10 Best Lo Mein Recipes: Quick and Delicious Dishes to Try at Home

Lo mein is a popular dish loved by many for its flavorful noodles and variety of ingredients. As I explore the best recipes, I realize how this dish can be easily adapted to fit different tastes and dietary needs. Finding the top lo mein recipes can elevate your cooking and impress guests with delicious meals.

In this article, I will share a selection of ten exceptional lo mein recipes that are sure to please any palate. These recipes range from traditional styles to modern twists, making it easy to bring a taste of Chinese cuisine into my home. Each dish showcases the rich flavors and textures that make lo mein a favorite comfort food.

1. Classic Chicken Lo Mein

Classic Chicken Lo Mein is a popular dish in American Chinese cuisine. It features stir-fried noodles tossed with chicken and vegetables in a savory sauce. The combination of flavors makes it a satisfying meal.

I find it easy to make this dish at home. With simple ingredients and a few steps, I can have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes.

To prepare Classic Chicken Lo Mein, I start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions, usually around 4-5 minutes. While the noodles cook, I heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. I add sliced chicken breast (about 1 pound) and stir-fry until it’s cooked through, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Next, I toss in my choice of vegetables, like bell peppers and carrots. After a few minutes, I mix in the cooked noodles. For flavor, I add 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil. I stir everything together for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Finally, I serve it hot, enjoying the delightful combination of chicken and noodles.

2. Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein

Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein is a flavorful noodle dish that combines tender shrimp with vegetables and a spicy sauce. It’s both satisfying and quick to make.

I find this recipe easy and perfect for busy nights. In about 30 minutes, I can have a delicious meal on the table.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Start by cooking 8 ounces of lo mein noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink.
3. Add 1 cup of sliced bell peppers and 1 cup of snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
4. Mix together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of chili garlic sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the shrimp and vegetables.
5. Add the cooked noodles to the pan. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

I enjoy serving this dish hot, garnished with chopped green onions for extra flavor. This Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein is a great way to inject some heat into your dinner routine.

3. Vegetable Tofu Lo Mein

Vegetable Tofu Lo Mein is a delightful dish that features stir-fried noodles with a variety of vegetables and tofu. This meal is nutritious and satisfying. It’s a great option for those who enjoy plant-based dishes.

I find this recipe easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner. It combines fresh vegetables and tofu for a flavorful experience.

Here are the basic steps to prepare Vegetable Tofu Lo Mein:

1. Cook the noodles: Boil lo mein noodles according to package instructions, typically about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the tofu: Cut firm tofu into small cubes and pan-fry in a little oil until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add vegetables: Stir-fry a mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for around 3-4 minutes in the same pan.
4. Combine ingredients: Add the noodles and tofu to the pan. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil, cooking for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Enjoy this nutritious and tasty dish!

4. Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein

Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a classic Chinese dish that combines tender beef with fresh broccoli and lo mein noodles. It offers a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.

I find this recipe easy to make at home. It typically takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. The steps are straightforward, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.

Here’s how I prepare it:

1. Gather Ingredients: You will need beef (flank steak works well), broccoli florets, lo mein noodles, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
2. Cook Noodles: Boil lo mein noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. Cook Beef: In a pan, heat oil and stir-fry the sliced beef until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Vegetables: Toss in minced garlic and ginger, then add broccoli and stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes.
5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked noodles and soy sauce to the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.

This dish is simple yet delicious, and I enjoy making it whenever I’m in the mood for a comforting meal.

5. Pork and Mushroom Lo Mein

Pork and Mushroom Lo Mein is a flavorful noodle dish that combines tender pork with mushrooms in a savory sauce. This dish is comforting and satisfying, making it a great choice for any meal.

I find this recipe easy to make, even for beginners. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy a homemade dish in about 30 minutes.

1. Start by cooking 8 oz of lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
3. Add 1 pound of sliced pork and cook until browned, around 5-7 minutes.
4. Mix in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce. Stir well.
5. Combine the cooked noodles with the pork and mushroom mixture. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.

This Pork and Mushroom Lo Mein is simple yet delicious. It can be easily adjusted with your favorite vegetables or sauces. Enjoy!

6. Garlic Sesame Lo Mein

Garlic Sesame Lo Mein is a flavorful noodle dish that combines the rich taste of garlic with the nutty flavor of sesame oil. It is a simple and satisfying meal I often enjoy making.

This recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It typically takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

To prepare Garlic Sesame Lo Mein, I start with these steps:

1. Cook 8 ounces of lo mein noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat.
3. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the cooked noodles and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil.
5. Mix in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
6. Toss everything together and heat for another 2-3 minutes.

I love to finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor. This recipe is a quick way to enjoy a tasty meal any day of the week.

7. Hoisin Duck Lo Mein

Hoisin Duck Lo Mein is a flavorful dish that combines tender duck with noodles and vegetables, all tossed in a rich hoisin sauce. This sauce is sweet and savory, making it a popular choice in Chinese cooking.

Making Hoisin Duck Lo Mein is quite easy, even for beginners. I enjoy preparing it during a busy weeknight. The entire process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

First, gather your ingredients: cooked duck, lo mein noodles, assorted vegetables, and hoisin sauce.

1. Begin by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions, usually about 5-10 minutes.
2. While the noodles cook, heat a pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil.
3. Add your vegetables, such as bell peppers and carrots, and stir-fry for about 3 minutes.
4. Next, add the cooked duck, then pour in about 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce, stirring well.
5. Finally, add the drained noodles and mix everything together for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

This dish is satisfying and can easily be adjusted with your favorite vegetables or proteins.

8. Sweet and Sour Lo Mein

Sweet and Sour Lo Mein is a delicious dish that combines tender noodles with a balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It’s a popular choice in many Chinese restaurants.

I find it easy to make at home. This dish allows for flexibility with ingredients, such as adding vegetables and proteins.

To prepare Sweet and Sour Lo Mein, follow these simple steps:

1. Cook 8 ounces of lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
3. Add 1 cup of mixed vegetables (like bell peppers and carrots) and 1 cup of protein (like shrimp or chicken). Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of sweet and sour sauce. Pour this over the cooked noodles and veggies.
5. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Serve hot and enjoy my Sweet and Sour Lo Mein. It’s a quick dish that’s great for any day of the week.

9. Lemon Ginger Lo Mein

Lemon Ginger Lo Mein is a flavorful dish that combines the zest of lemon with the warmth of ginger. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that I enjoy making.

This dish is easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. The ingredients are common and can be found at any grocery store.

To make Lemon Ginger Lo Mein, I follow these steps:

1. Cook 8 oz of lo mein noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium heat.
3. Add 2 teaspoons of minced ginger and sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Incorporate 1 cup of thinly sliced bell peppers and 1 cup of broccoli. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes.
5. Mix in the cooked noodles along with the juice of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
6. Toss everything together for another 2-3 minutes.

This dish is refreshing and has a unique flavor that comes from the lemon and ginger combination. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quick meal that’s packed with taste.

10. Cashew Chicken Lo Mein

Cashew Chicken Lo Mein is a delicious and satisfying dish. It combines tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and soft lo mein noodles. This dish is easy to make and can be ready in about 30 minutes.

To prepare this meal, gather the following ingredients: chicken breast, lo mein noodles, cashews, soy sauce, garlic, and mixed vegetables. I prefer using fresh vegetables for the best flavor.

Here are the simple steps to create Cashew Chicken Lo Mein:

1. Cook 8 ounces of lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add 1 pound of sliced chicken breast and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add 2 cups of mixed vegetables and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender.
6. Mix in the cooked noodles, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 1 cup of cashews.
7. Toss everything to combine, then heat through for 2-3 minutes.

Enjoy your homemade Cashew Chicken Lo Mein!

What Are The Origins Of Lo Mein?

Lo mein has a rich and complex history that reflects its cultural significance and the traditional ingredients that define it. This dish represents a blend of culinary influences, particularly from China, and showcases the flavors and techniques of Chinese cooking.

What Is The Cultural Significance Of Lo Mein?

Lo mein, which means “stirred noodles” in Cantonese, is more than just a meal; it is a symbol of Chinese cuisine’s adaptability. It has evolved over centuries, with roots tracing back to ancient Chinese traditions. Originally, it was a simple dish made during festivals and celebrations.

In the United States, lo mein has gained immense popularity, especially in Chinese-American cuisine. It serves as a comfort food, enjoyed for its warmth and heartiness. The dish is often associated with gatherings and communal meals, emphasizing its role in bringing people together.

What Are The Traditional Ingredients Used In Lo Mein?

The core ingredients of lo mein are simple yet flavorful. The dish typically features egg noodles, which are boiled and then tossed with a variety of sauces and vegetables. Common additions include carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli, all adding texture and color.

The sauce plays a crucial role, usually made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. These ingredients create a savory profile that enhances the noodles. Protein options such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu are often included to cater to different tastes.

Each ingredient contributes to a balanced and satisfying dish, making lo mein not only delicious but also a representation of Chinese culinary art.

What Are Some Tips For Making Perfect Lo Mein?

Creating the perfect lo mein involves careful consideration of the noodles and a good balance of flavors. I focus on selecting the right ingredients and techniques to elevate the dish.

How Do You Choose The Right Noodles For Lo Mein?

I often start by selecting the best noodles for lo mein. Fresh egg noodles are my top choice due to their rich flavor and chewy texture. They cook quickly and absorb sauces well.

If fresh noodles aren’t available, I recommend using dried lo mein or chow mein noodles. Simply follow the package instructions for cooking. Be sure to avoid overcooking them, as this can lead to a mushy texture.

I find it’s best to rinse the cooked noodles under cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents them from sticking together. Finally, make sure to toss them with oil after rinsing for added flavor and to keep them separate.

How Do You Balance Flavors When Making Lo Mein?

While making lo mein, I pay close attention to flavor balance. The sauce is crucial. I usually combine soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce for a rich taste.

Adding aromatics like garlic and ginger enhances the dish’s depth. I sauté them lightly before adding the noodles. Fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers and bok choy, not only add color but also provide texture.

I often finish the dish with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor. Tasting as I go helps me adjust the seasonings and ensure everything works together harmoniously.