Mein and Chow Mein, and which is superior?
While they are similar, the key differences between chicken lo mein and chow mein are the structure of the noodles as well as the meat and veggies used in their preparation. Furthermore, stronger sauces are often used in lo mein.
By the conclusion of this post, you will know which noodle dish is ideal for both your taste senses and your nutrition. So I’m here today to put the record straight. My objective is to explain the key distinctions between chicken lo mein and chow mein so you can choose the best one for you the next time you have a great Chinese meal.
Contents
Chicken Lo Mein vs. Chow Mein: Differences
Few dishes in Chinese cuisine capture the taste senses like the timeless classics of chicken lo mein and chow mein. But, before we get into the specifics of which meal is superior, let’s dissect the distinctions that distinguish each one.
The difference between chicken lo mein and chow mein comes down to variances in noodles, meat, veggies, sauce, and nutrition information. Depending on your tastes, either the crispy noodles of chow mein or the softer texture of lo mein may be more appealing.
Finally, both noodles provide distinct tastes and textures, resulting in a delectable meal. So, if you’re seeking for something to tempt your taste buds, why not try both? It’s the greatest method to figure out which one you like!
Noodles
Noodles are one of the primary distinctions between chicken lo mein and chow mein. Both meals use cooked wheat flour noodles, although they go about it in different ways.
Chicken lo mein is often made using soft noodles that have been cooked separately but then combined with the stir-fry ingredients to give it a softer texture. Chow mein has crisper fried noodles that shine out among the other components.
When choosing between chicken lo mein and chow mein noodles, I prefer the former due to its softer texture and chewy consistency. The boiling noodles fill my mouth with sweetness as I appreciate each mouthful, providing a delight that only chicken lo mein can deliver!
Meat
When it comes to the disparity between chicken lo mein and chow mein, the meat is another significant variation between these two recipes. Look within a dish of chicken lo mein for any light-colored fowl chunks or chicken strips. Chow mein, on the other hand, is often made using pig, beef, or chicken as the meat of choice.
It’s worth noting that both chicken lo mein and chow mein may include proteins other than chicken or pork. Furthermore, any of these recipes may be made with tofu or shrimp.
Vegetables
Talking about the veggies is important when comparing chicken lo mein with chow mein. It goes without saying that these two recipes comprise a range of veggies, which differ depending on where you purchase them.
However, there are certain distinctions between chicken lo mein and chow mein in terms of vegetables. Here’s a basic rundown:
- Carrots, bean sprouts, and snow peas are common ingredients in chicken lo mein.
- Cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and celery are common ingredients in chow mein. Chow mein is also about the noodles rather than the vegetables.
While the veggies in each meal vary based on the recipe, the components in each tend to be similar.
So, although you may end up with different veggies in each meal owing to regional preferences or other circumstances, anticipate them to feel similar no matter which you eat!
Sauce
One of the most notable distinctions between chicken lo mein and chow mein is thesauce. Chicken lo mein is often prepared with a classic oyster sauce, which adds a distinct sweetness as well as umami taste.
This sauce is quite popular in many East Asian meals, yet it may not be to everyone’s taste. Chow mein, on the other hand, is often served without any sauce or with a mild sauce. Some recipes may call for soy sauce or hoisin sauce, although most of the time, neither is used.
While you can absolutely add your own sauces to any kind of noodle dish, chicken lo mein is probably the best choice if you like something with a little more sweetness or umami taste.
Chow mein, on the other hand, is better if you enjoy your noodles with no sauce or just a few drops of soy sauce and hoisin. It all boils down to your choice!
Nutrition
If you’re seeking for a healthier choice, check into the nutrition and health advantages of both meals.
Chicken lo mein may be pretty healthy. Most recipes include lots of veggies, such as peas, carrots, and bok choy, as well as lean protein from chicken. It is high in fiber and minerals like as iron, magnesium, and vitamin C. [1]
However, due of all the sauces needed in its preparation, it might be high in salt. Furthermore, if it includes too many egg noodles, it may have a high carbohydrate content, which may be dangerous in big quantities.
Chow mein is often cooked with pan-fried noodles or steamed rice noodles, but it is also frequently served with fried wontons or spring rolls, which may add up to a significant amount of harmful fat. Chow mein, on the other hand, has greater health advantages than chicken lo mein since it is cooked with steamed vegetables and lean meats like tofu or chicken breast. [2]
So, in terms of nutrition, all foods are about similar; all that counts is what components are utilized in their preparation and how healthy those items are!
Chicken Lo Mein vs. Chow Mein: Which Is Better?
So, now that I’ve explained the distinctions between chicken lo mein and chow mein, you may be wondering which is better.
The answer is highly dependent on what you want in a meal. Here are some things to ask yourself to help you decide which noodles are best for you:
- Is taste my number one priority? If this is the case, chicken lo mein, with its oyster and soy sauce combination, may be the superior alternative.
- Do I want something with a little crunch? Chow mein has the delightful crispiness that only stir-fried noodles can provide.
It all boils down to personal choice in the end. So, if you can’t determine which one to choose after reading this post, why not try both?
Whether you pick Chicken Lo Mein or Chow Mein, remember that both dishes provide lots of taste and texture; it all depends on the kind of meat you choose!