Make this quick and easy side dish lo mein in just 15 minutes! Packed with savory flavors, tender noodles, and crisp vegetables, this homemade lo mein is the perfect companion to stir-fries and Asian-inspired meals.
Why You’ll Love This Lo Mein Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Restaurant-Style Flavor: A delicious, homemade version of classic lo mein.
- Perfect Side Dish: Complements any stir-fry, dumplings, or grilled meats.
Tips & Variations
- Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu for a more filling dish.
- Extra Crunch: Add water chestnuts, shredded cabbage, or bean sprouts.
- Spice It Up: Increase the red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and swap in rice noodles.
- Make It Vegan: Substitute hoisin sauce for oyster sauce and use plant-based noodles.
Storage & Reheating
- To Store: Keep leftover lo mein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavors.
- To Freeze: Not recommended, as the noodles may become mushy.
FAQs About Lo Mein
What’s the Difference Between Lo Mein and Chow Mein?
Lo mein uses soft, boiled noodles, while chow mein is made with crispy, stir-fried noodles.
Can I Use Regular Spaghetti Instead of Lo Mein Noodles?
Yes! Spaghetti or fettuccine noodles work as a great substitute if you don’t have traditional lo mein noodles.
What’s the Best Oil for Lo Mein?
Use sesame oil for authentic flavor, but vegetable or canola oil works too.
Try More Easy Asian-Inspired Recipes
Side Dish Lo Mein
This quick and easy side dish lo mein is packed with savory flavors, crisp vegetables, and a delicious homemade sauce. Ready in 15 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Noodles
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti as a substitute
- 1 tsp sesame oil prevents sticking
For the Lo Mein Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce low sodium works too
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for vegetarian
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce optional, adds depth & color
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional for spice
For the Vegetables
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ cup carrots julienned
- ½ cup bell peppers thinly sliced
- ½ cup snap peas or broccoli florets
- ¼ cup green onions sliced
- ½ cup mushrooms sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions.
- Drain and toss with 1 tsp sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Set aside for later.
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Stir in the green onions and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss to combine with the vegetables.
- Pour the prepared lo mein sauce over the noodles and mix well, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, letting the flavors absorb.
- Remove from heat and garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve as a side dish alongside stir-fries, dumplings, or grilled meats.
Notes
- Noodle Substitutes: If you can’t find lo mein noodles, use spaghetti, fettuccine, or ramen noodles as an alternative.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Substitute hoisin sauce for oyster sauce and use plant-based noodles.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and swap for rice noodles or zucchini noodles.
- Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavor.
- Freezing is not recommended as the noodles can become mushy.
- Add Protein: Turn it into a meal by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu.
Did you try this Side Dish Lo Mein? Let me know in the comments below! If you loved it, don’t forget to share this recipe on Pinterest or Instagram and tag me @HomewithJanaShow!
