Name: Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 8 oz Dry Egg Noodles (or fresh lo mein noodles); 2 Carrots, sliced; 1/4 Yellow Onion, sliced; 3 cups Cabbage, thinly sliced (about 1/4 of a large cabbage); 3 Garlic Cloves, diced; 1 bunch Green Onion (green parts only); 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce; 2 tbsp Soy Sauce; 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (or regular sugar); 1 tbsp Water; 1 tsp Sesame Oil; 1 tbsp Corn Starch; 1/4 tsp White Pepper; 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce

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Introduction

Lo mein is a classic Chinese noodle dish that’s both quick and satisfying. This easy 15-minute recipe combines tender noodles with fresh vegetables and a flavorful sauce for a perfect weeknight dinner.

A close-up view of a mound of glossy stir-fried noodles on a white plate, showing thick yellow noodles mixed with small pieces of orange carrot, green scallion, and light-colored cabbage, all coated in a shiny brown sauce, with the noodles piled in loose curls and layers, resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz dry egg noodles (or fresh lo mein noodles)
2 carrots, sliced
1/4 yellow onion, sliced
3 cups cabbage, thinly sliced (about 1/4 of a large cabbage)
3 garlic cloves, diced
1 bunch green onion (green parts only)
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar (or regular sugar)
1 tbsp water
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp white pepper
1 tbsp oyster sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the noodles by cooking the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the sauce by whisking together dark soy sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, water, sesame oil, cornstarch, white pepper, and oyster sauce in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 3: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil, then sauté the diced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add sliced carrots, yellow onions, and cabbage. Stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 4: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables, tossing well to coat evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes more, allowing the sauce to thicken and adhere.
Step 5: Stir in the green onion greens and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

For extra protein, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu when combining the noodles with the sauce.
Use fresh lo mein noodles for a chewier texture if available.
Adjust the sauce’s sweetness or saltiness to your taste by increasing or reducing the sugar and soy sauce.
Adding a splash of rice vinegar or chili oil can add a nice tang or heat.

Storage

Store leftover lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water when reheating can help keep the noodles from drying out.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a heaping mound of glossy, golden-brown stir-fried noodles, with each noodle strand shiny and intertwined. Mixed throughout the noodles are thin slices of bright orange carrots, pale white onion pieces, and small green vegetable bits, adding vibrant splashes of color. The noodles look soft and well-coated in sauce, with a slight oily sheen that catches the light. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the background is softly blurred to focus on the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in this lo mein?

Yes, feel free to add or substitute vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or broccoli depending on your preference and what’s available.

Is cornstarch necessary in the sauce?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce so it coats the noodles and vegetables nicely. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can omit it, but the texture will be different.