Craving that savory take-out experience? This Homemade Lo Mein recipe is your solution! Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a satisfying dish that brings the perfect balance of egg noodles, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful lo mein sauce—all in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, this easy recipe guarantees great results every time. Pair it with Easy Shrimp Fried Rice for a complete, budget-friendly meal!
Lo Mein vs. Chow Mein: What’s the Difference?
Both Lo Mein and Chow Mein are egg noodles, but the key difference lies in their texture. Lo Mein noodles are thicker and chewier, while Chow Mein noodles are thinner and crispy. Both types of noodles are made from flour, eggs, water, and kansui (an alkaline mineral water), but their shape and hydration levels vary. Whether you go for Lo Mein or Chow Mein, both can be customized with different vegetables and proteins to suit your taste!
Health Benefits of This Lo Mein
Not only is this Lo Mein incredibly tasty, but it’s also packed with nutrients! The colorful veggies like carrots and cabbage provide fiber and essential vitamins. Garlic boosts the immune system, and green onions add a little extra nutrition. Opt for whole wheat noodles to help with digestion, and the soy sauce and sesame oil in the sauce contribute a heart-healthy flavor. Eating a balanced diet is key, and this homemade Lo Mein fits perfectly into that!
How to Make Lo Mein
Equipment:
- 1 Pot
- 1 Strainer
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Wok or Pan
Lo Mein Ingredients:
- 8 oz Dry Egg Noodles (fresh or packaged)
- 2 Carrots, sliced
- 1/4 Yellow Onion, sliced
- 3 cups Cabbage, thinly sliced (about 1/4 of a large cabbage)
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 bunch Green Onion (green part only)
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (or regular sugar)
- 1 tbsp Water
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Corn Starch
- 1/4 tsp White Pepper
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the onion, carrots, cabbage, garlic, and green onion. Set them aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the dark soy sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, corn starch, water, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Stir until fully mixed.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil water in a pot, then cook the egg noodles for about 5 minutes. Once done, rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
- Cook the Veggies: Heat a wok or pan over medium heat. Sauté the garlic, carrots, and onions for 2 minutes. Add the cabbage and cook for another 2 minutes until tender.
- Combine the Noodles and Sauce: Toss in the cooked noodles, the prepared sauce, and green onions. Stir everything together for 1 more minute, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate your Lo Mein, and enjoy this delicious, homemade dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use regular noodles instead of egg noodles? Yes, you can substitute regular noodles for egg noodles in this recipe. Both fresh and dry options work great!
- Do I have to use dark soy sauce? Dark soy sauce adds depth and richness, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with regular soy sauce for a lighter flavor.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the Lo Mein ahead of time. The noodles may absorb some sauce as it sits, so reheating in a pan or microwave with a splash of water or soy sauce will bring it back to life!
- What other vegetables can I add? Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or even mushrooms make great additions to this Lo Mein.
- Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the oyster sauce for a vegetarian version, and consider adding a little extra soy sauce or a vegetarian sauce substitute for added flavor.
- What sides go well with Lo Mein? Serve your Lo Mein with steamed vegetables, a light salad, or a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Recipe
Recipe by Wasian Cookery
Course: Main | Cuisine: Chinese | Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 3
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 oz Dry Egg Noodles (fresh or packaged)
- 2 Carrots, sliced
- 1/4 Yellow Onion, sliced
- 3 cups Cabbage, thinly sliced (about 1/4 of a large cabbage)
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 bunch Green Onion (green part only)
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (or regular sugar)
- 1 tbsp Water
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Corn Starch
- 1/4 tsp White Pepper
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
Directions:
- Prep the Veggies: Slice the onion, carrots, cabbage, garlic, and green onion. Set them aside.
- Mix the Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and stir until fully mixed.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil water and cook the egg noodles for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Sauté the Veggies: Heat a wok or pan. Sauté garlic, carrots, and onion for 2 minutes, then add cabbage and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Combine and Stir: Add the cooked noodles, sauce, and green onions to the wok. Stir for 1 minute until the noodles are well coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Plate and enjoy your flavorful homemade Lo Mein!