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This easy lo mein has become my go to comfort food for busy weeknights when I want something satisfying fast. It is packed with chewy noodles colorful veggies and a sweet savory sauce that hits all the right notes. Whether I am craving a meatless meal or using up leftover produce this dish always delivers big flavor in minutes.
I first made this lo mein after a long day when I had zero energy but needed something hearty. Since then it has become one of those dishes I can whip up almost without thinking and it always satisfies.
Ingredients
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti noodles give the perfect chewy texture and soak up sauce beautifully
- Low sodium soy sauce adds umami while keeping salt levels balanced
- Granulated sugar adds a gentle sweetness that rounds out the savory notes
- Sesame oil brings nutty depth and rich aroma choose toasted for bolder flavor
- Ground ginger gives warmth and earthiness that builds complexity
- Sriracha provides heat and tang that can be adjusted to taste
- Garlic adds depth and a sharp aromatic base for the stir fry
- Red bell pepper offers sweetness and a pop of color
- Carrot gives natural crunch and light sweetness when sliced thin
- Mushrooms add earthiness and umami especially if using shiitake
- Snow peas and bok choy bring bright freshness and crisp texture
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish giving color flavor and light crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl whisk together soy sauce sugar sesame oil ground ginger and Sriracha until fully combined and smooth then set aside
- Boil the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil cook noodles until al dente following the package timing then drain and toss with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking
- Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium high add garlic and stir for 30 seconds then add bell pepper carrot and mushrooms and cook for 3 to 4 minutes stirring often until slightly softened add snow peas and bok choy and continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes
- Combine with Noodles
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and pour in the sauce using tongs toss everything together gently but thoroughly until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through about 1 to 2 minutes
- Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds then serve immediately while hot
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You Must Know
My favorite part of making lo mein is watching the noodles turn glossy as they soak up the sauce. My little one loves picking out all the snow peas so now we always add extra just for them. It is become a fun family meal where everyone gets what they like.
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Storage Tips
Store cooled lo mein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Add a splash of water or soy sauce before reheating to loosen the noodles. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in short bursts stirring between each round.
Ingredient Substitutions
If lo mein noodles are unavailable spaghetti or ramen work just fine. Feel free to swap in cabbage zucchini or green beans for any of the vegetables listed. Tamari can replace soy sauce for a gluten free option and chili crisp or red pepper flakes can replace Sriracha if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with steamed dumplings hot and sour soup or a crisp Asian slaw. I often serve it alongside egg rolls or spring rolls when I want to stretch it for more people. You can even serve it chilled as a noodle salad with a splash of rice vinegar added in.
Cultural Context
Lo mein originates from Chinese cuisine and the name means tossed noodles. It differs from chow mein in that the noodles are boiled not fried and the texture remains soft and chewy. The sauce is the heart of lo mein bringing rich savory flavors influenced by soy sesame and aromatics.
Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute the noodles in lo mein?
Yes! If you can't find traditional lo mein noodles, use spaghetti, ramen, or soba noodles for a similar texture.
- → How can I prevent soggy noodles?
Cook noodles al dente or slightly under to avoid mushiness when tossed with the sauce.
- → What vegetables work well in lo mein?
Bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, bok choy, and snow peas are all great choices. Uniform slicing ensures even cooking.
- → Is lo mein spicy?
It can be! Adjust the Sriracha or add chili flakes to suit your heat preference.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove with oil or microwave with a splash of water.
- → Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu to make it more filling.