What is House Special Lo Mein?
House Special Lo Mein is a customizable stir-fried noodle dish found in many Chinese-American restaurants. It's not a dish with a single, universally accepted recipe, but rather a concept: a chef's signature combination of ingredients designed to showcase their skills and the restaurant's best offerings. Think of it as the culinary equivalent of a "chef's choice" option.
The beauty of House Special Lo Mein lies in its variability. While there are common elements, each restaurant's version will differ, reflecting regional preferences, available ingredients, and the chef's personal style. This means the exact ingredients can change dramatically from one establishment to the next.
What are the common ingredients in House Special Lo Mein?
Typically, a House Special Lo Mein will contain:
- Noodles: Usually egg noodles, but sometimes other types like wheat noodles or even ramen noodles are used.
- Protein: This is where the "special" comes in. You'll often find a mix of proteins, such as chicken, pork, shrimp, beef, and sometimes even roast duck or other seafood. The specific protein mix varies widely.
- Vegetables: A colorful array of vegetables is key. Common choices include: broccoli, carrots, baby corn, mushrooms, snow peas, water chestnuts, and bean sprouts. Again, the exact selection is up to the chef.
- Sauce: A savory sauce is essential to bind the dish together. This usually contains soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sometimes other ingredients like brown sugar for sweetness, ginger, and garlic for aromatics.
What makes a House Special Lo Mein different from other Lo Mein dishes?
The main difference is the variety and abundance of ingredients. A standard Lo Mein dish might feature one or two proteins and a simpler selection of vegetables. The "House Special" elevates the dish with a richer mix of proteins, a broader range of vegetables, and often a more complex sauce. It aims to be a more substantial, flavorful, and luxurious experience.
What kind of meat is typically used in House Special Lo Mein?
As mentioned earlier, the meat in House Special Lo Mein is highly variable. However, combinations of chicken, pork, and shrimp are very common. Beef is also frequently used, and some restaurants may include other meats or seafood like roast duck or scallops, depending on their menu and availability.
Is House Special Lo Mein healthy?
The healthiness of House Special Lo Mein depends largely on the specific recipe and preparation method. While noodles, vegetables, and lean proteins offer nutritional value, the abundance of sauce and the potential use of processed meats can increase sodium and fat content. Portion size also plays a crucial role. If you're concerned about health, consider choosing a restaurant known for lighter cooking methods, and be mindful of your portion.
Where can I find House Special Lo Mein?
House Special Lo Mein is a staple in many Chinese-American restaurants. The best way to find it is to check the menu of your local Chinese restaurants. You'll often find it listed under the "Noodles" or "Lo Mein" section. Remember, the experience can differ greatly from restaurant to restaurant, so exploring different options may reveal your new favorite variation.
