If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors, veggies, and irresistible noodles, this Easy Lo Mein is calling your name! There’s something so satisfying about tossing together crisp-tender vegetables, savory sauces, and springy noodles all in one pan. This recipe brings the takeout classic right into your kitchen, delivering that signature slurp and vibrant color in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a lo mein newbie or a seasoned noodle lover, this Easy Lo Mein will quickly become a staple on your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of familiar ingredients to transform your kitchen into a noodle haven. Each one plays a starring role in making your Easy Lo Mein pop with flavor, texture, and color—don’t skip a thing if you want the full experience!
- Lo mein noodles (or spaghetti): The heart of the dish, these chewy strands soak up every bit of the savory sauce; spaghetti is a perfect backup if you can’t find lo mein noodles.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that helps everything sizzle and stir-fry without overpowering the flavors.
- Garlic (minced): Adds aromatic depth and a little kick to the base of your lo mein.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Brightens the whole dish with a warm, zesty note—fresh is best here!
- Red bell pepper (sliced): Brings sweetness, crunch, and a pop of color to every bite.
- Snap peas: Adds a snappy, juicy texture and keeps the dish feeling light.
- Carrots (julienned): Offers a subtle sweetness and gorgeous orange hue.
- Green onions (sliced): The finishing touch for freshness and a gentle onion flavor.
- Cabbage (shredded, optional): For extra crunch and bulk; totally up to you if you want to toss it in.
- Soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone of the sauce—use low sodium if you prefer.
- Oyster sauce: Delivers deep, complex savoriness; vegetarian versions are available if needed.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and that unmistakable glossy finish.
- Sesame oil: Just a little gives a wonderfully toasty, nutty aroma.
- Chili garlic sauce (optional): For those who love an extra bit of heat and tang.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Sprinkled on top for a little crunch and visual flair.
How to Make Easy Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling your lo mein noodles (or spaghetti) according to the package directions until they’re perfectly al dente—cooked but still with a pleasant bite. As soon as they’re done, drain them well and toss with a teaspoon of sesame oil. This not only infuses the noodles with flavor but also keeps them from sticking together while you prep the rest of your Easy Lo Mein.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat up your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering hot, add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Stir them around for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—this is when your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing and you’ll know you’re on the right track.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies
Now toss in the sliced red bell pepper, snap peas, carrots, and cabbage (if you’re using it). Stir-fry the veggies for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to be just tender but still super vibrant and crisp—overcooking will dull the colors and the crunch, so keep them moving in the pan for that signature Easy Lo Mein texture.
Step 4: Add Noodles and Sauce
Slide your cooked noodles into the skillet with the veggies. Drizzle in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce if you’re after a little heat. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure each noodle strand gets coated in that glossy, savory sauce. Let it all heat through for another minute or two, and you’re nearly there!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove your Easy Lo Mein from the heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and a generous pinch of sesame seeds. Serve it up while it’s steaming hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
How to Serve Easy Lo Mein
Garnishes
For that extra restaurant-style finish, don’t skip the garnishes! A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a shower of fresh green onions add both crunch and color, making your Easy Lo Mein as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. If you like a spicy kick, a drizzle of extra chili oil or a spoonful of chili crisp takes it over the top.
Side Dishes
While Easy Lo Mein is a star on its own, it’s also a fantastic team player on any dinner spread. Pair it with crispy spring rolls, a simple cucumber salad, or steamed dumplings for a full-on Asian-inspired feast. Or, keep things light with a miso soup or a tangy Asian slaw on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Easy Lo Mein in single noodle bowls or takeout-style boxes adds a playful touch, especially for parties or casual get-togethers. For a family-style meal, pile it high on a large platter with tongs for easy serving. You can even offer a “lo mein bar” with extra toppings like roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, or shredded rotisserie chicken so everyone can customize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Easy Lo Mein keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious.
Freezing
While Easy Lo Mein is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Let the noodles cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for about a month—just note that the veggies may soften a little upon thawing.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Easy Lo Mein in a skillet or wok over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen things up. You can microwave it in a pinch, but the stovetop method helps revive those noodles and keeps the veggies from getting mushy.
FAQs
Can I use other noodles besides lo mein?
Absolutely! Spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen noodles work well in Easy Lo Mein. Just be sure to cook them al dente and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Easy Lo Mein can be vegetarian as written, and it’s vegan if you use a plant-based oyster sauce or simply omit it. Check your sauce labels to be sure!
What proteins can I add to make it a full meal?
Sautéed shrimp, sliced chicken breast, tofu cubes, or even strips of beef make fantastic additions. Cook your protein first, set it aside, and toss it back in with the noodles at the end.
Can I make Easy Lo Mein ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! Prepare the noodles and veggies ahead of time, and store the sauce separately. When ready to eat, toss everything together in a hot skillet for a quick, fresh meal.
How do I adjust the spice level?
Add more or less chili garlic sauce to suit your taste, or skip it entirely if you prefer a milder Easy Lo Mein. You can also serve chili oil or hot sauce on the side for those who like a little extra heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about whipping up a batch of Easy Lo Mein at home—it’s quick, colorful, and endlessly customizable. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Grab your chopsticks, invite a friend, and dig in!
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
A quick and flavorful Easy Lo Mein recipe featuring stir-fried vegetables and tender noodles tossed in a savory sauce, perfect for a satisfying vegetarian or vegan meal.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced
Flavors & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add sliced bell pepper, snap peas, julienned carrots, and shredded cabbage (if using) to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
- Toss Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet along with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, remaining sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce if using. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with sauce and heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can add protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu to turn this into a complete meal.
- If lo mein noodles aren’t available, spaghetti or linguine work as excellent substitutes.
- Adjust the sauce amounts to match your preferred level of sweetness, spice, or saltiness.
- Use vegan oyster sauce to keep this recipe vegan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
