As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, the cuisine of the Caribbean is heavily influenced by the many cultures and people which make up the melting pot the Caribbean is. This chicken lo mein is something I remember purchasing from food trucks in San Fernando (next to the train engine) after school. Back then the menu of the day was fried rice, lo mein (or chow mein) and five spice chicken (fried with that crispy skin). I could still taste the uniqueness the Caribbean added to these wonderful Chinese dishes. Funny thing is, there were no Chinese cooks in any of these food trucks!
You’ll Need…
8 oz egg noodle
1 carrot
2 cups bean sprouts (or cabbage)
1-2 cups of pak choi
1 large onion
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 scallions
2 chili pepper (I used bird peppers)
1 1/2 cup sweet pepper (bell – different colors)
1 cup broccoli
1 cup celery
2 small chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 table spoon vegetable oil (see note below)
For the sauce….
2 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soya sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Notes: Try to cut all the vegetables the same size for uniform cooking. The recipe calls for 2 tablespoon veg oil, but after cooking the chicken you may need to add an extra tablespoon of oil to the pot. Depending on how seasoned your wok is or if you’re using a non stick pan or not. I used a Guyanese style chow mein noodle (egg), which I found in the local West Indian store. I cooked the noodle according to the directions on the package, but I did cut the recommended cooking time by half as I knew I was going to cook it a bit further in the main lo mein pot and I didn’t want it to go soggy.
Start by preparing all the vegetables (wash – chop) and also slice the chicken into very thin slices, wash, dry and get ready to cook.
Heat your wok or large non-stick pot on med/high heat and add the vegetable oil. Now add the slices of chicken and cook for about 4 minutes. Remember to keep stirring so it cooks evenly. Now turn down the heat and remove the pieces of chicken and set aside. At this time you should also cook your egg noodles, drain and allow to cool.
If your wok is dry, do add a bit more oil and get ready to continue cooking. Turn the heat back up to med/high and add the onion, garlic (grated) and grated ginger to the pot. Allow that to cook for a minute or two to release all it’s wonderful flavors.
Now add the carrots (remember to slice/chop everything thin so it cooks fast), bell peppers, hot pepper, celery, broccoli and salt. Stir and allow to cook for 2 minutes. Then in a small bowl combine the oyster, soya and hoisin sauces.. then add to the wok and stir. Now add back the pieces of cooked chicken.
Stir in the chopped pak choi and allow to cook for another minute before adding the cooked egg noodles. Give this a good stir to coat everything with the different sauces we added moments ago.
As you can tell, this dish cooks very fast so it’s important to have everything prepped and handy. Now top with the chopped scallions and bean sprouts and cook for a minute. Remember to keep stirring.
I know I didn’t mention this in the ingredient list (but it’s in the main pic above), but feel free to top the dish with about 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil for a bright finish and to add another layer of flavor. I’m not a huge fan of sesame oil, so I only added a small amount.. but you can obviously add more if you wish. Remember to also check for salt and adjust accordingly.
This is a quick and absolutely wonderful dish you must try. I can’t tell you how thankful I am for the Chinese influence on Caribbean cuisine, as I must admit that I have a weakness for Chinese food… especially the way we make it in the Caribbean. Once you’ve had Caribbean style Chinese food, you’ll know what I mean.
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Based on 50 Review(s)
Hey Chris, just made this for a Labor Day gathering (Virginia, USA)….delish!
This dish is outstanding, and I made an error. Forgot to fully boil water before adding noodles because I was gabbing on the phone and not paying attention to detail. Chris, thanks for precise instructions that were easy to follow. Cannot wait to dig in.
I try this recipe! oh man this dish was delicious thanks for posting
I fixed this dish today and it was amazing.
Chris, I had to post a comment on this dish. Followed the recipe to a T. Man, you can give Mr Chin a run for his money, and he will have great respect for you. Great flavor and texture.
Thank you Chris!
I do agree with another’s comment.
You do deserve a show on the food network, I think you’d be amazing.
I agree 100%
Hi Chris,
This dish looks & sounds delicious.
Could you please tell me what hoisin sauce is, and where I can find it?
Another question I have is in a lot of your curry recipes, is it okay to use Jamaican curry powder or regular/medium curry powder, for they do not have the one you recommend on the shelves in this small village I live in….(usually Caribbean curry)
I recently left Hamilton, and my ”Mama’s” cooking, should’ve got her to teach me a few rice dishes before I left 🙁
Your website is fantastic with all the step by step instructions and photos. I’m grateful for it.
Keep up the great work!
Gotta say..the sauce reminds me of Chief Chinese Sauce back in Guyana. Nothing beats the taste and smell of home. Thank you so much for this wonderful sauce recipe.
I made this … And it turned out great.. We allll had seconds .. Thank you.. Love your site .
I'm so excited to try this recipe! A product of Trini parents, I was able to learn a handful of things from my mom before she passed. My dad only comes in the kitchen when the food is done lol. I've always loved attending my god mother's get togethers as this is one of the dishes that's often available! Thank you for posting this recipe. I'm so glad for this website!
How did you get the pasta that color ? Did you but it that way or its one of the sauces you use.
Chris,
The lo mein was delicious! This recipe was very easy to follow and will definitely make this again!
Thank you!!
Thank you! You're the next best thing when I can't get a hold of me Mudda!
Chris, could I substitute oyster sauce for fish?
Chris my man you deserved your own show on the food network channel. Your recipes are very easy to follow. this particular recipe was delicious. I will never buy Chinese lo mien again. Thanks Chris.
This recipe is delicious…very flavorful wasnt sure about the oyster sauce but it was AMAZING!!!!
I have been wanting to try and make this dish for so long , but I always thought it would be difficult. It was amazing! It wasnt difficult at all- my family loved it. Thank you 🙂
OMG!! Just made this Lo Mein it was delicious. Thank you! The recipe was easy to follow.
lovely recipe as always, very delicious. thanks
Great dish. I tried it and it was delicious
I have tried some of your dishes and they turned out quite well, my wife is impress with my cooking, thanks a lot.
looks great,will definitely have to try it
Great dish, i made rice noodles instead of the egg. All the flavors were delicious.
Thanks you for your recipes i certainly will not be running out to fast to purchase chinese food I know my husband, and daughter will loved it.
Tried this last night for dinner, first time im trying. Was really easy, simple and tasty. My boyfriend enjoyed. Thanks