My favorite WOK recipe

John bought the wok accessory to his grill last spring and this my favorite dish to make on it- yummmmm! The key to Chinese cooking is having all your ingredients cut and ready to go. Because once you start the cooking- it moves really fast!

Chicken Lo Mein

The best part about this colorful dish is its versatility -- you can pick and choose the vegetables you include to accommodate your family's tastes. A wok isn't necessary- a large skillet will do.

1/2 pound spaghetti
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
1 medium onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
4 to 5 shiitake mushroom caps, thinly sliced (optional)
1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup sugar snap pea pods, halved
1 (15-ounce) can Chinese baby corn, drained and cut in thirds
1 to 1 1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-size strips
Step 1
Cook the noodles according to the package directions until just tender. Drain out the water. Rinse the noodles with cold water, drain them well, and then set them aside.

Step 2
In a small bowl, mix the hoisin sauce, chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Then set the sauce aside.

Step 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a large wok or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the ginger for 30 seconds. Then add the onion and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and carrots and stir-fry 2 minutes more. Finally, add the broccoli, pea pods, and corn. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2 more minutes, then transfer them to a plate.

Step 4
Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in the pan. Add half of the chicken and stir-fry it until it's no longer pink, about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer it to another plate. Stir-fry the remaining chicken, then return the first batch to the pan. Add the cooked noodles, vegetables, and sauce. Turn the heat down to medium.

Step 5
Using two spatulas or wooden spoons, lightly toss the mixture until heated through, about 3 minutes. Serves 6 to 8.