Szechuan-Style Lo Mein

Manami's Note:

This is a recipe in transition. It was made after a conversation with a friend. There is no place that I have been able to find a recipe for Bacon Lo Mein - this was the closest I came on the internet. Originally, I found this on OregonLive.com, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005 from Philip Jones, Fort Atkinson, Wis. However, have tweaked it and now it's mine bad or good! Here's to ya'.Update: 01/22/2010 - to the reviewer who gave it a thumbs up - did you mean to omit the stars? After all - I got a glowing report! ;)

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 8 ounces vermicelli or 8 ounces thin spaghetti, broken in half
• 4 tablespoons dark sesame oil (divided, 3-1)
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, I used less (optional)
• 2 cups sliced bok choy or 2 cups swiss chard
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into short, thin strips
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 2 green onions, cut diagonally, 3/4-inch pieces
• 4 ounces water chestnuts, sliced diagonally, 1/2-inch slices (I used La Choy)
• 4 ounces sliced fresh large mushrooms (I used button)
• 1 (6 ounce) package Canadian bacon, slices cut into strips or 1 (6 ounce) package turkey bacon, already cooked & crispy, broken into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped cashews (optional) or 1/4 cup peanuts, I used cashews (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook vermicelli according to pkg directions; drain and toss with 1 tablespoon of the oil.
2. Keep warm and set aside.
3. Meanwhile heat remaining oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
4. Add ginger,garlic and pepper flakes;stir-fry for 30 seconds.
5. Add bok choy, bell pepper,and mushrooms; stir-fry 4 minutes.
6. Add broth and soy sauce; bring to a simmer.
7. Add green onions; simmer until vegetables are tender, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Stir in vermicelli, water chestnuts and Canadian bacon, if using, or "turkey" bacon pieces; heat through.
9. Transfer to 4 or 5 shallow bowls; top with cilantro or parsley, and, if desired, peanuts or cashews.
10. Serve with hot fluffy white or brown rice.

Reviews

[Chef #714700]

Used this recipe many times. Delicious flavours. I use shrimp instead of bacon. Marinated shrimp for 1 hour before cooking. Our favourite!