Easy Lo Mein Recipe
If you’ve been craving the delicious, saucy noodles from your favorite takeout spot but want something quick and fuss-free to make at home, this Easy Lo Mein is about to become your new weeknight hero. Bursting with colorful veggies, perfectly chewy noodles, and a craveable savory-sweet sauce, this dish is a celebration of flavor and texture that comes together in just about 25 minutes. Not only is it incredibly satisfying and customizable, but it also brings all the classic lo mein vibes to your kitchen, making it an absolute must-try for noodle lovers and busy home cooks alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh veggies, you’ll have everything necessary to recreate takeout-quality Easy Lo Mein at home. Each ingredient here is chosen for its specific role — from brightening the dish with color and crunch to giving it that irresistible, glossy finish.
- Lo mein noodles (8 oz): The star of the show! If you can’t find these, spaghetti works beautifully, giving you the right slurp-worthy texture.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a nutty depth and helps keep noodles from sticking.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for high-heat stir-frying and keeping everything silky.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): The base of the flavor, giving a sweet, bold aroma to every bite.
- Sliced mushrooms (1 cup): Bring a meaty, umami-rich bite to balance the veggies.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): For vibrant color and a gentle sweetness.
- Bell pepper strips (1 cup): Choose any color for a crisp, slightly tangy contrast.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Adds hearty crunch and soaks up the tasty sauce.
- Green onions (3, sliced): Sprinkled on at the end for fresh, peppery brightness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): The salty-sweet backbone of the sauce, keeping flavors balanced.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Offers deep, savory umami; swap for a vegetarian version if needed.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a sweet, complex tang that makes the sauce unforgettable.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just enough to mellow out the savory notes.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a gentle kick and aromatic lift.
How to Make Easy Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook your lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, if using) according to package directions. This usually takes just a few minutes. Once tender, drain the noodles and toss them immediately with sesame oil. This not only prevents them from sticking but also infuses the strands with that signature toasty flavor we all love in a classic Easy Lo Mein.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Aromatics and Mushrooms
Heat your vegetable oil in a spacious wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 1 to 2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and the mushrooms start to soften. This is where the foundation of flavor for your Easy Lo Mein begins.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Toss in your shredded carrots, bell pepper strips, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry these for around 3 to 4 minutes, keeping the veggies moving so they become tender but still maintain their brilliant color and satisfying crunch. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want those vegetables bright and just-cooked, not soggy.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
While the veggies are finishing up, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and black pepper in a small bowl. This luscious mixture will soon coat every noodle, making this Easy Lo Mein taste like it just arrived from a beloved takeout joint.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked noodles and your sauce mixture to the pan. Use tongs or two forks to toss everything together for about 2 minutes, making sure the noodles and veggies are evenly coated and heated through. Finish with a scattering of fresh green onions right before serving to add a pop of freshness to your Easy Lo Mein.
How to Serve Easy Lo Mein
Garnishes
The best finishing touch for Easy Lo Mein is a handful of freshly sliced green onions. For even more flair, try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a dash of chili flakes if you’re feeling spicy. If you love extra crunch, a few unsalted peanuts or cashews scattered on top are absolute game-changers.
Side Dishes
Easy Lo Mein shines as a stand-alone main, but it pairs wonderfully with crispy egg rolls, spring rolls, or a light cucumber salad for a truly balanced meal. For heartier appetites, steamed dumplings or potstickers make a fantastic, crowd-pleasing addition.
Creative Ways to Present
Take this dish up a notch by serving your Easy Lo Mein in wide bowls with chopsticks for an authentic touch. If you’re hosting, you can even serve in mini takeout boxes for a playful, party-ready vibe. Or, customize by letting your guests add extra protein or garnishes tableside so everyone gets their own perfect bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Easy Lo Mein to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge; it will keep beautifully for up to three days. Be sure to let the noodles cool before sealing to preserve the freshness of the veggies.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze Easy Lo Mein for up to a month. The noodles may soften a bit upon reheating, but the flavors will remain delicious. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out as much air as possible for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply transfer Easy Lo Mein to a skillet with a splash of water or a drizzle of soy sauce. Gently toss over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Add fresh green onions or a sprinkle of sesame oil before serving to revive that just-cooked flavor.
FAQs
Can I use different noodles for Easy Lo Mein?
Absolutely! While classic lo mein noodles have that signature chewy bite, spaghetti or linguine are excellent substitutes. Even ramen or udon can work if you love experimenting with textures.
Is Easy Lo Mein vegetarian?
With a simple swap of vegetarian oyster sauce (often labeled “mushroom sauce”), this recipe transforms into a fully vegetarian meal while keeping its rich umami kick.
What protein can I add to Easy Lo Mein?
Easy Lo Mein is truly a blank canvas. Add cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu—just toss with the noodles at the end for a balanced, satisfying upgrade.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you crave heat, stir in a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the sauce for just the right level of kick without losing any signature lo mein flavor.
Can I prep anything in advance?
Definitely! Chop all your veggies and whisk the sauce ahead of time. When you’re ready to cook, Easy Lo Mein comes together in a flash, perfect for meal prep or lightning-fast dinners.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, once you’ve tried making Easy Lo Mein at home, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered out. It’s fun to toss together, endlessly adaptable, and the flavors are guaranteed to win over family, friends, and even picky eaters. Give it a go this week, and discover just how truly irresistible homemade lo mein can be!
Print
Easy Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Lo Mein recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender noodles with a variety of colorful vegetables in a savory sauce. Perfect for a delicious weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup bell pepper strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 green onions, sliced
Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook noodles according to package directions, then drain and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Stir-Fry: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli, stir-frying for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and black pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Add cooked noodles and sauce mixture to the skillet, tossing until well coated and heated through, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can add cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- For a spicier version, stir in a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or sriracha with the soy sauce mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
