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Lo Mein Recipe

15 Minute Lo Mein

Quick and easy lo mein recipe made with just soy sauce, sesame oil, a pinch of sugar, ramen noodles or spaghetti noodles, and any veggies or protein you like. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want homemade takeout flavors in just 15 minutes!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce can substitute regular soy sauce if needed
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce can substitute regular soy sauce if needed
  • 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 clove garlic grated, optional
Lo Mein Ingredients
  • 4-6 ounces uncooked ramen noodles or spaghetti noodles
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 whole green onions chopped, separate white and green parts
  • 2-3 cups mixed vegetables julienne cut - carrots, red peppers, cabbage, bok choy, mushrooms, or broccoli
  • 1-2 tablespoons mirin

Equipment

  • Large Wok or Skillet
  • Large pot for boiling noodles
  • Colander
  • Jar for sauce
  • Knife and Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Make the sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients (dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and grated garlic if using) in a jar. Shake well until combined and set aside.
  2. Cook the noodles: Prepare the ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain thoroughly and set aside. Do not rinse.
  3. Heat the pan: Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until very hot.
  4. Stir-fry vegetables: Add the white parts of green onions and your chosen vegetables to the hot pan. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender but still slightly crisp.
  5. Add mirin: Pour in 1-2 tablespoons mirin to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds sweetness and depth.
  6. Combine noodles and sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the pan along with about half of the prepared sauce. Toss everything together in the hot pan to combine.
  7. Adjust seasoning: Add more sauce as needed until the noodles reach a medium brown color - not too light, not too dark. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, topped with the remaining green onion (green parts) for fresh color and crunch.

Notes

Protein additions: To add chicken, beef, or shrimp, thinly slice the protein and toss with a small amount of lo mein sauce. Cook the protein first in the hot pan, then remove and set aside while cooking vegetables. Add back to the pan with the noodles in the final step.
Noodle substitutions: Fresh lo mein noodles work best if available. Regular spaghetti, rice noodles, or gluten-free noodles are good alternatives.
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the noodles.