If you’re searching for a quick weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and exciting, look no further than Easy Lo Mein. This colorful, saucy noodle stir-fry is a surefire way to bring a bundle of flavor and freshness to your table in less than 30 minutes. You’ll love how the combination of soy, hoisin, and oyster sauces cling to the noodles, wrapping every bite with irresistible umami. The blend of crisp-tender veggies and slurpable noodles brings a wonderful play of textures, and it’s endlessly customizable. With this fuss-free recipe, Easy Lo Mein truly shines as a crowd-pleasing favorite that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Lo Mein comes from just a handful of pantry staples and colorful vegetables. Each ingredient serves a delicious purpose—adding flavor, crunch, or silkiness—so feel free to mix and match to your taste or what you have in the fridge!
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti (8 ounces): Either option gives you that wonderfully chewy, classic noodle base for soaking up the savory sauce.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a toasted, nutty essence that infuses the whole dish with signature lo mein aroma.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): The backbone of the sauce, delivering deep saltiness and umami.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives the lo mein its characteristic savory-sweet flavor; use vegetarian oyster sauce if you prefer.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Sweet, tangy richness that gives the sauce its glossy finish.
- Sriracha, optional (1 teaspoon): For a touch of heat, but feel free to skip or adjust to your spice level.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the saltiness with a whisper of sweetness.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for stir-frying and keeping everything moving in the pan.
- Sliced mushrooms (1 cup): Soaks up all the flavors while keeping things earthy and hearty.
- Shredded carrots (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and a splash of vibrant color.
- Bell pepper, thinly sliced (1/2 cup): Brings brightness, crunch, and a tiny hint of fruitiness.
- Snap peas or broccoli florets (1 cup): Their satisfying crunch and fresh flavor keep things lively and green.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Essential for aroma and that irresistible flavor base.
- Green onions, sliced (2): The perfect finishing garnish—fresh, mild, and pretty!
How to Make Easy Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. You want them just tender but not mushy, so keep an eye out! Once cooked, drain the noodles and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and keep them from sticking together. Set aside while you get the veggies and sauce ready.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha (if using), and sugar. Whisk until you have a smooth, fragrant sauce. This mixture is what makes Easy Lo Mein so satisfying—the blend of salty, sweet, and a tiny bit spicy is truly irresistible.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, warm up your vegetable oil. Add the mushrooms, shredded carrots, bell pepper, and snap peas or broccoli. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies are crisp-tender and their colors have brightened. You’re looking for the perfect balance: veggies that have lost their raw edge but are still lively and full of texture.
Step 4: Infuse the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the sizzling veggies and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds. The aroma will bloom and infuse the whole pan—this is when you know your Easy Lo Mein is going to be absolutely delicious!
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Now for the exciting part—add the cooked noodles and your prepared sauce straight into the pan with the veggies. Use tongs or two large forks to gently toss and combine, making sure every strand and piece is beautifully coated in that glossy, flavorful sauce. Continue tossing for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and the noodles have picked up all that saucy goodness.
How to Serve Easy Lo Mein
Garnishes
For the freshest finish, sprinkle your Easy Lo Mein with sliced green onions just before serving. If you have toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra sesame oil, these make fabulous garnishes, adding a little luxury and crunch to your bowl. A handful of chopped cilantro can also brighten up each serving.
Side Dishes
Easy Lo Mein is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it plays beautifully alongside other Asian-inspired dishes. Consider serving it with crispy spring rolls, a light cucumber salad, or steamed dumplings. For a more filling feast, a bowl of hot and sour soup or miso soup is always welcome on the table!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Easy Lo Mein extra special, serve it in individual noodle bowls topped with colorful veggie ribbons and a wedge of lime. Try piling the noodles onto a large platter for sharing, picnic-style, or even pack leftovers for a cheerful lunchbox treat the next day. You can also serve Easy Lo Mein with fun chopsticks for a playful touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Easy Lo Mein cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles absorb more flavor as they rest, making your next-day lunch delightfully tasty!
Freezing
While noodles are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Easy Lo Mein if needed. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to a month. Be aware that the texture of the noodles and veggies might soften after freezing, but the flavor will still be lovely.
Reheating
To reheat, simply add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to a skillet and warm over medium heat, tossing until everything is hot and revived. You can also microwave leftovers in a covered dish for 1–2 minutes, stirring once or twice for even heating. Try not to overcook, as this can make the noodles mushy.
FAQs
Can I use other noodles for Easy Lo Mein?
Absolutely! While traditional lo mein noodles offer the ideal chewy texture, spaghetti or even linguine work nearly as well when you’re in a pinch. Just avoid very thin noodles like angel hair, as they can become too soft and break apart during tossing.
How can I add protein to this Easy Lo Mein recipe?
You can easily make it heartier by tossing in cooked chicken, shrimp, beef strips, or tofu at the end along with the noodles and sauce. This is a great way to customize Easy Lo Mein for everyone’s preferences at the table.
What other vegetables can I use in Easy Lo Mein?
Easy Lo Mein is beautifully flexible—try adding baby corn, shredded cabbage, snow peas, or even spinach. It’s the ideal recipe for using up extra veggies in your fridge and keeping things colorful with every batch.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce up to a week in advance and keep it sealed in your fridge. This makes it even quicker to toss together Easy Lo Mein whenever the craving strikes.
Is Easy Lo Mein spicy?
It’s only as spicy as you like. The sriracha adds a gentle kick, but you can leave it out if you prefer things mild, or add a dash more if you love extra heat!
Final Thoughts
There’s something endlessly satisfying about slurping up a steaming bowl of Easy Lo Mein, especially when you know how quickly it comes together. Give this recipe a try and put your own fun spin on the veggies or protein—don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to comfort meal! Enjoy every saucy, noodle-y bite, and share the joy with anyone who loves good food made simple.
Print
Easy Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy lo mein recipe is a delicious and quick stir-fry noodle dish that you can easily make at home. Loaded with veggies and flavorful sauce, it’s a perfect vegetarian main course inspired by Asian cuisine.
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup snap peas or broccoli florets
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha, and sugar.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok. Add mushrooms, carrots, bell pepper, and snap peas or broccoli. Stir-fry until tender. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Combine: Add cooked noodles and sauce to the skillet. Toss until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to add protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Adjust sauce ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
