Lo Mein
A quick and easy stir-fry of tender egg noodles, crisp vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce. This Chinese-American takeout classic is better than delivery and ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Noodles
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp of salt.
- c.Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite), typically 3-5 minutes.
- d.Drain the noodles immediately and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
- e.Toss the noodles with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Mix the Sauce
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, cornstarch, white pepper, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of sesame oil.
- c.Continue whisking until the sugar and cornstarch are fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir-fry the Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke.
- c.Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the julienned carrots and sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but are still crisp.
- e.Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and snow peas. Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until all vegetables are crisp-tender.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Add the cooked noodles to the wok with the vegetables.
- c.Give the sauce a final stir and pour it over the noodles and vegetables.
- d.Using tongs, toss everything together quickly and continuously for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the noodles are heated through and evenly coated with the sauce.
- e.Turn off the heat and stir in the green parts of the scallions.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Transfer the lo mein to a serving platter or individual bowls.
- c.Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Mise en place is key! Have all your vegetables chopped and sauce mixed before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very fast process.
- 2Don't overcook the noodles. They should be al dente as they will cook a bit more in the wok.
- 3Use high heat. A hot wok or skillet is essential for getting a good 'wok hei' flavor and ensuring vegetables stay crisp.
- 4Don't overcrowd the pan. If your wok isn't large enough, cook the vegetables in batches to ensure they stir-fry rather than steam.
- 5Rinsing the cooked noodles with cold water stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, preventing them from becoming gummy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein-Packed Lo Mein
Add 1 pound of cooked protein like sliced chicken, beef, shrimp, or fried tofu. Stir-fry the protein first, set it aside, and add it back to the wok with the noodles.
Spicy Lo MeinSpicy Lo Mein
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
Gluten Free Lo MeinGluten-Free Lo Mein
Use gluten-free noodles (like rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti) and substitute tamari or coconut aminos for both soy sauces.
Extra Veggie Lo MeinExtra Veggie Lo Mein
Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli florets, bok choy, bean sprouts, or sliced cabbage. Add them according to their cooking time.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vegetables
Loaded with carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, and mushrooms, this dish provides a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, supporting overall health and digestion.
Sustained Energy Source
The noodles provide complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of fuel, offering sustained energy to keep you going.
Lower in Sodium
By using low-sodium soy sauce and controlling the amount of salt, this homemade version is much lower in sodium than restaurant alternatives, which is beneficial for blood pressure and heart health.
Frequently asked questions
The primary difference is the noodle preparation. In Lo Mein, boiled noodles are tossed with a sauce and other ingredients. In Chow Mein, the noodles are typically stir-fried until crispy before being combined with the vegetables and sauce.