Homemade Lo Mein Recipe

Lo Mein literally translates to “tossed noodles” in Chinese. Unlike chow mein, where the noodles are stir-fried until crispy, lo mein noodles are softer and tossed with a flavorful sauce after cooking. This dish originates from China but has become incredibly popular in Chinese-American cuisine. It’s known for its savory soy-based sauce, tender noodles, and the variety of vegetables or proteins that can be added.

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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Lo Mein Recipe

• Quick & Easy: It takes less than 30 minutes to make from start to finish.
• Customizable: You can use any veggies or proteins you have on hand, making it a versatile dish.
• Better than Takeout: This homemade version is healthier, fresher, and just as delicious as restaurant lo mein.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: The noodles taste great the next day, making it an ideal dish to pack for lunch.
• One-Pan Meal: Everything is made in one pan, making clean-up a breeze.

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Key Ingredients for Lo Mein

1. Lo Mein Noodles (or Egg Noodles)

• Lo mein noodles are soft, chewy Chinese egg noodles. You can find them in most grocery stores or Asian markets. If you can’t find lo mein noodles, spaghetti or linguine makes a great substitute. The noodles should be boiled until al dente and then tossed in the sauce at the end.

2. Soy Sauce

• Soy sauce is the base of the savory lo mein sauce. You can use regular or low-sodium soy sauce depending on your preference. Dark soy sauce adds a deeper color and richer flavor, but it’s optional.

3. Oyster Sauce

• Oyster sauce adds a sweet, umami depth to the lo mein sauce. It’s a thick, savory sauce made from oyster extracts and is key to getting that authentic lo mein flavor.

4. Sesame Oil

• Sesame oil brings a nutty, aromatic flavor to the dish. A small drizzle goes a long way, and it adds a signature taste that you’ll often find in Chinese cooking.

5. Garlic and Ginger

• Fresh garlic and ginger are essential for building flavor in lo mein. They bring a fragrant, spicy kick that complements the rich sauce.

6. Vegetables

• Lo mein is highly customizable, so you can use a variety of vegetables. Common choices include bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, and cabbage. Feel free to add your favorites or whatever you have on hand!

7. Protein (Optional)

• You can make a vegetarian lo mein, but if you want to add protein, chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu work perfectly. Thinly slice the protein for even cooking, and toss it into the stir-fry.

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How to Make Homemade Lo Mein

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

• Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. If you’re using spaghetti or another substitute, cook it until al dente and drain.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar. Set this sauce aside for later.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

• Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil, and once hot, add minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add your choice of vegetables and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. If you’re adding protein, cook it first until done, then remove and set aside before cooking the vegetables.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

• Add the cooked noodles to the pan along with the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated in the sauce. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors are combined.

Step 5: Serve

• Remove the pan from the heat and serve the lo mein hot. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for added flavor.

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Tips for Making the Best Lo Mein

1. Use the Right Noodles

• If possible, use fresh lo mein noodles or Chinese egg noodles. If you’re in a pinch, spaghetti or linguine works as a good substitute, but the texture will be slightly different.

2. Prep All Ingredients Before Cooking

• Stir-frying goes quickly, so it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. This way, you can toss everything in the pan without pausing.

3. Cook the Noodles Al Dente

• Be sure not to overcook the noodles. They should be slightly firm so they don’t become mushy when you toss them with the sauce and vegetables.

4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

• Stir-fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures that everything cooks evenly and maintains a nice texture.

5. Adjust the Sauce to Taste

• The sauce can be adjusted based on your preferences. If you like it saltier, add more soy sauce. If you want a bit more sweetness, add a touch of sugar or honey.

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Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Lo Mein

• Keep the dish meat-free by using tofu or simply adding more vegetables. You can also throw in extra mushrooms for a meaty texture.

2. Chicken Lo Mein

• Add thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs. Stir-fry the chicken first until it’s cooked through, then set it aside while you cook the vegetables and noodles.

3. Shrimp Lo Mein

• Shrimp adds a sweet, tender contrast to the savory noodles. Cook the shrimp quickly in the wok, then remove before cooking the vegetables. Add it back at the end for a perfectly cooked protein.

4. Spicy Lo Mein

• Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat. You can also stir in sliced chili peppers with the vegetables.

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FAQs: Homemade Lo Mein

1. What Noodles Should I Use for Lo Mein?

• Lo mein noodles or fresh Chinese egg noodles are ideal. If you can’t find these, spaghetti or linguine works as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.

2. Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

• Yes! You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by skipping the meat and using tofu or just extra vegetables. Make sure to use vegetarian oyster sauce or substitute it with a soy-based sauce if you’re avoiding seafood.

3. Can I Make Lo Mein Ahead of Time?

• Yes, lo mein can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave.

4. How Do I Keep the Noodles from Getting Mushy?

• Make sure not to overcook the noodles when boiling them. Cook them until they are al dente, as they will continue to soften when you stir-fry them with the sauce.

5. Can I Freeze Lo Mein?

• While you can freeze lo mein, the texture of the noodles may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, store the cooked lo mein in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a little water or oil to refresh the noodles.

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