Easy Lo Mein Recipe: A Deliciously Simple Noodle Dish
Lo mein, a beloved Chinese-American dish, is known for its savory flavors and satisfying texture. This easy lo mein recipe requires minimal ingredients and cooking time, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend lunch. Let's dive into this simple yet flavorful noodle adventure!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed for flexibility, so feel free to adjust ingredient quantities based on your preferences and the number of servings.
- Noodles: 8 ounces dried lo mein noodles (or your preferred egg noodles)
- Protein: 1 cup cooked protein (chicken, pork, shrimp, tofu, or even just vegetables for a vegetarian option). Pre-cooked is best to save time!
- Vegetables: 1 cup of your favorite chopped vegetables (broccoli, carrots, snap peas, cabbage, mushrooms – get creative!).
- Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds great umami)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove minced fresh garlic)
- Garnish: Chopped green onions, sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Easy Lo Mein Journey
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Important: Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water immediately to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil (vegetable or sesame) in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chosen vegetables and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until tender-crisp.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Add the cooked protein to the wok with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. This typically takes about 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Gently add the rinsed lo mein noodles to the wok. Toss everything together carefully to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for another minute or two, just to heat the noodles through. Avoid overcooking – you want the noodles to remain slightly firm.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the lo mein from the heat and transfer it to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade lo mein!
Tips for the Perfect Lo Mein
- Don't overcook the noodles! Slightly firm noodles are key to a good lo mein.
- Get creative with your vegetables! Use whatever you have on hand or what's in season.
- Adjust the sauce to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter lo mein, add more sugar. If you want a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make it ahead! You can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.
This easy lo mein recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to create your own unique and delicious version! Enjoy!
