Easy Egg and Pork Lo Mein: A Healthy & Flavorful Weeknight Meal Under 500 Calories
Pork, tender vegetables, and savory eggs come together with perfectly cooked linguine in this incredibly easy and delicious Egg and Pork Lo Mein. This fantastic recipe promises a satisfying dinner that’s not only bursting with authentic Asian flavors but also keeps you on track with your healthy eating goals, served for under 500 calories per portion!
PIN IT FOR LATER!
If the idea of a quick, flavorful, and calorie-conscious meal excites you, then you’re in the right place! This Egg and Pork Lo Mein isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to how satisfying healthy eating can be. For those who already adore the classic flavors of lo mein, you’ll also love our simple and easy Lo Mein Recipe, which lays the groundwork for perfect noodle dishes every time.
My Passion for Cookbooks and the Quest for Healthy Recipes
As a self-proclaimed cookbook enthusiast, it’s hard for me to resist a new culinary gem. Even early in the year, I find myself drawn to the pages of inspiring new releases. My collection is steadily growing, not just with any cookbooks, but specifically with those that champion “healthy” eating. However, my definition of healthy isn’t about restrictive diets; it’s about embracing real, wholesome ingredients that nourish the body without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. And when I discover a book that perfectly aligns with this philosophy, I can’t wait to share it with you!
Discovering “The Best and Lightest” Cookbook by Food Network
Today’s spotlight falls on a true treasure: The Best and Lightest. This cookbook arrived at the perfect time, especially for anyone looking to kickstart healthier habits after the holidays. My admiration for Food Network cookbooks runs deep; their recipes are consistently approachable and delicious. So, when I stumbled upon this particular volume, I knew it had to become a staple in my kitchen. It flawlessly bridges the gap between healthy cooking and genuinely appetizing meals, a balance often hard to strike.
Why This Cookbook Stands Out for Healthy Eaters
What makes “The Best and Lightest” truly exceptional is its commitment to mindful eating. Every single recipe within its pages is thoughtfully designed to be less than 500 calories per serving, and crucially, each comes complete with detailed nutritional information. This transparency is a game-changer for anyone tracking their intake or simply wanting to make more informed dietary choices. While subscribers to Food Network Magazine might recognize some of these fantastic recipes, having them all compiled in one beautifully presented cookbook is incredibly convenient. It’s the same reason I cherish annual compilation cookbooks from various food magazines – the ease of access to a curated collection of proven favorites. The book covers all meals, from energizing breakfasts and satisfying lunches to hearty dinners, and even includes a delightful small dessert chapter, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean forsaking sweetness.
Key Features for the Home Cook: A Detailed Look
Beyond its nutritional focus, “The Best and Lightest” excels in user-friendliness, a hallmark of Food Network’s culinary approach.
- Abundant Photography: Visual appeal is paramount, and this cookbook delivers with a full-page, bright, and enticing photo for every single recipe. These stunning images, true to Food Network’s signature style, not only inspire but also provide a clear expectation of the finished dish.
- Accessible Difficulty Level: Food Network has a reputation for catering to cooks of all skill levels, and this book is no exception. The recipes are designed to be easy to follow, making them ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. While not overly simplistic, the instructions are clear and concise, ensuring a high success rate even for those new to the kitchen.
- Readily Available Ingredients: A common frustration with many cookbooks is the need for obscure or hard-to-find ingredients. Thankfully, “The Best and Lightest” features ingredients that are easily sourced from most standard grocery stores. In the rare instance an ingredient is less common, the book often provides helpful substitution suggestions, making healthy cooking attainable for everyone.
Other Must-Try Recipes from “The Best and Lightest”
My culinary journey with this cookbook is just beginning, and I’ve already earmarked several other enticing recipes. The variety and creativity within its pages are truly inspiring:
- Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato-Lentil Soup
- Indian Chicken Wraps
- Tangy Meatball Burgers
- Spicy Chicken Enchiladas
- Chile-Rubbed Steak with Creamed Corn
- Roasted Pork with Cajun Slaw
- Tilapia Masala with Rice
- Polenta with Fontina and Eggs
- Banana-Almond Pudding
Ready to explore these wholesome recipes yourself? You can purchase The Best and Lightest easily on Amazon.
Crafting the Perfect Egg and Pork Lo Mein: My Experience
Choosing the Egg and Pork Lo Mein recipe from the cookbook was almost spontaneous. It simply looked appealing, and I was in the mood for a dish featuring eggs that day – it was a toss-up between this and the Polenta with Fontina and Eggs. Whatever the reason, I am incredibly glad I went with this lo mein. It proved to be a fantastic decision, delivering on both flavor and nutritional promises!
Mastering the Mise en Place for Quick Cooking
While this pork lo mein recipe appears to have many components, the key to its quick preparation lies in one crucial step: mise en place. This French culinary term, meaning “everything in its place,” is your best friend when tackling stir-fries or noodle dishes. Taking just 10-15 minutes to chop all your vegetables, thinly slice the pork, whisk the eggs, and prepare your sauces before you even turn on the stove will transform the cooking process. Once everything is prepped and within arm’s reach, the actual cooking becomes a remarkably fast and enjoyable experience, truly a “piece of cake.” This systematic approach ensures that you’re not scrambling for ingredients while others are burning, leading to a perfectly executed dish every time.
Cooking Tips for Success and Hearty Portions
In my own experience, I confess I might have slightly overcooked my egg and perhaps even the noodles a touch. However, the beauty of this recipe is its resilience; despite minor imperfections, the overall dish was so incredibly delicious that no one at the table even noticed. This speaks volumes about the robust flavors and balanced ingredients. Another delightful surprise was the generous serving size. While the recipe suggests it serves four, the portions are quite substantial – a pleasant discovery for a “light” cookbook! I found myself thoroughly full after consuming less than a quarter of the recipe, which makes that “under 500 calories” claim even more impressive and satisfying. This dish truly makes enough to feed a crowd or provides ample leftovers for future healthy meals.
This Egg and Pork Lo Mein is not just a meal; it’s a testament to how simple, healthy ingredients can combine to create something truly extraordinary. I’m already looking forward to my next culinary adventure with “The Best and Lightest,” and the Polenta with Fontina and Eggs is definitely next on my list!
Egg and Pork Lo Mein Recipe
Author: Deborah Harroun
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Pork and vegetables are combined with linguine and eggs in this easy Egg and Pork Lo Mein. Dinner is served for under 500 calories!
Ingredients
- 6 oz linguine (can also use dried lo mein noodles or spaghetti)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 lb boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick, thinly sliced
- 2 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 4-5 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped peeled ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 1/2 cups broccoli slaw mix
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the noodles. Cook until al dente. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the pasta water, then drain and rinse the noodles in cold water.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and the oyster sauce. Place the pork in another bowl. Stir one tablespoon of the soy sauce mixture into the pork.
- Heat 1/2 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the eggs and cook, without stirring, until set, about 1 minute. Flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Transfer the eggs to a cutting board and cut into thin strips.
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in the skillet. Add the pork and cook until golden, but not cooked through, about 2 minutes. Remove the pork from the pan to a plate, keeping the juices and oil in the pan. Add the green onions, ginger, and garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add the broccoli slaw and bell pepper and stir-fry 4 more minutes.
- Return the pork to the skillet, then add the noodles, the reserved cooking water, and the remaining soy sauce mixture. Continue to cook, stirring, until the pork is cooked through, about 2 minutes. Stir in the egg then serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
Adapted from The Best and Lightest cookbook.
Keywords: lo mein, egg and pork lo mein, healthy lo mein, stir-fry noodles
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Explore More Asian-Inspired Culinary Adventures
If this delightful Egg and Pork Lo Mein has sparked your interest in Asian cuisine, we have a variety of other irresistible recipes that are sure to become family favorites:
- Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Mongolian Beef
- Beef and Broccoli
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Easy Egg Roll Recipe
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