This lo mein recipe only takes 15 minutes total! It has big, bold flavors. Noodles and vegetables tossed in a hearty and flavorful sauce. This Chinese-inspired takeout dish is easy, fast, and healthy to make at home!
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This lo mein recipe is the perfect 15 minute dinner! It’s quick and easy to make, yet packed with flavor. This homemade takeout recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. In addition, eating more vegetables is also a good way. Add your favorite protein like steak, chicken, pork or shrimp. Add this to your weekly dinner rotation!
why you will love this recipe
- This quick and easy lo mein takes just 15 minutes.
- Everything except the noodles is made in one pot or pan.
- It tasted like restaurant quality takeout!
- This is a great way to eat more vegetables.
- The sauce is very rich and delicious.
- Every bite is an explosion of flavor.
- Lo Mein is a mix of noodles, fresh vegetables and a hearty sauce.
- Overall, it is a healthy and nutritious dish.
- It has a delicious combination of protein and vegetables.
- This lo mein recipe is versatile and customizable.
- It can easily be made gluten-free with gluten-free noodles.
- Make this dish vegetarian or meat.
- check it out Pork Lo Mein Another easy dinner recipe!
Ingredients and Substitutes
Scroll down to the bottom for the full recipe and instructions.
Lo mein usually consists of noodles, vegetables, protein and sauce. The most common vegetables include carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, snow peas, and bok choy. Proteins typically include chicken, pork, shrimp, steak, beef or tofu.
Use lo mein. If these are hard to find, feel free to use spaghetti.
Olive oil helps to cook minced garlic and vegetables. Feel free to use avocado oil instead.
Minced garlic adds a classic garlicky flavor to this Asian-inspired dish.
For this particular recipe, vegetables include onions, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, and sprouts. Feel free to adjust quantities or swap out vegetables.
Soy sauce adds a classic Asian flavor to the sauce. For gluten-free, use coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce. Also, use gluten-free noodles.
Oyster sauce is completely optional. It adds a deeper flavor. For vegetarians, omit.
Also, hoisin sauce adds flavor to the sauce. This can usually be found in the Asian aisle of the grocery store. It is also available online.
A little sesame oil enhances the taste a lot!
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, garnish with chopped green onions.
Add meat of your choice, if desired. As written, this recipe is vegetarian.
What is lo mein?
Lo Mein is a popular Chinese recipe! The name “Lo Mein” means “fried noodles” in Cantonese.
This dish is made with fried noodles, vegetables and the usual protein.
The sauce is bold, hearty, and delicious.
This is a popular choice because it’s quick to prepare. Here’s an easy way to eat more healthy vegetables.
Chow Mein and Lo Mein
Chow mein and lo mein are both popular Chinese dishes. They are similar with some differences.
First, the noodles are different. Lo mein is soft noodles. They are boiled and then fried. Yakisoba uses crispy yakisoba.
Chow mein has crispy noodles fried at high heat. Vegetables, meat and sauce are all fried with noodles. On the other hand, lo mein cooks the ingredients separately and then combines them.
The overall texture is different. Chow is more crispy, while lo is more tender.
Another key difference is the sauce. The chow mein sauce is thicker. In contrast, lo mein usually has a lighter sauce.
Chow mein and lo mein are both popular takeaway dishes! They are quick and easy to prepare. Both recipes feature noodles, vegetables and sauces. Their main difference is texture and flavor.
taste and texture
Lo Mein is known for its bold flavors. Fresh vegetables add a touch of flavor and freshness. Plus, the savory sauce brings out the umami. Overall, the dish is full of flavor.
Textures vary. The noodles were soft and slightly chewy. Veggies have a slight bite to them. Plus, the sauce is smooth and delicious.
This dish is full of contrasting flavors and textures!
How to do it
step 1
First, cook the lo mein according to the package directions. Then, drain and set aside.
step 2
In a large wok or frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
step 3
Then, add minced garlic and fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
step 4
Add the sliced onions, shredded carrots, and bell peppers to the pot. Stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
step 5
Add sliced mushrooms, shredded cabbage, and bean sprouts to the pot. Stir fry for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
step 6
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), hoisin sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
step 7
Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and pour the sauce mixture into the vacated space. Let it heat for a few seconds until it starts bubbling.
step 8
Put the cooked lo mein into the pot and use tongs or chopsticks to stir everything together. Make sure the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
step 9
Fry for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the noodles are heated through.
Step 10
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
step 11
Finally, remove from heat and garnish with chopped shallots.
Expert Tips for Success
Do not overcook the noodles. Cook until al dente. They should be able to hold their shape while frying.
Have your chopped vegetables ready before you start cooking. This makes recipes quicker and easier.
Cut the vegetables into thin slices. This ensures they are cooked through.
Cook vegetables in oil over medium-high heat. This gives them a crispy crust. The added texture keeps them from getting soggy.
Add vegetables and noodles to the sauce.
Taste as you cook. Adjust seasoning and taste as desired.
Flavor Variations and Add-ons
This lo mein recipe can be adjusted as needed.
Add some steak to make steak lo mein.
Use shrimp to make shrimp lo mein.
Add some beef for beef lo mein.
Swap vegetables. Cabbage is another great option!
Use leftover grilled chicken to make chicken lo mein, roast chickenor grilled chicken.
How to Serve and Store
Enjoy fresh lo mein while it’s hot! Best eaten right away.
Garnish with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, add some broth or water to leftovers. Stir-fry in a hot wok or wok until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
These Chinese dishes are very similar! Their differences are mostly related to flavor, texture and noodles.
It’s made with noodles, vegetables, protein, and sauce.
Lo mein is usually labeled egg noodles. They are yellow.
No, they are not naturally gluten-free. Use gluten-free rice flour.
These noodles are available in most grocery stores in the aisles and markets.
required equipment
wok: This wok is perfect for stir frying.
sharp knife: Use a sharp knife to prepare vegetables.
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