Mary KellyQuick and Easy Lo Mein is a versatile dish that pairs well with a range of sides and drinks. Looking for a protein boost?
How about some grilled chicken or tofu on the side? It adds heartiness and complements the noodles beautifully. If you want something refreshing, consider a simple cucumber salad drizzled with sesame oil.
Now, if you’re thinking about drinks, a chilled green tea or a light Sauvignon Blanc harmonizes perfectly with the flavors of the dish. Got friends coming over?
Serve up some crispy spring rolls or dumplings as an appetizer, and watch them disappear fast!
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It’s a busy weeknight, and you’re staring at those knots of lo mein noodles, wondering how to turn them into a fabulous dinner. You want something quick, tasty, and satisfying.
Fear not!
I’ve been in the same boat, and that’s why I’ve honed this recipe to a fine art. Quick and Easy Lo Mein combines classic Asian flavors, colorful veggies, and your choice of protein. You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, and believe me, your taste buds will thank you.
Food is a language, a connection, and this recipe speaks volumes. It’s simple yet satisfying. Ready to dig in? Let’s go!
What is Quick and Easy Lo Mein?
Quick and Easy Lo Mein is a speedy version of the traditional Chinese dish. It features wheat noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce, often combined with a mix of sautéed vegetables and protein.
Typically, this dish is lighter than its counterpart, Chow Mein, which contains crispy noodles.
The beauty of Quick Lo Mein lies in its flexibility. You can use any vegetables you have on hand and customize it to your liking. So whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, this dish adapts to fit your cravings.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The flavor profile of Quick and Easy Lo Mein is a delightful balance of salty, umami, and sweet notes.
The star?
The sauce, which brings together the savory soy sauce, hints of sweetness from brown sugar, and the nutty aroma of sesame oil. Ground ginger adds warmth, while Sriracha provides a spicy kick.
Fresh vegetables round out the dish, offering not only crunch but also freshness, enhancing the overall experience. Each bite is a blend of flavors that dance on your palate, making it hard to stop at just one bowl.
Why You’ll Love This?
This dish is for anyone looking to save time while still enjoying a delicious meal. If you’re a busy mom, a student, or anyone who just doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, you’ll appreciate how quick it is to prepare.
It’s kid-friendly, so even the pickiest of eaters will be satisfied.
Using fresh ingredients means you’re also nourishing your body. The dish is vegetarian by nature, allowing you to feel good about your meal choices.
And if you want, it’s easily adaptable to fit into gluten-free diets. It’s basically a crowd-pleaser that checks all the boxes!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring your Quick and Easy Lo Mein to life:
For the sauce
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, or more as preferred
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger powder
- ½ teaspoon Sriracha sauce, or more as desired
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
Noodles
- 8 ounces egg lo mein noodles
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 cups cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 carrot, sliced into matchsticks
- ½ cup snow peas, trimmed
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for a delicious evening meal.
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to package instructions. Typically, they need about 5-7 minutes.
Once cooked, drain and set aside. Do not rinse; you want that starch to help the sauce adhere later!
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, Sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce.
Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well blended. Don’t taste it yet; it’s not ready!
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in the mushrooms, bell pepper, and carrots. Stir-fry them for about 3 minutes. You want them to become tender, but not mushy.
Step 4: Add the Snow Peas and Spinach
Next, sprinkle in the snow peas and baby spinach. Stir everything around until the spinach has wilted, which takes about a minute. This is when your kitchen starts to smell divine.
Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Once the veggies are ready, drop the cooked noodles into the skillet. Pour the sauce over the top. Use tongs or chopsticks to toss everything together. Make sure each strand of noodle is coated in that savory goodness. Cook for another minute just to heat it through.
Step 6: Serve
Dish out your beautiful Quick and Easy Lo Mein onto plates or bowls, and get ready to dig in. You could top it with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you want to impress your friends.
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few nuggets of wisdom to make your Lo Mein experience even better:
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: They should be al dente. You’ll finish cooking them in the stir-fry, so a little bite to them is ideal.
- Veggie Variety: Feel free to add in other veggies like broccoli or zucchini. The more colorful, the better!
- Protein Power: Craving protein? Tofu, chicken, beef, or shrimp work wonders here. Just add them during the veggie mix and cook until done.
- Sauce Experimentation: Adjust the soy sauce and sugar ratio to suit your taste; it’s your dish, after all!
- Meal Prep Magic: This dish keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Prep on Sunday for quick meals throughout the week.
Nutrition Information
Quick and easy lo mein recipe nutrition facts
How Can You Store This Quick and Easy Lo Mein?
If you find yourself with leftovers (who could blame you?), here’s how to store your deliciousness:
- Refrigerator: Allow Lo Mein to cool fully. Place it in an airtight container and it should keep for about 2-3 days.
- Freezer: Not quite up for leftovers? You can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Just defrost it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What If Some of the Ingredients Are Not Available in Your Pantry?
Life happens and sometimes we run out of ingredients. No problem! Here’s what you can do:
- Lo Mein Noodles: Use spaghetti or any other thin wheat noodle. It’s not authentic, but it works!
- Soy Sauce: Try tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free substitute. They mimic that savory taste beautifully.
- Vegetables: Use frozen stir-fry vegetable mixes if fresh ones are not available. Just cook them according to the package instructions.
Quick and Easy Lo Mein Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to package instructions. Typically, they need about 5-7 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain and set aside. Do not rinse; you want that starch to help the sauce adhere later!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, Sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce.
- Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well blended. Don’t taste it yet; it’s not ready!
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in the mushrooms, bell pepper, and carrots. Stir-fry them for about 3 minutes. You want them to become tender, but not mushy.
- Next, sprinkle in the snow peas and baby spinach. Stir everything around until the spinach has wilted, which takes about a minute. This is when your kitchen starts to smell divine.
- Once the veggies are ready, drop the cooked noodles into the skillet. Pour the sauce over the top. Use tongs or chopsticks to toss everything together. Make sure each strand of noodle is coated in that savory goodness. Cook for another minute just to heat it through.
- Dish out your beautiful Quick and Easy Lo Mein onto plates or bowls, and get ready to dig in. You could top it with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you want to impress your friends.
Nutrition
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: They should be al dente. You’ll finish cooking them in the stir-fry, so a little bite to them is ideal.
- Veggie Variety: Feel free to add in other veggies like broccoli or zucchini. The more colorful, the better!
- Protein Power: Craving protein? Tofu, chicken, beef, or shrimp work wonders here. Just add them during the veggie mix and cook until done.
- Sauce Experimentation: Adjust the soy sauce and sugar ratio to suit your taste; it’s your dish, after all!
- Meal Prep Magic: This dish keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Prep on Sunday for quick meals throughout the week.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Just omit any meat or eggs and focus on the veggies and tofu. The sauce is already plant-based!
2. How spicy is this dish?
It depends on how much Sriracha you add. If you prefer mild, reduce it or leave it out entirely.
3. What type of wok or pan is best for stir-frying?
A large non-stick skillet or a seasoned cast iron pan can work well. The key is to have a good surface that retains heat for an even cook.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! It can be prepared a day in advance. Just reheat on the stove with a splash of water to prevent sticking.
5. What are other sauce options I can use?
Try a peanut sauce or teriyaki sauce for a change of pace. They can offer a totally different flavor profile.
Conclusion
And there you have it—Quick and Easy Lo Mein, ready to wow your taste buds and save you time. It’s loaded with flavor, easy to whip up, and downright satisfying.
Trust me, once you get this dish under your belt, it will become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.
So gather up your ingredients and get to it. The next time someone asks about dinner, you’ll know exactly what to say. Happy cooking!
