Lo Mein– is a quick and easy recipe that comes together in 15 minutes and will satisfy your take-out cravings we all know it’s a staple meal when we order take-out.
The perfect balance of egg noodles, fresh veggies, and savory lo mein sauce hits the spot when you make it at home.
This meal is super budget-friendly and no matter how much or how little cooking experience you have I can guarantee it will come out amazing. After you master this recipe you will also love this Easy Shrimp Fried rice to complete your meal.
CHOW MEIN VS LO MEIN
The main difference between the noodles is Chow mein noodles are thinner and crispier while Lo mein noodles are thick and chewier. Both use any kinds of veggies and meats.
Both kinds of noodles are egg noodles made with flour, egg, water, and kansui which make noodles yellow and chewy. But they differ in hydration and shape one thinner and smaller than the other.
The Health Benefits of This Homemade Lo Mein
This Lo Mein is good for you in different ways. The colorful veggies like carrots and cabbage have important stuff your body needs. Garlic can help your immune system, and green onions have things that are good for you too. The noodles, if they’re whole wheat, can help your tummy work better.
The sauce with soy sauce and sesame oil gives flavor and might be good for your heart. Just remember, eating a bit of everything is best for you. This Lo Mein can be part of that and make your meals tasty and healthy!
How to Make Lo Mein
Equipment:
- 1 Pot
- 1 strainer
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 wok or pan
Lo Mein Ingredients:
- 8 oz Dry Egg Noodles (package or fresh)
- 2 Carrots, sliced
- 1/4 Yellow Onion, sliced
- 3 cups Cabbage, thinly sliced (1/4 large cabbage)
- 3 Garlic Cloves, diced
- 1 bunch Green Onion (green part only)
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (or regular sugar)
- 1 tbsp Water
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Corn Starch
- 1/4 tsp White Pepper
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
Instructions
- Start by slicing your onion, carrots, cabbage, garlic, and green onion, and set aside for later use.
2. Time to make your sauce, place the dark soy sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, corn starch, water, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper in a bowl and mix until fully combined.
3. Grab an 8 oz. egg noodle packet and cook for 5 minutes in boiling water, once the noodle has been cooked run them under cold water to stop the noodles from overcooking.
4. To a hot pan or wok cook your garlic, carrots, and onion for 2 minutes, then throw in your cabbage and continue cooking for 2 more minutes, after toss in your noodles, sauce, and green onion and cook for 1 more minute, stir the noodle until they become fully coated in the sauce.
5. Plate the Lo Mein and savor the delightful blend of flavors. Enjoy your homemade Lo Mein!
FAQ
Can I use regular noodles instead of egg noodles in this recipe?
- Absolutely! You can use either dry or fresh regular noodles as a suitable alternative.
Is it necessary to use dark soy sauce, or can I substitute it with regular soy sauce?
- While dark soy sauce adds depth, regular soy sauce can be used as a substitute for a slightly lighter flavor.
Can I make this Lo Mein ahead of time and reheat it?
- Yes, you can prepare it in advance, but the noodles may absorb some sauce. A quick reheat in a pan or microwave should do the trick.
Are there other vegetables I can add to this recipe?
- Certainly! Feel free to experiment with vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added variety.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the oyster sauce?
- Absolutely! Skipping the oyster sauce will make it vegetarian, and you can enhance the flavor with a bit more soy sauce or a vegetarian substitute.
What can I serve as a side dish with this Lo Mein?
- It pairs well with a simple side of steamed vegetables, a light salad, or even a side of protein like grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal.
EASY 15-MINUTE LO MEIN RECIPE
Course: MainCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy3
servings10
minutes5
minutes15
minutesLo Mein– is a quick and easy recipe that comes together in 15 minutes and will satisfy your take-out cravings we all know it’s a staple meal when we order take-out.
Ingredients
8 oz Dry Egg Noodles (package or fresh)
2 Carrots, sliced
1/4 Yellow Onion, sliced
3 cups Cabbage, thinly sliced (1/4 large cabbage)
3 Garlic Cloves, diced
1 bunch Green Onion (green part only)
- Sauce:
2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
2 tbsp Soy Sauce
2 tbsp Brown Sugar (or regular sugar)
1 tbsp Water
1 tsp Sesame Oil
1 tbsp Corn Starch
1/4 tsp White Pepper
1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
Directions
- Start by slicing your onion, carrots, cabbage, garlic, and green onion, and set aside for later use.
- Time to make your sauce, place the dark soy sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, corn starch, water, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper in a bowl and mix until fully combined.
- Grab an 8 oz. egg noodle packet and cook for 5 minutes in boiling water, once the noodles have been cooked run them under cold water to stop the noodles from overcooking.
- To a hot pan or wok cook your garlic, carrots, and onion for 2 minutes, then throw in your cabbage and continue cooking for 2 more minutes, toss in your noodles, sauce, and green onion and cook for 1 more minute, stir the noodle until they become fully coated in the sauce.
- Serve on a plate and enjoy.