If you’re searching for the best way to recreate restaurant-style comfort at home, Lo Mein Noodles are the answer. This vibrant stir-fry dish delivers chewy noodles, crisp-tender vegetables, and a glossy, umami-rich sauce in every bite. With simple swaps and endless customization, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that always earns rave reviews! Gather your wok (or big skillet) and get ready to fall in love with this quick and flavorful classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lo Mein Noodles lies in the simplicity of the ingredients—each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the chewy noodles to the glossy sauce and the rainbow medley of veggies, you don’t need much to make magic happen.
- Lo Mein noodles or spaghetti (8 oz): The star of the show! Lo mein noodles are best, but spaghetti works beautifully if you don’t have them on hand.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): For high-heat stir-frying; neutral in flavor, letting the other ingredients shine.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the oil and noodles with irresistible aroma and depth.
- Bell peppers, sliced (1 cup, red and yellow): Add vibrant color and fresh sweetness to every forkful.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Bring subtle sweetness and a lovely crunch.
- Mushrooms, sliced (1 cup): Add umami undertones and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Snap peas (1/2 cup): Crisp, juicy, and satisfyingly bright green!
- Green onions, sliced (1/4 cup): Tossed in at the end for a burst of freshness.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Foundation for the savory, salty, classic flavor you crave in Lo Mein Noodles.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a distinctive rich, briny note—don’t skip it if you can help it!
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Slightly sweet and tangy, this sauce brings everything together.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Just a drizzle for a hint of toasty nuttiness at the finish.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For a little warmth and balance.
- Optional protein (1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu): Makes your noodles a hearty, complete meal—customize with your favorite!
How to Make Lo Mein Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the Lo Mein noodles (or spaghetti) according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain the noodles and set them aside—make sure not to overcook, as you want them springy enough to absorb all the delicious sauce later.
Step 2: Prep and Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a big skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn, releasing that irresistible fragrance—the secret first step to any great Lo Mein Noodles dish.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the bell peppers, shredded carrots, mushrooms, and snap peas all at once. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies are bright and tender-crisp. This is the moment your kitchen fills with color and anticipation!
Step 4: Combine Noodles, Proteins, and Veggies
Now, gently add the cooked noodles and your chosen protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu) to the skillet. Use tongs or two big spoons to toss everything together, making sure the noodles start mingling with the veggies and heat through.
Step 5: Make and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Pour this savory concoction over the noodles and veggies, tossing briskly to ensure every strand gets coated in that glossy, flavorful sauce. Keep stir-frying until everything is piping hot and well mixed.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top just before serving. Give everything a final quick toss—now, your Lo Mein Noodles are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Lo Mein Noodles
Garnishes
Garnishes can take Lo Mein Noodles to the next level! Try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch, a few extra green onion slivers, or a small handful of fresh cilantro for color. If you love heat, a drizzle of chili oil or sriracha on top adds a fiery twist.
Side Dishes
These noodles pair beautifully with simple sides. Think steamed dumplings, a bowl of miso or egg drop soup, or a crisp Asian cucumber salad. For extra veg, quickly sautéed bok choy or broccolini are both fantastic on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Lo Mein Noodles high in shallow bowls, letting the vivid veggies peek through. Serve family-style on a big platter for everyone to dig in together, or twirl individual servings into neat nests with tongs for a dinner party–worthy look. For a fun twist, serve them cold as a noodle salad at a picnic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Lo Mein Noodles in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep fresh and tasty for up to three days—making them perfect for quick lunches or second-day dinners.
Freezing
While Lo Mein Noodles are best enjoyed fresh for that signature texture, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results, keeping in mind that the veggies may lose a bit of their crispness.
Reheating
To reheat, toss the noodles in a hot skillet with a splash of water or extra soy sauce to refresh the sauce and keep things from drying out. Stir frequently over medium heat just until warmed through—this brings the noodles back to life without overcooking the veggies.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in Lo Mein Noodles?
Absolutely! Lo Mein Noodles are incredibly adaptable. Swap in any vegetables you have on hand—broccoli, baby corn, cabbage, or even zucchini all work wonderfully. Everything from fridge clean-outs to market-fresh finds is fair game.
How do I make my Lo Mein Noodles spicy?
If you love heat, simply stir chili paste or sriracha directly into the sauce blend, or drizzle chili oil over the finished noodles. You control the spice level, so taste as you go and adjust to your liking.
Are Lo Mein Noodles vegetarian?
Yes—skip the optional meat or seafood and use tofu or additional veggies instead. For strict vegetarians, look for vegetarian oyster sauce, which is mushroom-based, instead of the classic kind.
What’s the best protein to add?
Almost anything goes! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu are the most common choices and all soak up the sauce beautifully. You can even toss in leftover pork or beef if you have some on hand.
Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Definitely—look for gluten-free spaghetti or stir-fry noodles, and be sure to use gluten-free versions of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces to keep your Lo Mein Noodles celiac-friendly.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about Lo Mein Noodles that brings a smile to the table, whether you’re feeding friends, family, or just yourself. I hope you give this easy yet deeply satisfying dish a whirl at home—it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Print
Lo Mein Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious and satisfying homemade Lo Mein Noodles dish packed with colorful vegetables and savory flavors. This easy Asian stir-fry recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Lo Mein Noodles:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red and yellow)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup snap peas
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional protein (such as 1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Stir-Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Sauté garlic, then add bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, and snap peas. Stir-fry until tender-crisp.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked noodles and optional protein. Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and pepper in a bowl. Pour over noodles and vegetables, mix well.
- Serve: Heat through, then garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.
- For spicy kick, add chili paste or sriracha to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
