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.