Lo Mein: Quick, Delicious, and Customizable Chinese Noodle Dish
Lo Mein is a satisfying Chinese noodle dish, full of flavor, and quick to prepare. Stir-fried with soft noodles, vegetables, and protein in a savory sauce, this recipe is a great way to bring takeout-style Lo Mein right to your kitchen. It’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies and proteins—like chicken, tofu, shrimp, or beef—making it versatile for different tastes and dietary preferences. Serve this as a main dish or alongside other Chinese-inspired favorites for a complete meal.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- 1 Large skillet or wok
- 1 Small bowl (for sauce mixing)
- 1 Tongs or spatula for stir-frying
- 1 Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
Noodles and Protein
- 8 oz Lo Mein noodles 1/2 cup sliced green onions (or spaghetti as a substitute)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 1/2 lb chicken breast thinly sliced (or tofu, shrimp, or beef as alternatives)
- 1/2 cup green onions sliced
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, broccoli)
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tbsp soy sauce 1/2 tsp minced garlic (or low-sodium soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles:Cook the Lo Mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. If using spaghetti, cook for slightly less time for a firmer texture.Tip: If you can’t find Lo Mein noodles, spaghetti or fettuccine can be great alternatives.
- Prepare the Sauce:In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and broth. Mix well and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and garlic, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the mixed vegetables and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.Tip: Try using mushrooms, zucchini, or bok choy for variety.
- Add the Protein:Add the sliced chicken (or your choice of protein) to the skillet, and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until fully cooked. If using shrimp, cook until they turn pink; for tofu, cook until lightly browned.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce:Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables and protein. Pour the sauce over everything, stirring well to coat the noodles and other ingredients evenly.
- Finish and Garnish:Add the sliced green onions, stirring everything together for another minute. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Video
Notes
- Protein Options: Lo Mein can easily be customized with extra protein to make it even more filling. Consider adding a fried or poached egg on top, extra tofu, grilled shrimp, or additional roasted or steamed vegetables.
- Leftover Storage: Leftover Lo Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating Tip: For a quick meal, use the microwave with a few drops of water. Or reheat on the stovetop with a little oil or water to restore texture.
- Freezing Advice: Freezing Lo Mein isn’t ideal as the noodles can become mushy once thawed. However, if necessary, freeze in an airtight container, undercooking the noodles slightly before freezing to help maintain texture upon reheating.
Nutrition
Calories: 400kcal
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