Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Noodles are your shortcut to a delicious and satisfying stir-fry that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe delivers authentic lo mein flavor with minimal effort, proving that incredible meals can be made in a flash.
Key Ingredients for Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Noodles :
- 6 ounces lo mein noodles (fresh or dried)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or other neutral oil like canola or peanut)
- 1 cup your favorite protein, thinly sliced (e.g., cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef)
- 2 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables, pre-cut (e.g., broccoli florets, sliced carrots, snow peas, sliced bell peppers, chopped mushrooms)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (omit for vegetarian/vegan, or use mushroom stir-fry sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry, or omit)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or arrowroot starch)
- 2 tablespoons water
How to Make Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein
This recipe is your answer to a super quick, incredibly flavorful noodle dish. In just 15 minutes, you’ll transform simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that’s bursting with savory goodness. The beauty lies in its speed and adaptability, making it a go-to for both novice cooks and seasoned pros. Get ready for a taste of authentic lo mein without the fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: If using dried lo mein noodles, cook them according to package directions until just al dente. Drain them thoroughly and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. If you’re using fresh noodles, they typically only need a brief blanch in boiling water for a minute or two, then drain. Set aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine (if using), sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid lumps. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- Stir-Fry Aromatics and Protein: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Add your chosen protein (e.g., cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu) and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until heated through or lightly browned. If using raw protein like thinly sliced beef or chicken, cook it until no longer pink.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in the pre-cut mixed stir-fry vegetables. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp. You want them to retain a slight crunch for the best texture.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet with the vegetables and protein. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over everything.
- Toss and Thicken: Toss all the ingredients together gently but thoroughly, ensuring the noodles, protein, and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce. Continue to cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the noodles. The cornstarch in the sauce will work its magic to create a luscious coating.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and serve your Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Noodles hot. Garnish with your favorite toppings if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Noodles
You’ll absolutely adore this Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Noodles for its incredible speed and vibrant flavor profile. It’s the perfect weeknight hero, delivering a taste that rivals your favorite takeout but at a fraction of the cost. The combination of tender noodles, crisp vegetables, and your protein of choice, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, is simply irresistible.
Unlike a time-consuming homemade stir-fry that can take upwards of 30 minutes, this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum effort. The customizable nature of lo mein means you can tailor it to your dietary preferences and what’s in your fridge, making it a budget-friendly powerhouse. So, ditch the delivery apps and whip up this delightful dish tonight – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers of your Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can:
- Stovetop: Gently heat a tablespoon of neutral oil or a splash of water in a skillet over medium heat. Add the lo mein and stir-fry until heated through, adding a little more water if needed to loosen the sauce. This method helps retain the best texture.
- Microwave: Place the lo mein in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Be mindful that noodles can sometimes become a bit softer when microwaved.
- Freezing: While not ideal for optimal texture, you can freeze lo mein. Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can remain frozen for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the stovetop or microwave method.
Final Thoughts
This Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Noodles recipe is a true game-changer for busy individuals and families. It proves that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction when time is short. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, homemade noodle dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Noodles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Noodles: If using dried lo mein noodles, cook them according to package directions until just al dente. Drain them thoroughly and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. If you’re using fresh noodles, they typically only need a brief blanch in boiling water for a minute or two, then drain. Set aside.ounces lo mein noodles
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine (if using), sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid lumps. Set this sauce mixture aside.tablespoons soy sauce, tablespoon oyster sauce, tablespoon Shaoxing wine, teaspoon sesame oil, teaspoon cornstarch, tablespoons water
- Stir-Fry Aromatics and Protein: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Add your chosen protein (e.g., cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu) and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until heated through or lightly browned. If using raw protein like thinly sliced beef or chicken, cook it until no longer pink.tablespoon vegetable oil, cloves garlic, minced, teaspoon fresh ginger, grated, cup your favorite protein, thinly sliced
- Add Vegetables: Toss in the pre-cut mixed stir-fry vegetables. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp. You want them to retain a slight crunch for the best texture.cups mixed stir-fry vegetables, pre-cut
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet with the vegetables and protein. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over everything.ounces lo mein noodles, cup your favorite protein, thinly sliced, cups mixed stir-fry vegetables, pre-cut, tablespoons soy sauce, tablespoon oyster sauce, tablespoon Shaoxing wine, teaspoon sesame oil, teaspoon cornstarch, tablespoons water
- Toss and Thicken: Toss all the ingredients together gently but thoroughly, ensuring the noodles, protein, and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce. Continue to cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the noodles. The cornstarch in the sauce will work its magic to create a luscious coating.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and serve your Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Noodles hot. Garnish with your favorite toppings if desired.