Lo Mein

Lo Mein is the quintessential comfort food—savory, flavorful, and satisfying. This classic Chinese noodle dish is made with chewy ramen noodles, a savory sauce, and a colorful medley of vegetables that provide crunch, sweetness, and freshness in every bite. Lo Mein is quick and easy to make, which makes it the perfect weeknight dinner or a fun addition to a homemade Asian-inspired feast.

The beauty of Lo Mein lies in its simplicity. The sauce, a rich combination of dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, infuses the noodles with deep umami flavors. Tossed with vegetables like carrots, peppers, bok choy, and mushrooms, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re craving something hearty or just in the mood for noodles, Lo Mein is an all-around winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

Lo Mein is perfect for those days when you want a satisfying meal but don’t have a lot of time to cook. It takes under 30 minutes to prepare, making it a great choice for busy evenings.

2. Customizable

You can easily tailor this dish to your preferences or what you have on hand. Swap in your favorite vegetables, use different noodles, or even add proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

3. Packed with Flavor

The combination of dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and mirin creates a rich, savory sauce that coats the noodles and vegetables perfectly, resulting in a bold, satisfying flavor.

4. Healthy and Nutritious

With loads of vegetables like carrots, red peppers, and bok choy, Lo Mein is a great way to pack in fiber and nutrients. Plus, it’s lighter than takeout options, making it a healthier choice.

5. Versatile

This dish can be served as a main or side. It’s great as a vegetarian meal or paired with proteins like chicken, beef, or shrimp for added heartiness.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• Dark soy sauce (substitute with regular soy sauce if needed)
• Light soy sauce (substitute with regular soy sauce if needed)
• Oyster sauce
• Sesame oil
• Sugar
• Garlic (grated, optional)

For the Lo Mein:

• Uncooked ramen noodles
• Sesame oil
• Green onions (separate green parts from white parts)
• Mixed vegetables (such as carrots, red peppers, cabbage, bok choy, mushrooms, or broccoli)
• Mirin

Variations

• Protein Add-ins: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu to make the dish more filling. Simply sauté the protein of choice before adding the vegetables.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute the ramen noodles with gluten-free noodles or rice noodles.
• Spicy Lo Mein: If you like spice, add some chili sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Veggie-Loaded: Add more vegetables to the mix, such as snow peas, baby corn, or zucchini, for even more texture and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and grated garlic (if using). Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes). Drain the noodles and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the chopped green onions and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add your choice of vegetables (carrots, peppers, bok choy, mushrooms, etc.) and cook for about 3-5 minutes until tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Combine the Noodles and Sauce

Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 5: Final Touches

Drizzle the mirin over the noodles and toss again to add a touch of sweetness and shine. Sprinkle with the green parts of the green onions for a fresh crunch.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your Lo Mein hot, garnished with extra sesame seeds or chopped peanuts if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a Wok: If you have one, a wok is ideal for stir-frying, as it allows you to toss and cook everything evenly at high heat. If not, a large skillet will work just fine.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Be sure not to overcook the ramen noodles, as they can become mushy. Drain them as soon as they are done and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Adjust Sauce to Taste: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce and oyster sauce to match your preferred saltiness or sweetness level. Add more sugar if you like it sweeter or more sesame oil for a richer flavor.
• Add Protein: For added protein, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu after cooking the vegetables. Make sure the protein is warm before adding it to the noodles.

How to Serve

Lo Mein can be served on its own as a filling main dish or alongside other Chinese or Asian-inspired dishes like dumplings, spring rolls, or a vegetable stir-fry. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick family dinner and can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lo Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles and vegetables will continue to soak up the sauce, so it will taste even more flavorful the next day.

Freezing

While Lo Mein can be frozen, the noodles may become a little softer when reheated. To freeze, store the cooked Lo Mein in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw and stir-fry in a pan over medium heat with a little extra sesame oil.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Lo Mein in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of soy sauce or water if the noodles seem dry. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to heat it through.

FAQs

1. Can I use other noodles besides ramen?

Yes! You can substitute the ramen noodles with udon, soba, or rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of noodle you use.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Lo Mein is naturally vegetarian when made without animal protein. You can add tofu, tempeh, or more veggies to make it heartier.

3. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Lo Mein is highly customizable, so feel free to add any vegetables you like. Broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, and zucchini all work wonderfully.

4. Is Lo Mein gluten-free?

To make Lo Mein gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and substitute the noodles with rice noodles or other gluten-free options.

5. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! If you like spice, you can add chili sauce, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce to the dish. Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.

6. What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with mushroom sauce for a vegetarian alternative or use hoisin sauce as a sweet and savory replacement.

7. Can I make Lo Mein in advance?

Yes, Lo Mein can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s a great dish for meal prep!

8. Can I add meat to Lo Mein?

Yes! You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, or beef to the dish. Simply cook the protein of choice and stir it in at the end.

9. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of dark soy sauce?

Yes, you can use regular soy sauce if you don’t have dark soy sauce, but dark soy sauce adds a deeper color and richer flavor.

10. Can I use a different oil instead of sesame oil?

While sesame oil gives Lo Mein its signature flavor, you can use vegetable oil or peanut oil as a substitute, though it won’t have the same depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Lo Mein is a quick, versatile, and flavorful dish that brings the taste of your favorite takeout straight to your kitchen. With its savory sauce, tender noodles, and crisp vegetables, it’s a meal that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. Whether you make it vegetarian or load it up with protein, Lo Mein is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to adjust to your preferences. Try it out for a delicious, simple dinner that’s packed with flavor!

Print