Lo Mein Recipe
This Lo Mein Recipe delivers all the fun and flavor of a restaurant favorite, right in your own kitchen! With slurp-worthy noodles, colorful veggies, and a deeply savory sauce, every bite is pure comfort. What I love most about this dish is how endlessly customizable it is—the perfect quick weeknight dinner that feels just a little bit special, whether you’re craving takeout nostalgia or looking to use up whatever veggies are hiding in your fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I’m always amazed at how a few pantry classics and fresh veggies combine into something so satisfying. Every ingredient in this Lo Mein Recipe plays a big role, whether it’s adding crunch, color, or that signature umami depth. Here’s what you’ll need for homemade deliciousness in under half an hour:
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti: These are the backbone of the dish—choose fresh lo mein noodles if you can, or swap in spaghetti for a handy shortcut.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat stir-frying and bringing everything together.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for that warm, fragrant kick every great stir fry needs.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Adds earthiness and soaks up all that luscious sauce.
- 1 red bell pepper (julienned): For a pop of sweetness and bright color.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: A little crunch and natural sweetness goes a long way.
- 1 cup snow peas or snap peas: Crisp, fresh, and beautifully green—these lend that restaurant-style snap.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Sprinkle on top for a zesty, fresh finish.
- For the sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Brings the foundational salty-sweet flavor.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Deeply savory, with rich umami (substitute mushroom sauce if vegan).
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Sweet, tangy, and just a little smoky.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Don’t skip this—just a drizzle gives that irresistible nutty aroma.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: For a gentle, spicy warmth.
- ½ teaspoon sugar: Balances everything out with a hint of sweetness.
How to Make Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling your lo mein noodles (or spaghetti) according to the package directions. You want them just al dente so they have a satisfying bite—if you overcook, they’ll get mushy later on. Drain the noodles and set them aside, tossing them with a drop of oil if you like to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Up the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, and sugar. Take a moment to inhale that scent! This rich, silky sauce is what transforms the vegetables and noodles into the cozy comfort only a Lo Mein Recipe can offer.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Vegetables
Heat that tablespoon of vegetable oil in your largest skillet or a wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds just until fragrant. Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and snow peas. Stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes so they’re tender, but still loaded with color and crispness.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Now for the magic moment—add your cooked noodles directly into the pan. Pour the sauce you whipped up earlier right over top, then gently toss everything together until every strand is gleaming and coated with savory flavor. Stir-fry for another two minutes until well heated.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Once your Lo Mein Recipe is piping hot and beautifully glossy, sprinkle the sliced green onions across the top for a punch of freshness. Serve immediately, because this dish really shines when enjoyed hot from the pan!
How to Serve Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing takes your Lo Mein Recipe from homemade to jaw-droppingly restaurant-worthy. A generous sprinkle of sliced green onions is classic, but sesame seeds or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil add a lovely final touch. For a little heat, try a dash of crushed red pepper or a squeeze of sriracha.
Side Dishes
While this Lo Mein Recipe is hearty enough to shine on its own, it absolutely loves some company. Think crispy vegetable spring rolls, refreshing Asian slaw, or even some brothy miso soup for slurping. Want extra protein? Serve with pan-seared tofu, cooked chicken, or shrimp on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a little fancy? Serve your Lo Mein Recipe in wide bowls topped with a twist of extra noodles, or pile high on a big platter for everyone to dig into family-style. For a brunch or potluck, portion into pretty cups or mini takeout boxes with cute chopsticks—it’s a surefire conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lo Mein Recipe is a meal-prepper’s dream. Cool your noodles completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually meld overnight, making every forkful even richer the next day.
Freezing
Good news: you can freeze this Lo Mein Recipe! Package cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to squeeze out excess air. Thaw in the fridge overnight and use within two months for peppy noodles and crisp veggies.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat the Lo Mein Recipe in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen things up and help everything steam nicely. If you’re in a pinch, the microwave does the trick too—just cover loosely and heat in one-minute bursts.
FAQs
Can I use other noodles for this Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles have that classic chewy texture, spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen noodles work in a pinch. Just keep an eye on cooking times.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, double-check that your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free, and swap in rice noodles for the wheat-based ones.
What protein can I add to the Lo Mein Recipe?
Grilled shrimp, thinly sliced chicken, beef, tofu, or tempeh all soak up the sauce beautifully. Just cook your protein separately and toss it in with the noodles at the end.
How do I keep the vegetables crisp?
The trick is to cut everything evenly and stir-fry quickly over high heat so they stay bright and tender-crisp. Avoid overcrowding your pan—that’s when veggies start steaming rather than stir-frying.
Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! Chop veggies and whisk the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Cook the noodles just before serving for the best texture, but leftovers still reheat beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, making your own Lo Mein Recipe is like unlocking a delicious secret—it’s so quick, easy, and far tastier than takeout. I know you’ll feel a little bit proud with every slurp, so don’t hesitate to give it a try and make it your own with your favorite veggies or proteins. Happy noodling!
Print
Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious and satisfying homemade vegetable lo mein with this easy recipe. Packed with colorful veggies and a flavorful sauce, this dish is perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Lo Mein:
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 red bell pepper (julienned)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup snow peas or snap peas
- 2 green onions (sliced)
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and sugar in a bowl.
- Stir-fry vegetables: Heat oil in a skillet, add garlic, mushrooms, bell pepper, carrots, and snow peas. Cook until tender-crisp.
- Combine: Add noodles and sauce to the pan. Toss until coated and heated through. Top with green onions.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add cooked protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables or add spice with red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
