Lo Mein Noodle Recipe: Better Than Takeout!

Craving those savory, chewy noodles slathered in a rich, umami sauce? Forget ordering in! This Lo Mein recipe delivers all the deliciousness of your favorite Chinese takeout, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. We’re talking perfectly cooked noodles, tender vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that will have you licking your plate clean. This recipe is customizable, quick, and guaranteed to satisfy your Lo Mein cravings. Get ready to ditch the delivery apps and become your own Lo Mein master!

Why This Recipe Works

This Lo Mein recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s designed for success, even for beginner cooks. Here’s why it works:

• Balanced Flavors: The sauce is a harmonious blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness. This creates that signature Lo Mein flavor profile that’s both savory and subtly sweet.
• Noodle Perfection: We’ll guide you on how to cook your noodles al dente, ensuring they have the perfect chewiness that’s essential for Lo Mein. No mushy noodles here!
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the vegetables and protein to suit your taste. This recipe is a great base for experimenting with different flavors and textures.
• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pan Wonder (Almost!): We minimize the dishes by using a single wok or large skillet for most of the cooking process.

Ingredients

• Noodles: 1 pound Lo Mein noodles (fresh or dried). If using dried, follow package instructions for cooking. Spaghetti or linguine can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
• Protein: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly (or substitute with shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu).
• Vegetables:
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, minced
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup sliced cabbage
  • 1/2 cup sliced bell pepper (any color)
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
• Lo Mein Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the Lo Mein noodles according to package directions. Be sure to cook them al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly when added to the sauce. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Protein: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced chicken (or other protein) with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. This will help to tenderize the protein and create a nice sear.
3. Cook the Protein: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated protein and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the protein from the wok and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the carrots, cabbage, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Make the Lo Mein Sauce: While the vegetables are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, chicken broth, and white pepper (if using) in a small bowl.
6. Combine Everything: Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the wok. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Add the cooked protein and noodles to the wok. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce.
7. Serve and Garnish: Serve the Lo Mein immediately, garnished with sliced green onions.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Al dente is key! Overcooked noodles will become mushy and lose their texture.
• Prep Your Ingredients: Chop all your vegetables and prepare the sauce before you start cooking. This will make the process much smoother and faster.
• High Heat is Your Friend: Cooking over medium-high heat helps to create a nice sear on the protein and vegetables, adding flavor and texture.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, more brown sugar for sweetness, or more sesame oil for nutty flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: If you’re using a smaller wok or skillet, cook the protein and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the wok and prevent the ingredients from browning properly.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and aromatics (garlic, ginger) will always give you the best flavor.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Lo Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave until heated through, or stir-fry in a wok or skillet with a little bit of oil. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.

FAQ

• Can I use different types of noodles? Yes! While Lo Mein noodles are traditional, you can use spaghetti, linguine, or even udon noodles as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu and use a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative. You can also add more vegetables, such as broccoli, snow peas, or bean sprouts.
• Can I make this spicier? Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or drizzle with sriracha before serving.
• Where can I find Lo Mein noodles? Lo Mein noodles can typically be found in the Asian foods section of most grocery stores. You can also find them at Asian markets.
• What is oyster sauce? Oyster sauce is a thick, brown sauce made from oyster extracts, soy sauce, sugar, and other flavorings. It adds a savory, umami flavor to dishes. If you’re vegetarian, you can use a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative, which is typically made from mushrooms.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a delicious and easy Lo Mein recipe that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight staple. With its customizable ingredients and simple instructions, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create restaurant-quality Lo Mein at home. Ditch the takeout menus and impress your family and friends with your newfound culinary skills. Happy cooking!