Mediterranean Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Stir Fry
This dish combines the bold, garlicky flavors of Mediterranean-style cooking with the comfort of a classic Asian-inspired lo mein stir fry. Tender chicken cubes are seasoned with garlic, ginger, and fish sauce, then tossed with noodles, a savory sauce, and loads of vegetables. It’s quick, filling, and a perfect weeknight meal that balances protein, fresh vegetables, and satisfying noodles in one pan.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 chicken breasts, cubed
1 tbsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
For the Noodles and Sauce:
8 oz lo mein noodles
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
For the Vegetables:
10 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
2 cups cabbage, shredded
2 cups broccoli florets
2 carrots, shredded
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the noodles: Boil lo mein noodles according to package directions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Season and cook the chicken: In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with garlic powder, salt, pepper, fish sauce, and 1 tsp grated ginger. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Set aside.
Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and 2 tsp grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add cabbage, broccoli, and carrots, cooking for 3–4 minutes until just tender-crisp.
Bring it together: Add the cooked noodles and chicken back into the pan. Pour the sauce over everything and toss well until noodles are coated and ingredients are evenly mixed. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat through.
Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Tips
Prep before cooking: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance. Stir fries cook fast, so having everything ready helps.
Don’t overcook noodles: Slightly undercook them so they stay firm when tossed with the sauce.
High heat is key: Use a wok or large skillet and keep the heat medium-high for the best texture and flavor.
Garlic watch: Ten cloves of garlic is delicious but powerful—don’t let it burn, or it will turn bitter. Add it just before vegetables.
Balance the sauce: Taste the sauce before adding. Adjust with a splash more soy for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or chili flakes for heat.
Variations
Protein swaps: Replace chicken with shrimp, beef strips, or tofu for a different twist.
Mediterranean fusion: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean accent.
Spicy version: Stir in chili paste, red pepper flakes, or sliced fresh chilies.
Noodle options: Swap lo mein with spaghetti, udon, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Extra veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms work well if you want more variety.
Healthier twist: Use low-sodium soy sauce, reduce hoisin sauce, or bulk up the veggies to cut down on sodium and sugar.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, but it’s best eaten fresh. If you make it ahead, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
A: Definitely. Just skip the raw chicken cooking step, shred or cube the rotisserie chicken, and toss it in during the final mixing with noodles and sauce.
Q: Is there a vegetarian option?
A: Yes. Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetarian substitutes for oyster sauce (like mushroom sauce).
Q: Can I use less garlic?
A: Of course. The recipe is heavy on garlic for bold flavor, but you can cut it in half if you prefer a milder dish.
Q: What can I use instead of lo mein noodles?
A: Spaghetti, linguine, udon, or even soba noodles make great substitutes.
Nutrition
(per serving, about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: ~420
Protein: ~32g
Carbohydrates: ~48g
Fat: ~11g
Fiber: ~5g
Sodium: ~1300mg
(Values are approximate and will vary based on noodle type and sauces used.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Garlic Chicken Lo Mein Stir Fry brings together the comfort of noodles, the richness of garlic and ginger, and a colorful mix of vegetables in one easy dish. It’s flexible enough to swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or add more Mediterranean flavors like olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Quick to cook and satisfying to eat, it’s a great weeknight recipe that balances flavor and nutrition.