Quick & Easy Lo Mein

Thick noodles stir-fried with colorful vegetables in a savory sauce make this Quick & Easy Lo Mein a delightful dish for any occasion. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe brings the flavors of takeout straight to your kitchen while saving you money. Enjoy it as a main course or a side dish that will impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This lo mein can be ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: A blend of fresh vegetables and savory sauces creates a delicious taste that rivals any restaurant dish.
• Versatile Dish: Customize your lo mein by adding your favorite proteins or additional vegetables to suit your taste.
• Budget-Friendly: Save money by making this dish at home instead of ordering takeout.
• Healthy Option: Packed with vegetables, this recipe provides essential nutrients without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Quick & Easy Lo Mein, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process and better results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Small bowl
• Strainer
• Chopping board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or wok: This allows for even cooking and ample space to stir-fry the ingredients without overcrowding.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing sauce ingredients easily before adding them to the stir-fry.
• Strainer: Helps to quickly drain the lo mein noodles without rinsing off their flavor.

Ingredients

To create your flavorful Quick & Easy Lo Mein, gather the following ingredients:

Noodles

• 1 lb lo mein noodles (fresh kind or substitute with miki noodles or cooked spaghetti)

Vegetables

• 1 cup napa cabbage (chopped)
• 1 cup red bell pepper (julienned)
• ¾ cup snow peas (ends trimmed)
• ½ cup carrot (julienned)
• 4 button mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 green onion (finely chopped)

Sauces and Oils

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir fry sauce)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Other Ingredients

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ tablespoon cornstarch (or potato starch/tapioca starch)
• ¼ cup chicken stock (low sodium, or beef or vegetable stock)

How to Make Quick & Easy Lo Mein

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients listed above. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Soak the Noodles

Soak the lo mein noodles in hot boiling water for 15-20 seconds, just until loosened and al dente. Strain the noodles immediately and set aside without rinsing them.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add carrots, red bell pepper, snow peas, mushrooms, and napa cabbage:
1. Pour in 1/4 cup or 60 ml of cold water to help cook and soften the vegetables.
2. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until most of the water evaporates.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add in the cooked noodles along with the prepared lo mein sauce:
1. Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove from heat and garnish with finely chopped green onions. Serve your delicious Quick & Easy Lo Mein hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Lo Mein

Serving Quick & Easy Lo Mein can elevate your dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or having a casual family meal, consider these serving suggestions.

Pair with Protein

• Chicken: Grilled or stir-fried chicken adds a hearty touch.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian option, crispy tofu complements the noodles perfectly.
• Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp brings a delightful seafood flavor to your meal.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Chopped cilantro enhances freshness and aroma.
• Basil: Thai basil offers a unique twist that pairs well with the sauce.

Garnish Creatively

• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add crunch and visual appeal.
• Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes can spice things up.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

• Soy Sauce: A small bowl of soy sauce allows guests to customize their flavor.
• Chili Sauce: A sweet chili sauce can add an interesting layer of flavor.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Lo Mein

Perfecting your Quick & Easy Lo Mein is all about technique and ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Noodles: Fresh lo mein noodles provide the best texture and flavor compared to dried ones.
• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop vegetables in advance so you can stir-fry quickly without delay.
• High Heat Cooking: Cooking on medium-high heat helps achieve that perfect stir-fried taste and prevents sogginess.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Keep space in the skillet or wok to ensure even cooking of all ingredients.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Lo Mein

Complement your Quick & Easy Lo Mein with these delicious side dishes. They can enhance your meal and provide a well-rounded dining experience.

1. Spring Rolls: Crisp, light spring rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp make a great appetizer.
2. Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt is a healthy and fun finger food.
3. Vegetable Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings stuffed with vegetables offer additional flavors.
4. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
5. Miso Soup: Warm miso soup can serve as a soothing start to your meal.
6. Sesame Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli tossed in sesame oil adds color and nutrients to the plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, especially when trying a new recipe like Quick & Easy Lo Mein. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Bold phrasing: Using the wrong noodles can affect texture. Stick to fresh lo mein noodles or substitutes like miki noodles or cooked spaghetti for best results.
• Bold phrasing: Overcooking vegetables leads to sogginess. Cook them just until tender, keeping them vibrant and crunchy.
• Bold phrasing: Not soaking the noodles properly can result in a chewy texture. Soak them briefly in hot water to loosen before stir-frying.
• Bold phrasing: Skipping the sauce mix can lead to bland lo mein. Combine all sauce ingredients thoroughly for rich flavor throughout the dish.
• Bold phrasing: Ignoring the heat level affects cooking time. Use medium-high heat for stir-frying to ensure quick and even cooking of all ingredients.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Allow the lo mein to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Quick & Easy Lo Mein

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Separate into single-serving portions for easier thawing and reheating.

Reheating Quick & Easy Lo Mein

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place lo mein in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of water, cover with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer lo mein to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil or broth, then stir-fry the lo mein until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Quick & Easy Lo Mein that will help you enjoy this recipe even more.

What type of noodles are best for Quick & Easy Lo Mein?

Fresh lo mein noodles provide the best texture. If unavailable, cooked spaghetti or miki noodles work well as substitutes.

Can I customize the vegetables in Quick & Easy Lo Mein?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas based on your preferences.

How can I make Quick & Easy Lo Mein vegetarian?

Simply replace chicken stock with vegetable stock and use vegetarian oyster sauce or stir fry sauce for added flavor without meat.

How long does it take to make Quick & Easy Lo Mein?

This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick option for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy Lo Mein is not only delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite proteins and vegetables. Try this simple recipe today and enjoy a fulfilling meal that beats takeout!