Lo Mein Noodles: The Ultimate Guide & Recipe

Lo Mein. As Olivia, your noodle guide, I believe these noodles are more than just a dish; they’re comfort, connection, and a canvas for flavor. My culinary journey has proven that noodles bring people together, and this Lo Mein recipe is designed to do just that.

Forget bland takeout. This is the Lo Mein you’ve been searching for – vibrant, saucy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe is simple and joyful.

Here’s why this homemade Lo Mein will become your new favorite:

• Authentic Flavor Profile: A perfectly balanced sauce, just like your favorite restaurant.
• Quick & Easy Weeknight Meal: Fast to prepare, ideal for busy evenings.
• Highly Customizable: Easily adapt with your preferred proteins and fresh vegetables.
• Better (and Healthier) Than Takeout: Control ingredients for a fresher, less oily, and more nutritious meal.

What goes in Lo Mein Noodles

Ingredients

To craft your perfect homemade Lo Mein Noodles, gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients:

For the Lo Mein Sauce:

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce/hoisin for a vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color and deeper flavor, optional)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

For the Lo Mein Noodles & Stir-Fry:

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 pound fresh or dried Chinese egg noodles (medium-thick)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other high smoke point oil)

1 pound protein of choice (e.g., thinly sliced chicken breast, shrimp, beef, or firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

4 cups mixed vegetables, thinly sliced or julienned (e.g., shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli florets, snow peas, mushrooms)

2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)

Equipment

To effortlessly create this delicious homemade Lo Mein Noodles, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Large Pot: For boiling the noodles. Ensure it’s large enough to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
• Large Wok or Skillet: A wok is ideal for stir-frying, as its sloped sides allow for quick and even cooking. If you don’t have a wok, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven will work well.
• Whisk: For easily combining the Lo Mein sauce ingredients until smooth.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For preparing your protein and vegetables efficiently.
• Tongs: Indispensable for tossing the noodles and ingredients together in the wok or skillet, ensuring everything is perfectly coated in the sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements, especially for the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get ready to create a truly irresistible Lo Mein dish! Follow these clear, detailed steps for perfect results every time. Remember, mise en place (having all your ingredients prepped and ready) is key for stir-frying success!

1. Prepare the Lo Mein Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and sesame oil. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry to the main sauce mixture and whisk until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
2. Cook the Lo Mein Noodles: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the Chinese egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 3-5 minutes for fresh, or as directed for dried). Drain the noodles well and immediately toss them with about 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to prevent them from sticking. Set aside.
3. Cook Protein (if using): Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chosen protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu). If using chicken or beef, cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. If using shrimp, cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. If using tofu, cook until golden and slightly crispy. Remove the cooked protein from the wok and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry Aromatics & Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot wok. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant (do not burn). Add the harder vegetables first (e.g., carrots, broccoli). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, then add softer vegetables (e.g., cabbage, bell peppers, snow peas). Continue to stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes more. Add the white parts of the green onions and stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked protein to the wok with the vegetables. Give the prepared Lo Mein sauce a quick whisk again (as cornstarch can settle) and pour it over the ingredients in the wok. Stir quickly to coat.
6. Add Noodles & Toss: Add the cooked and oiled Lo Mein noodles to the wok. Using tongs, vigorously toss the noodles with the sauce, protein, and vegetables until everything is well combined and the noodles are evenly coated in the glossy sauce. This should take 1-2 minutes.
7. Final Touches & Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in the green parts of the green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve your homemade Lo Mein immediately, hot and fresh!

Nutrition Information

(Approximate values per serving, based on 4 servings. These are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and additions like protein or extra vegetables. They provide a helpful guide for health-conscious readers.)

• Calories: ~550
• Fat: ~25g
• Carbohydrates: ~60g
• Fiber: ~5g
• Protein: ~25g
• Sodium: ~1200mg (Note: This can vary significantly based on soy sauce and broth choices. Opt for low-sodium versions to reduce.)
• Sugar: ~8g (Primarily from sauce ingredients and natural sugars in vegetables)
• Saturated Fat: ~4g
• Cholesterol: ~70mg (Varies significantly with protein choice, e.g., higher with shrimp, lower with tofu)

Recipe Notes & Tips

To ensure your homemade Lo Mein Noodles are consistently perfect and customized, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Noodle Doneness is Key: For perfect Lo Mein noodles, aim for al dente. Slightly undercooking them (30-60 seconds less than package directions) is often best since they’ll cook briefly again in the wok.
• High Heat for Stir-Frying: A hot wok or skillet is crucial for flavor in your Lo Mein. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to maintain high heat.
• Mise en Place (Prep Ahead!): Chop and measure all ingredients before you start cooking. Stir-frying is fast!
• Customize Your Protein: Easily swap chicken, beef, shrimp, pork, or tofu. Ensure pieces are thin and bite-sized for even cooking.
• Veggie Power: Lo Mein is great for adding vegetables. Experiment with snap peas, bok choy, water chestnuts, baby corn, or bamboo shoots. Add harder veggies first.
• Adjust Sauce to Taste: Balance saltiness, sweetness, and tang for your Lo Mein sauce. A little extra sesame oil can boost aroma.
• Storage & Reheating: Store leftover Lo Mein in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen.
• Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: Use vegetable broth and vegetarian oyster sauce. For vegan, ensure noodles are egg-free.

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Serving Suggestions

Your freshly made Lo Mein Noodles are a complete meal on their own, but these versatile Lo Mein noodles also pair wonderfully with a few complementary dishes to create a full Asian-inspired feast! Serving your homemade Lo Mein with these delightful sides enhances the overall Lo Mein experience.

• Crisp Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: A classic appetizer that provides a delightful crunch alongside your soft Lo Mein noodles.
• Steamed Dumplings or Potstickers: These are excellent with your Lo Mein, offering another delicious bite-sized savory element.
• Light Soup: A simple hot and sour soup or egg drop soup can be a refreshing contrast to your rich Lo Mein.
• Asian Cucumber Salad: A tangy, refreshing side that cleanses the palate after enjoying your flavorful Lo Mein.
• Additional Steamed Vegetables: If you want to boost your veggie intake even further, a simple side of steamed broccoli or bok choy is always a great choice with this Lo Mein recipe.
• A cold beer or iced tea perfectly complements your homemade Lo Mein.
• Enjoy every bite of your delicious Lo Mein!

FAQs: Understanding Lo Mein

To truly master homemade Lo Mein, it helps to understand the foundational elements that give this dish its distinctive character. As your noodle guide, I’ll break down the key components and answer some common questions, including those you’ve been asking!

Explore More Noodle Recipes

Loved mastering homemade Lo Mein? As your noodle guide, I invite you to continue your culinary journey and explore more delicious noodle recipes from around the world right here on Easy Noodle Recipes!

• Italian Classics:
  • For a rich and creamy indulgence, try our comforting Fettuccine Alfredo.
  • Learn the art of making fresh pasta with our guide to Homemade Pappardelle.
  • Whip up a timeless favorite with our Easy Spaghetti Recipe.
• Quick & Light:
  • If you enjoyed the speed of Lo Mein, you’ll love our Angel Hair Pasta Recipe: Quick Garlic Herb Delight.
• Deep Dive into Noodles:
  • Expand your noodle knowledge even further with our comprehensive guide on Noodle Types and Varieties.