If you’re craving a flavorful, comforting noodle dish that comes together quicker than you’d expect, look no further than this Easy Lo Mein Recipe. It’s packed with colorful veggies and a savory sauce that hugs every strand of noodle, making each bite a perfect balance of tender, crunchy, and saucy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends with a homemade Asian-inspired meal, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to whip up again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this Easy Lo Mein Recipe lies in its simple yet vibrant ingredients, each playing a crucial role. Fresh veggies add crunch and color, sauces bring depth and umami, and the noodles provide that satisfying chew we all love.
- Lo mein noodles (8 ounces): These soft, chewy noodles are the heart of the dish, but spaghetti works just as well if you can’t find them.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for stir-frying the veggies with just the right amount of richness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a fragrant punch that wakes up your taste buds instantly.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Brings a warm, zesty note that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Offers sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the plate.
- Snap peas (1 cup): Provide a fresh snap and subtle sweetness to contrast the noodles.
- Carrots (1 cup, julienned): Give crunchy texture and a hint of earthiness.
- Green onions (3, sliced): Sprinkled at the end for freshness and a mild onion bite.
- Cabbage (2 cups, shredded, optional): Adds volume and a slight crunch without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): The salty backbone of the sauce that ties everything together.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds deep umami and a touch of sweetness, enriching the dish.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a thick, sweetly tangy complexity.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon): The finishing touch that lends a toasty, nutty aroma throughout.
- Chili garlic sauce (1 teaspoon, optional): For anyone who loves a little kick of spice.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Extra texture and a pretty, nutty sprinkle to finish your masterpiece.
How to Make Easy Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking your lo mein noodles according to the package directions until they’re perfectly al dente. This means they should be tender with a slight bite. Drain them well and toss with one teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking and add a hint of nuttiness right from the start.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant and aromatic. Then quickly toss in the bell pepper, snap peas, carrots, and cabbage if you’re using it. Stir-fry these veggies for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing them to get just tender but still maintain that satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Next, add the cooked noodles to your skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce if you want that spicy edge. Toss everything thoroughly so every noodle and veggie is beautifully coated with the savory sauce. Heat through for a minute or two, then remove from the heat.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top of your lo mein. These little touches add freshness and a delightful crunch that make this simple dish feel special and restaurant-worthy.
How to Serve Easy Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds really elevates the presentation and flavor. You can also add a few extra chili garlic sauce drops if you like spicy food or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for an intensified aroma.
Side Dishes
This Easy Lo Mein Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or a refreshing Asian cucumber salad. These sides add a variety of textures and flavors that complement the warm, saucy noodles beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your lo mein in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or chopped peanuts for added protein and crunch. You can even transform it into a lettuce wrap filling or layer it under grilled meats for a satisfying fusion meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The noodles will keep well for up to 3 days, making lunch the next day just as delightful.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, lo mein noodles tend to get a bit mushy when thawed. If you want to freeze, separate the noodles and vegetables first, freezing them in individual portions for best results. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover lo mein in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra soy sauce to restore moisture. Stir frequently to warm everything evenly and refresh the vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, spaghetti or linguine make excellent substitutes that still yield a delicious result.
Is this Easy Lo Mein Recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as written, and you can make it vegan by choosing a vegan oyster sauce alternative or omitting it entirely.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?
The chili garlic sauce adds optional heat, so you can easily control the spice level by adding more, less, or none at all, depending on your preference.
Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp?
Definitely! Adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu makes this dish a hearty, complete meal. Just cook the protein separately and stir it in when combining the noodles and sauce.
What’s the best way to prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Tossing the cooked noodles with sesame oil right after draining helps keep them separate and adds a bit of flavor, making them easier to stir-fry without clumps.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Lo Mein Recipe is a total game-changer when you want a fast, flavorful meal packed with veggies and just the right sauce. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to share with friends and family. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find endless ways to customize and make it your own. Give it a try and enjoy every comforting, tasty bite!
Print
Easy Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Lo Mein recipe is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired noodle stir-fry featuring tender lo mein noodles tossed with vibrant vegetables and a savory sauce blend, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. The dish is versatile, allowing for vegan or vegetarian adaptations and optional protein additions.
Ingredients
Noodles and Oils
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil, divided
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded (optional)
Sauces and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and toss with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until the aroma is released and fragrant.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper, snap peas, julienned carrots, and shredded cabbage if using. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender-crisp, maintaining their bright colors and fresh texture.
- Combine Noodles and Sauces: Add the cooked noodles back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce if you want some heat. Toss everything together thoroughly until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an added crunch and fresh flavor. Serve the lo mein hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Feel free to add proteins such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu to turn this into a complete meal.
- If you cannot find lo mein noodles, spaghetti or linguine are excellent substitutes and work well in this recipe.
- Adjust the amount and type of sauces to suit your taste preferences for sweetness, saltiness, or spiciness.
- For a vegan version, use vegan oyster sauce to keep the dish plant-based.
