15 Minute Lo Mein Recipe

Introduction

Lo Mein is a quick and flavorful stir-fried noodle dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With a savory sauce and fresh vegetables, this 15-minute recipe delivers comforting Chinese takeout vibes right at home.

A shiny metal pan holds a colorful stir-fry with three main layers: the bottom is a mix of orange carrot strips and red bell pepper slices, the middle layer features light brown cooked mushrooms, and the top layer is a tangle of golden-brown noodles with a slight shine, garnished with small green onion rings and dark green leafy herbs. A woman's hand with rings is holding metal tongs, twisting the noodles gently. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (substitute regular soy sauce if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (substitute regular soy sauce if needed)
  • 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 clove garlic, grated (optional)
  • 4-6 ounces uncooked ramen noodles
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 green onions, chopped (separate green parts from white parts)
  • 2-3 cups julienne cut or chopped vegetables (such as carrots, red peppers, cabbage, bok choy, mushrooms, or broccoli)
  • 1-2 tablespoons mirin

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine the dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, sugar, and grated garlic in a jar. Shake well to mix thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain and set them aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the green onions and the vegetables. Stir-fry until the vegetables are fork-tender, about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour the mirin into the pan and stir to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Step 5: Add the cooked noodles and about half of the sauce to the pan. Toss everything together to combine and coat the noodles evenly. Add more sauce if needed, aiming for a medium brown color on the noodles.
  6. Step 6: Serve the lo mein topped with the remaining green parts of the green onions for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

  • Use any favorite vegetables you have on hand; snap peas, baby corn, or spinach work well too.
  • For a protein boost, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu during the vegetable stir-fry step.
  • If you don’t have mirin, a splash of rice vinegar or a little sugar mixed with water can substitute.
  • Adjust the sauce amounts based on your taste and desired noodle color to avoid overpowering the dish.

Storage

Store leftover lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or sesame oil if the noodles seem dry.

How to Serve

A close-up image of stir-fried noodles piled high over a white frying pan, with glossy, thin strands of brown noodles tangled together. Mixed within the noodles are thin slices of bright orange carrot sticks and small pieces of red bell pepper adding pops of color. A white tongs is lifting a thick bundle of the noodles, showing their shiny and slightly oily texture with some green leafy bits scattered throughout. The background is a soft white marbled texture, giving a clean and fresh look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles instead of ramen?

Yes, lo mein works well with egg noodles, spaghetti, or any other stir-fry friendly noodle you prefer.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

This version is vegetarian if you use vegetarian oyster sauce or substitute it with soy sauce and omit any animal-based sauces. Always check labels to be sure.

Print

15 Minute Lo Mein Recipe

A quick and flavorful 15-minute Lo Mein recipe featuring tender ramen noodles stir-fried with fresh vegetables and a savory homemade sauce combining soy, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Perfect for a fast, satisfying Asian-inspired meal.

  • Author: nova
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (or regular soy sauce if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or regular soy sauce if needed)
  • 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 clove garlic, grated (optional)

Main Ingredients

  • 46 ounces uncooked ramen noodles
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 green onions, chopped (separate green parts from white parts)
  • 23 cups julienne cut or chopped vegetables (carrots, red peppers, cabbage, bok choy, mushrooms, or broccoli)
  • 12 tablespoons mirin

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a jar or bowl, combine the dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and grated garlic. Shake or whisk well until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are fully blended.
  2. Cook the Noodles: Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent overcooking during stir-frying.
  3. Stir-Fry Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the chopped green onions along with the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry, tossing frequently, until the vegetables become fork-tender, approximately 5 minutes.
  4. Deglaze with Mirin: Pour 1-2 tablespoons of mirin into the pan to loosen and incorporate the flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan’s surface. This adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
  5. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the pan and pour in about half of the prepared sauce. Toss everything thoroughly in the hot pan to coat evenly. Add more sauce if desired, aiming for a medium brown color on the noodles—not too light or dark.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with the green parts of the chopped green onions. Serve the lo mein immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh vegetables you prefer or have on hand such as bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms.
  • Grated garlic is optional; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of sauce to your taste, gradually adding to avoid overpowering saltiness.
  • Mirin adds subtle sweetness—if unavailable, a light splash of rice vinegar mixed with a pinch of sugar can be used as a substitute.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute oyster sauce with a mushroom soy sauce or hoisin sauce.

Keywords: Lo Mein, Stir Fry, Asian Noodles, Quick Dinner, Ramen Noodles, Vegetable Lo Mein

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