Lo Mein Recipe: A Quick, Flavorful Asian Stir-Fry

Lo Mein is a classic Chinese noodle dish that’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Packed with tender noodles, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s way better than takeout! Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of noodles or just looking to use up some leftover veggies, Lo Mein is the answer.

I remember the first time I made homemade Lo Mein, and it completely changed my takeout game. It was so much fresher, with perfectly chewy noodles and just the right amount of savory, slightly sweet sauce. Plus, it’s super customizable—you can toss in chicken, beef, shrimp, or just veggies, and it’ll be a hit every time. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
• 1 pound chicken breast or beef, thinly sliced (or shrimp)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Lo Mein Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color, optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Why These Ingredients Work:

• Lo mein noodles are thick and chewy, soaking up the sauce beautifully.
• Oyster and hoisin sauces add depth and sweetness to the dish.
• Dark soy sauce gives a rich, deep color and enhances flavor.
• Garlic and ginger bring aromatic warmth to the noodles.

Preparing the Ingredients

• Slice the chicken, beef, or shrimp thinly and season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Prepare the vegetables by slicing bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas into thin strips.
• Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
• In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients until smooth and set aside.
• Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

• Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions (usually 4-5 minutes).
• Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sear the Protein

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the sliced chicken, beef, or shrimp and cook until browned and just cooked through (3-4 minutes).
• Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.
• Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

• Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
• Add the green onions and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 5: Combine Everything

• Return the cooked protein to the pan.
• Pour the Lo Mein sauce over the mixture and toss to coat.
• Add the cooked noodles and stir everything together until the noodles are well coated and heated through (2 minutes).

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Plate the Lo Mein and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serve hot and enjoy your homemade takeout-style dish!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your Lo Mein hot and fresh, straight from the wok.
• Pair it with spring rolls, egg rolls, or a side of fried rice for a full meal.
• Top with a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil if you like it spicy.
• A side of hot and sour soup or wonton soup complements this dish perfectly.

Tips and Variations

Use Different Proteins:

• Swap chicken with beef, pork, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Vegetarian Lo Mein:

• Skip the meat and load up on veggies like broccoli, baby corn, and mushrooms.
• Replace oyster sauce with a vegan stir-fry sauce.

Boost the Flavor:

• Add a splash of mirin or Shaoxing wine for an authentic touch.
• Stir in a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce for some heat.

Get the Texture Right:

• Don’t overcook the noodles—keep them al dente.
• Use high heat for quick stir-frying to keep veggies crisp.

Storing and Reheating

Storing:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or water to refresh the noodles.
• You can also microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

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FAQs

1. Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?
Yes! Spaghetti or linguine works well as a substitute. Just cook them al dente to maintain texture.

2. How can I make it spicy?
Add sriracha, chili oil, or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the pan to avoid excess moisture.

4. Is Lo Mein the same as Chow Mein?
No, Lo Mein uses soft, boiled noodles, while Chow Mein involves crispy, fried noodles. Lo Mein is saucier, while Chow Mein is more stir-fried and crispy.

5. How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
Toss the cooked noodles with a bit of sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together.

6. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti.

7. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add a bit more cornstarch to the sauce and simmer until it thickens.

8. What’s the best way to cut the meat?
Slice the meat thinly against the grain for tender bites. Freezing it for about 20 minutes beforehand makes slicing easier.

9. Can I use pre-cooked noodles?
Yes, just warm them up in the sauce to avoid overcooking.

10. Can I add egg to the Lo Mein?
Absolutely! Scramble an egg in the pan before adding the vegetables for a more traditional take.

Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying homemade Lo Mein! Let me know how it turns out and if you tried any creative variations!