Quick and Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Recipe

Craving a delicious and satisfying meal but don’t want to wait around for delivery? Look no further than this Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein recipe! In just a quarter of an hour, you can have a steaming plate of slurp-worthy noodles coated in a glossy sauce that rivals your favorite take-out spot. The best part? You have full control over the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and flavorful dish every time.

I stumbled upon this recipe during my own quest to curb my take-out spending habits, and it has since become a beloved staple in my household. The crisp texture of the fresh vegetables and the perfectly cooked noodles make this homemade version far superior to the sometimes soggy and mystery ingredient-laden alternatives. Even my skeptical kids have been won over and now request “mom’s noodles” as a family favorite. With a few simple steps and a hot wok, you can create a dish that not only delights your taste buds but also brings a touch of authentic Chinese cuisine to your kitchen.

This recipe is not just about a quick meal fix; it’s a journey into the heart of homemade Chinese cooking. From properly draining the noodles to choosing the right sesame oil for that authentic flavor, each step is a lesson in creating a dish that sings with deliciousness. So grab your wok, slice up those veggies, and get ready to enjoy a homemade Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein that will have you dancing with delight in your kitchen.

Quick Benefits

• Homemade lo mein allows you to control what goes in, avoiding mystery ingredients and excessive oil common in take-out versions
• Fresh vegetables maintain their crisp texture, unlike sometimes soggy take-out versions, adding a vibrant and healthy element to the dish
• Adding protein options like chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or edamame makes it a versatile and satisfying one-dish meal
• Leftover lo mein can be easily rejuvenated by adding a splash of water and soy sauce when reheating, making it a delicious next-day lunch option

Why You’ll Love This Quick and Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving Chinese take-out but don’t want to wait for delivery.
• Fresh and Crisp Vegetables: Unlike soggy take-out versions, the fresh vegetables in this homemade lo mein maintain their crisp texture, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.
• Customizable: You have complete control over what goes into this dish – choose your favorite vegetables, protein, and level of spiciness to suit your taste preferences.
• Authentic Flavor: The addition of sesame oil gives this dish an authentic Chinese restaurant taste, making your kitchen smell like a proper eatery.
• Family Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults, this recipe has the potential to become a family favorite, with kids even requesting “mom’s noodles” specifically.
• Leftover Magic: Leftover lo mein can be transformed into a delicious next-day lunch or breakfast by adding a fried egg, making it a versatile and satisfying meal option.
• Tasty Additions: Enhance the dish with toasted sesame seeds for extra texture, MSG for an authentic take-out flavor (if you’re not sensitive), or a touch of chili oil or sriracha for spice lovers.

Ingredients for Quick and Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Recipe

• Garlic should be minced rather than pressed for the best flavor release
• Allow cooked noodles to drain thoroughly to prevent a watery sauce
• The sauce ingredients must be mixed completely before adding to ensure cornstarch dissolves properly
• Fresh vegetables should be cut uniformly for even cooking
• Egg noodles should be slightly undercooked before hitting the wok – they’ll finish cooking in the sauce

How to Make Quick and Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Recipe

Step 1: Prep your veggies

Slice the onion, carrots, cabbage, garlic, and green onions on a cutting board, keeping them separate for later use in the recipe. Preparing all the ingredients in advance will streamline the cooking process.

Step 2: Mix up that sauce

Combine dark soy sauce, regular soy sauce, brown sugar, water, sesame oil, cornstarch, white pepper, and oyster sauce in a small bowl until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Cook the noodles

Boil egg noodles in a pot of water for approximately 5 minutes or as per package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent overcooking.

Step 4: Stir-fry time

Preheat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add oil, garlic, carrots, and onion. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, then add cabbage and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until vegetables soften slightly but remain crunchy.

Step 5: Bring it all together

Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the sauce and green onions. Stir continuously for about a minute until the noodles are heated through and well coated with the sauce, which should thicken and cling to the noodles.

Step 6: Serve it up

Serve the hot homemade lo mein immediately. Use chopsticks for an authentic touch or a fork. Take a moment to appreciate before enjoying.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared and enjoyed the delicious homemade lo mein, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Store the finished dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The noodles will continue to absorb the sauce as they sit, so when reheating, add a splash of water and a few drops of soy sauce to refresh them. For best results, reheat the lo mein in a skillet rather than the microwave to help maintain the desired texture.

Leftover lo mein can also be repurposed into a fantastic next-day lunch option. Consider topping it with a fried egg for a savory breakfast-for-lunch twist that is sure to impress. Additionally, for an extra touch of flavor and texture, consider toasting sesame seeds to sprinkle on top before serving. By following these storage and reheating tips, you can continue to enjoy the homemade lo mein and make the most of your delicious creation.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of egg noodles, you can substitute them with spaghetti or linguine for a similar texture. Just be sure to slightly undercook them as instructed in the recipe to prevent overcooking in the sauce. Additionally, if you don’t have fresh vegetables on hand, frozen stir-fry vegetables can be a convenient substitute. Make sure to thaw and pat them dry before adding them to the wok to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

If you are looking to make a vegetarian version of this lo mein, you can swap the protein options with tempeh or seitan for a meaty texture. Tofu is also a great plant-based protein alternative that absorbs the flavors of the sauce well. For those with gluten sensitivities, gluten-free tamari can be used instead of soy sauce, and rice noodles can replace the egg noodles for a gluten-free option. Experiment with different vegetables and proteins to customize the dish to your preferences while still enjoying a delicious homemade lo mein experience.

Serving Suggestions

Transform your Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein into a vibrant and colorful meal by serving it in individual bowls garnished with toasted sesame seeds for extra nuttiness and crunch. Add a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions on top for a pop of freshness and color. For a fun twist, serve the lo mein in Chinese take-out boxes with chopsticks for an authentic touch that will make your dinner feel like a special treat!

Create a Lo Mein party spread by serving it family-style alongside other Chinese favorites like crispy spring rolls, potstickers, and sweet and sour chicken. Arrange the dishes on a lazy Susan for easy sharing and let everyone customize their meal with extra soy sauce, chili oil, and MSG for that classic take-out flavor. For a festive touch, decorate the table with red lanterns and fortune cookies for a memorable and delicious Chinese feast that will transport your guests to a bustling Chinatown street.

FAQs for Quick and Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Recipe

Can I substitute the egg noodles with another type of noodle?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional in lo mein, you can substitute them with other noodles like spaghetti, linguine, or even rice noodles if that’s what you have on hand.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you prefer a spicier version of lo mein, you can add chili oil or sriracha to the sauce mixture. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference to give the dish an extra kick.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together after cooking?

If you find that the noodles are sticking together after cooking, rinse them again with warm water and gently separate them with your fingers. This will help prevent clumping and ensure that each noodle is coated with the delicious sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While lo mein is best enjoyed fresh, you can make it ahead of time and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water and a few drops of soy sauce to rejuvenate the noodles and maintain their texture.

Conclusion

In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish of Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. This recipe is not just quick and convenient but also customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you’re adding protein for a heartier meal or spicing it up with chili oil for an extra kick, this lo mein is versatile and sure to please.

So, the next time you’re tempted to order take-out, remember that you can create a delicious and satisfying meal right in your own kitchen with this Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein recipe. With a few simple steps and a bit of creativity, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful noodles that will have your family coming back for more. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more homemade Chinese food adventures in your own kitchen!

Quick and Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Recipe

“Quick and satisfying homemade lo mein – perfect balance of chewy noodles, crisp vegetables, and glossy sauce that beats take-out every time!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time5 Minutes

Total Time15 Minutes

CuisineChinese

Skill LevelEasy

Servings3 Servings

Ingredients

• Garlic should be minced rather than pressed for the best flavor release
• Allow cooked noodles to drain thoroughly to prevent a watery sauce
• The sauce ingredients must be mixed completely before adding to ensure cornstarch dissolves properly
• Fresh vegetables should be cut uniformly for even cooking
• Egg noodles should be slightly undercooked before hitting the wok – they’ll finish cooking in the sauce

Instructions

1. Prep your veggies: Slice the onion, carrots, cabbage, garlic, and green onions on a cutting board, keeping them separate for later use in the recipe. Preparing all the ingredients in advance will streamline the cooking process.
2. Mix up that sauce: Combine dark soy sauce, regular soy sauce, brown sugar, water, sesame oil, cornstarch, white pepper, and oyster sauce in a small bowl until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth.
3. Cook the noodles: Boil egg noodles in a pot of water for approximately 5 minutes or as per package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent overcooking.
4. Stir-fry time: Preheat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add oil, garlic, carrots, and onion. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, then add cabbage and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until vegetables soften slightly but remain crunchy.
5. Bring it all together: Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the sauce and green onions. Stir continuously for about a minute until the noodles are heated through and well coated with the sauce, which should thicken and cling to the noodles.
6. Serve it up: Serve the hot homemade lo mein immediately. Use chopsticks for an authentic touch or a fork. Take a moment to appreciate before enjoying.