If you want to learn how to make lo mein at home, you are in the right place. Homemade lo mein is one of the easiest Chinese noodle dishes to prepare, and you can make it in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
This easy lo mein recipe combines soft noodles, fresh vegetables, and a savory homemade sauce. You can also add chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu to make a complete and satisfying meal.
The best part is that you do not need complicated cooking equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. With a hot skillet or wok and a few basic ingredients, you can make delicious restaurant-style lo mein in your own kitchen.
What Is Lo Mein?
Lo mein is a popular Chinese noodle dish made with cooked noodles that are tossed and stir-fried with vegetables, protein, and a flavorful sauce.
The name lo mein is commonly associated with tossed or mixed noodles. Unlike some other Chinese noodle dishes, the noodles are cooked first and then combined with the other ingredients.
Lo mein is especially popular in American Chinese restaurants because it is quick, flavorful, and easy to customize.
You can make vegetable lo mein for a meat-free meal or add chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu depending on your preference.If you enjoy Chinese noodle dishes, you may also want to try our Chinese Noodle Recipes.
Why You Will Love This Lo Mein Recipe
There are many reasons to make homemade lo mein instead of ordering takeout.
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Easy for beginners
- Uses simple ingredients
- Perfect for lunch or dinner
- Easy to customize
- Great for using leftover vegetables
- Delicious as a complete one-pan meal
- Easy to make with chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu
The homemade sauce is also easy to adjust. If you like a stronger soy flavor, more garlic, or a little sweetness, you can change the sauce to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Homemade Lo Mein
Here are the ingredients you need to learn how to make lo mein at home.
For the Noodles
- 12 ounces lo mein noodles
- Water for boiling
- 1 teaspoon salt
If you cannot find traditional lo mein noodles, you can use fresh Chinese egg noodles, dried lo mein noodles, or another Asian wheat noodle.
For the Vegetables
You can use your favorite vegetables. For this recipe, I recommend:
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
The vegetables should be sliced fairly thin so they cook quickly while staying slightly crisp.
For the Lo Mein Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl before you start cooking.
Optional Protein
You can add protein if you want a heartier meal.
Choose one:
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast
- 1 pound peeled shrimp
- 1 pound thinly sliced beef
- 12 ounces firm tofu
For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the meat and use a vegetarian-friendly oyster sauce alternative.
How to Make Lo Mein Step by Step
Now let’s look at the easiest method for how to make lo mein at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by making the sauce.
Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, white pepper, and rice vinegar to a small bowl.
Whisk everything together until the sugar is well incorporated.
Set the sauce aside while you prepare the noodles and vegetables.
Preparing the sauce first makes the cooking process much easier because everything comes together quickly once the wok gets hot.
Step 2: Cook the Lo Mein Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add the noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. Avoid overcooking the noodles because they will be tossed again in the hot wok.
Once the noodles are tender, drain them well.
You can briefly rinse the noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming too soft.
Toss the drained noodles with a small amount of sesame oil if they are sticking together.
Step 3: Prepare the Protein
If you are making chicken lo mein, cut the chicken into thin bite-sized pieces.
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high to high heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.
Add the chicken and cook until the pieces are browned and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
If using shrimp, cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. For beef, use thin slices and cook them quickly over high heat.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add another small amount of oil to the same wok.
Add the carrots and broccoli first because they take slightly longer to cook.
Stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
Next, add the bell pepper and cabbage.
Continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger near the end. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Do not overcook the vegetables. Good lo mein should have vegetables that are tender but still have a little crunch.
Step 5: Add the Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the wok with the vegetables.
Use tongs or two large spoons to gently toss everything together.
Make sure the noodles are evenly mixed with the vegetables.
Step 6: Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared lo mein sauce over the noodles.
Continue tossing over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
The sauce should coat the noodles evenly and give them a glossy appearance.
If the noodles seem dry, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth and toss again.
Step 7: Add the Protein Back
Return your cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu to the wok.
Add the sliced green onions.
Toss everything together for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Taste the noodles and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Your homemade lo mein is now ready to serve.
Tips for Making Restaurant-Style Lo Mein
Learning how to make lo mein is easy, but a few simple tricks can make a big difference.
Use High Heat
Lo mein tastes best when cooked quickly over high heat. A hot wok helps the vegetables cook quickly while keeping them slightly crisp.
Do Not Overcook the Noodles
Soft noodles are important, but noodles that are overcooked can become mushy when you stir-fry them.
Cook them just until tender.
Prepare Everything Before Cooking
Stir-frying happens quickly, so prepare your sauce, noodles, vegetables, and protein before turning on the stove.
This makes the cooking process much easier.
Do Not Add Too Much Sauce
It can be tempting to add a lot of sauce, but too much liquid can make the noodles soggy.
Start with the recommended amount and add more only if needed.
Use a Large Pan
A large wok is ideal, but a large skillet works too.
Avoid overcrowding the pan because overcrowding can cause the vegetables and protein to steam instead of stir-fry.
What Noodles Are Best for Lo Mein?
Traditional lo mein is made with Chinese wheat-based egg noodles.
Fresh lo mein noodles are an excellent choice because they have a soft, chewy texture.
However, you can still make delicious homemade lo mein if you cannot find traditional noodles.
Good alternatives include:
- Chinese egg noodles
- Fresh wheat noodles
- Dried lo mein noodles
- Chow mein noodles
- Spaghetti in a pinch
Spaghetti is not traditional, but it can work when you need a convenient substitute.
Can I Make Chicken Lo Mein?
Absolutely.
Chicken is one of the most popular proteins to add to homemade lo mein.
For chicken lo mein, slice boneless chicken breast or chicken thighs into thin pieces.
Cook the chicken separately before adding the vegetables. This allows the chicken to brown properly without releasing too much moisture into the vegetables.
You can also use leftover cooked chicken. Simply add it near the end so it has enough time to heat through without becoming dry.You can learn more about soy sauce and its traditional use in Asian cooking from Britannica.
Can I Make Shrimp Lo Mein?
Yes. Shrimp cooks very quickly, making it an excellent option for lo mein.
Peel and devein the shrimp before cooking.
Cook the shrimp for a few minutes until pink and opaque. Remove it from the wok, stir-fry the vegetables and noodles, and then return the shrimp at the end.
This helps prevent overcooking.
How to Make Vegetable Lo Mein
For a simple vegetarian lo mein, leave out the meat and add extra vegetables.
Some excellent choices include:
- Mushrooms
- Bok choy
- Snow peas
- Bean sprouts
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Green onions
You can also add tofu for extra protein.
If you are making vegetarian lo mein, check your oyster sauce because traditional oyster sauce contains oysters. Use a vegetarian mushroom-based alternative if needed.
How to Store Leftover Lo Mein
Homemade lo mein makes excellent leftovers.
Allow the noodles to cool and place them in an airtight container.
Store them in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 to 4 days.
When reheating, add the noodles to a skillet over medium heat.
Add a small splash of water and toss until heated through.
You can also microwave the noodles, but reheating them in a skillet usually gives them a better texture.
How to Make Lo Mein for Meal Prep
Lo mein is a convenient meal-prep option because it stores and reheats well.
To prepare it ahead of time:
- Cook the noodles.
- Prepare your vegetables.
- Cook your protein.
- Mix the sauce.
- Combine everything.
- Divide into airtight containers.
- Refrigerate for later meals.
Keep the noodles refrigerated and reheat thoroughly before eating.
You can also change the vegetables throughout the week to keep the meal interesting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though lo mein is simple, beginners sometimes make a few mistakes.
Overcooking the Noodles
Overcooked noodles can become soft and sticky.
Using Too Much Oil
Lo mein needs enough oil to stir-fry properly, but excessive oil can make the dish heavy.
Adding Cold Ingredients to a Cool Pan
A hot wok or skillet is important for proper stir-frying.
Overcrowding the Wok
Cook in batches if necessary.
Adding All the Sauce at Once
Start with the recommended amount and adjust according to taste.
How to Customize Your Lo Mein
One of the best things about homemade lo mein is its flexibility.
For a spicy version, add:
- Red pepper flakes
- Chili oil
- Sriracha
- Chili garlic sauce
For a sweeter flavor, add a little extra brown sugar or hoisin sauce.
For more garlic flavor, add another clove or two of fresh garlic.
For extra vegetables, add mushrooms, bok choy, snow peas, or bean sprouts.
You can create a different lo mein combination every time you cook it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lo mein the same as chow mein?
No. Although both dishes use Chinese noodles, they are prepared differently. Lo mein noodles are generally boiled and then tossed with sauce and other ingredients, while chow mein is typically associated with noodles that are stir-fried to develop a firmer or crispier texture.
Can I use spaghetti to make lo mein?
Yes. Spaghetti can be used as a substitute when traditional Chinese noodles are unavailable. The flavor will not be exactly the same, but the dish can still be delicious.
Can I make lo mein without a wok?
Yes. A large skillet works perfectly well. The important thing is to use a large pan and cook over fairly high heat.
Can I make lo mein ahead of time?
Yes. Lo mein can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat it in a skillet with a small splash of water.
What vegetables go well with lo mein?
Cabbage, carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, snow peas, bok choy, bean sprouts, and green onions are all excellent choices.
Quick Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Chinese
Course: Main Course
Ingredients
- 12 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 cup cabbage
- 1 carrot
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 cup broccoli
- 3 green onions
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 pound chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu (optional)
Method
Cook the noodles according to the package instructions and drain well. Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Stir-fry the protein if using, then remove it from the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables, garlic, and ginger. Add the cooked noodles and sauce, then toss everything together over high heat. Return the protein to the pan, add green onions, and cook for another minute before serving.If you add chicken, make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to make lo mein at home using simple ingredients and an easy stir-frying method.
The key to delicious homemade lo mein is using properly cooked noodles, fresh vegetables, a flavorful sauce, and high heat. Once you understand the basic method, you can easily create chicken lo mein, shrimp lo mein, beef lo mein, or a completely vegetarian version.
Homemade lo mein is also a great way to use vegetables you already have in your refrigerator. With a little preparation, you can make a satisfying Chinese-style noodle dinner in around 30 minutes.
If you enjoy Chinese food, save this recipe and try different combinations of noodles, vegetables, protein, and sauce until you find your favorite version.
