Say hello to your new favorite weeknight dinner: Easy Lo Mein! Packed with a rainbow of crisp veggies, springy noodles, and the irresistible umami kick from a quick homemade sauce, this dish manages to feel both like a decadent treat and a healthy, vibrant meal. Whether you’re craving something speedy, meatless, or utterly comforting, this recipe fits the bill — and trust me, you’ll be shocked at how much flavor it delivers with so little fuss. Plus, you can mix and match proteins and veggies to make it truly your own!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Lo Mein is all about simple, everyday ingredients coming together to make something special. Each one brings its own delicious contribution to the party, from fresh crunch to rich, saucy flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Lo mein noodles (8 ounces): These chewy wheat noodles make the dish classic, but spaghetti works wonderfully in a pinch for that perfect texture.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds nutty aroma and keeps your noodles from sticking together after cooking.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Great for stir-frying the veggies at high heat and letting their flavors shine.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Sweetness, vibrant orange color, and a delightful crunch with every bite.
- Red bell pepper, thinly sliced (1): Brings juiciness and a pop of color into every forkful.
- Snow peas, trimmed (1 cup): Fresh, crisp, and subtly sweet for an authentic Asian vegetable touch.
- Green onions, sliced (3): Mild flavor and pretty green color, perfect for layering in freshness.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Adds depth, aroma, and that irresistible kick only fresh garlic gives.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): The savory foundation of the sauce, balancing saltiness without overpowering.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Deliciously complex (find vegetarian versions if you’re meat-free) for glossy, umami-packed noodles.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Sweet, rich, and slightly tangy, it ties the sauce together beautifully.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Brings a peppery zing and citrusy brightness to the mix.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): A touch for balancing all the savory, salty, and earthy flavors.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A sprinkle on top to finish with crunch and nutty aroma.
How to Make Easy Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking your lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, if you’re improvising) according to the package directions. You want them al dente, with a bit of bounce! Once drained, toss them immediately with sesame oil. This isn’t just for flavor — it helps stop the noodles from sticking together and infuses those signature toasty notes.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Veggies
Heat the vegetable oil in a big skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the shredded carrots, bell pepper strips, and snow peas. Give them a fast, furious toss for 3 to 4 minutes so they stay bright and just tender. You want them to keep a little crunch! Then add your green onions and minced garlic, stir-frying for another minute or two to release their fragrance and flavor.
Step 3: Whisk the Sauce
While your veggies are working their magic, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, grated ginger, and sugar in a small bowl. This quick sauce is the flavor heart of Easy Lo Mein — bold, sweet, umami-rich, and totally irresistible. Don’t skip a good mix to fully combine those flavors.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add your cooked, sesame-coated noodles to the pan with the sizzling veggies. Pour all the sauce over the top, then gently toss everything with tongs or two big forks. In just about 2 minutes, the noodles will turn glossy and golden, perfectly coated in all that saucy goodness. Give a final toss to combine and warm everything through.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Turn off the heat and get ready to serve! Dish your Easy Lo Mein into bowls or a big platter. If you love extra texture and presentation, sprinkle over some toasted sesame seeds. That’s it — dinner is ready, and you didn’t even break a sweat!
How to Serve Easy Lo Mein
Garnishes
The right garnish can make your Easy Lo Mein look (and taste) totally restaurant-worthy. After plating, try a scatter of sesame seeds, extra sliced green onions, or a few cilantro leaves for an herby kick. Feeling luxurious? A drizzle of chili oil right before serving brings a touch of heat and shine.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to be the star, but it’s also fantastic with sides. Try crisp spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad. Want more protein? Sliced grilled chicken, tofu, or even a soft-boiled egg alongside can elevate your meal into a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
When you want to impress, twirl your noodles into little nests with tongs before plating. For an extra special touch, serve Easy Lo Mein in colorful takeout boxes or arrange a “DIY noodle bar” with mix-and-match toppings. This is a dish everyone loves to personalize — and it always invites rave reviews!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Easy Lo Mein, you’re in luck! Let the noodles cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining their texture and flavor beautifully.
Freezing
Freezing Easy Lo Mein is possible, though best for quick future lunches rather than elegant dinners. Put cooled portions in sturdy freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, squeezing out as much air as you can. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring Easy Lo Mein back to life, reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen things up. Stir often until warmed through. The microwave is fine too, just cover loosely so the noodles stay moist and watch carefully — they heat quickly!
FAQs
Can I make Easy Lo Mein gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free noodles and choose gluten-free soy, hoisin, and oyster sauces. With so many great alternatives available, you won’t miss out on authentic flavor one bit.
What other vegetables work well in Easy Lo Mein?
Easy Lo Mein welcomes all sorts of veggies — try baby corn, mushrooms, bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas. It’s the perfect fridge-cleanout meal and lets you use up what you have on hand.
How can I add protein?
Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu at the end for a heartier dish. Just make sure your protein is cut into bite-sized pieces and fully cooked before tossing in with the noodles and sauce.
Can I make Easy Lo Mein spicy?
Definitely! Stir in a spoonful of chili garlic sauce, Sriracha, or a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the other sauces. Or finish with chili oil for some smoky heat right before serving.
What’s a good substitute for oyster sauce in Easy Lo Mein?
For a vegetarian or vegan twist, swap in mushroom-based “vegetarian oyster sauce,” or simply add more hoisin and a dash of soy to mimic the depth and richness the oyster sauce lends.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re feeling inspired (and hungry!) to whip up a bowl of Easy Lo Mein tonight. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular night into something a little more special, thanks to bold flavors, beautiful colors, and a whole lot of flexibility. Go ahead and make it your own — this is a dish that loves to be shared, tweaked, and savored bite after bite.
Print
Easy Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious and easy homemade version of classic Asian takeout with this simple Lo Mein recipe. Packed with colorful veggies and flavorful sauces, this dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare noodles according to package instructions, drain, and toss with sesame oil.
- Stir-Fry Veggies: In a skillet, stir-fry carrots, bell pepper, and snow peas until tender. Add green onions and garlic.
- Make Sauce and Combine: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, and sugar. Add noodles to the skillet, pour sauce, and toss.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.
Notes
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Substitute other veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, or baby corn based on availability.
- For a spicier version, stir in chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
