Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein: Quick Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein: Craving a satisfying and flavorful noodle dish but short on time? Look no further! Imagine twirling perfectly cooked noodles around your fork, coated in a savory, umami-rich sauce, and studded with crisp-tender vegetables. This isn’t just a dream; it’s your reality with our incredibly quick and delicious Lo Mein recipe.

Lo Mein, meaning “stirred noodles” in Cantonese, has its roots deeply embedded in Chinese culinary tradition. While its exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, noodle dishes have been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries, representing longevity and good fortune. Over time, Lo Mein has evolved into countless regional variations, each boasting unique ingredients and flavor profiles. Our version takes inspiration from classic Lo Mein but streamlines the process for a busy modern lifestyle.

What makes Lo Mein so universally loved? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The soft, chewy noodles provide a delightful base, while the savory sauce, often a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, creates an irresistible depth of flavor. Add in the crunch of fresh vegetables, and you have a dish that’s both satisfying and exciting. Plus, its incredible versatility means you can customize it with your favorite proteins and veggies. But the best part? This Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein recipe delivers all that deliciousness in just a fraction of the time, making it the perfect weeknight meal. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu and whip up your own restaurant-quality Lo Mein in minutes!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lo mein noodles (fresh or dried)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced (or substitute with shrimp, beef, or tofu)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated

For the Lo Mein Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)

Preparing the Lo Mein Sauce:

Okay, let’s start with the heart of our Lo Mein – the sauce! This is where all the magic happens, and it’s super easy to whip up. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll never go back to store-bought sauces.

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it – and I really hope you are!), hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and white pepper. Make sure everything is well combined.
2. Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth (or water if you don’t have broth on hand). This will help to thin out the sauce and give it a nice consistency.
3. Thicken with Cornstarch: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water until it forms a smooth slurry. This is crucial for thickening the sauce. Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce mixture and whisk everything together until there are no lumps.
4. Taste and Adjust: Give the sauce a taste! This is your chance to adjust the flavors to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar. If you want it saltier, add a splash more soy sauce. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Remember, you’re the chef, so make it your own!
5. Set Aside: Once you’re happy with the flavor, set the sauce aside. We’ll use it later to coat our delicious noodles and veggies.

Preparing the Ingredients:

Now that our sauce is ready, let’s get all our ingredients prepped. This is a quick stir-fry, so having everything ready to go before you start cooking is key to a successful and speedy meal.

1. Cook the Lo Mein Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package directions. Be careful not to overcook them, as they’ll become mushy. You want them to be al dente – slightly firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also prevent them from sticking together. Toss the noodles with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to keep them separated and add a lovely nutty flavor.
2. Prepare the Chicken (or other protein): If you’re using chicken, make sure it’s thinly sliced. This will ensure that it cooks quickly and evenly. You can also use shrimp, beef, or tofu as a substitute. If using shrimp, peel and devein them. If using beef, slice it thinly against the grain. If using tofu, press it to remove excess water and then cube it.
3. Slice the Vegetables: Thinly slice the red and green bell peppers. Slice the mushrooms. Shred the carrots (you can use pre-shredded carrots to save time). Slice the green onions. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Having all the vegetables prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process much smoother.

Cooking the Lo Mein:

Alright, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – let’s cook this Lo Mein! This part is quick and easy, so get ready to stir-fry like a pro.

1. Heat the Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the wok or skillet is nice and hot before adding the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken (or other protein): Add the sliced chicken to the hot wok or skillet and cook until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices. If you’re using shrimp, cook them until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. If you’re using beef, cook it until it’s browned, about 3-5 minutes. If you’re using tofu, cook it until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken (or other protein) from the wok or skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and shredded carrots to the wok or skillet. Sauté the vegetables until they’re tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be slightly softened but still have a bit of a bite to them.
4. Add the Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the wok or skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken (or other protein) back to the wok or skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the wok or skillet as well.
6. Pour in the Sauce: Pour the prepared lo mein sauce over the noodles, chicken (or other protein), and vegetables. Toss everything together well to ensure that the noodles and ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
7. Cook and Toss: Cook and toss the lo mein for about 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the noodles are heated through. Keep tossing the noodles to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the wok or skillet.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the lo mein from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

Want to take your Lo Mein to the next level? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your Lo Mein, such as broccoli florets, snow peas, bean sprouts, or bok choy.
• Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a drizzle of sriracha to the finished dish.
• Add Protein: You can add more protein to your Lo Mein by including eggs. Scramble an egg and add it to the wok or skillet along with the vegetables.
• Use Different Noodles: While lo mein noodles are the traditional choice, you can also use other types of noodles, such as spaghetti, linguine, or even rice noodles.
• Make it Vegetarian or Vegan: To make this Lo Mein vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the chicken (or other protein) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also substitute the oyster sauce with a vegetarian oyster sauce or simply omit it altogether.
• Prep Ahead: You can save time by prepping the ingredients ahead of time. Slice the vegetables, prepare the sauce, and cook the noodles in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook the Lo Mein.

I hope you enjoy this easy and delicious 15-Minute Lo Mein recipe! It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or when those noodle cravings hit hard. I know, I know, you might be thinking, “Can something this quick really be that good?” And the answer, my friend, is a resounding YES! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, and the speed at which it comes together is simply unbeatable.

But beyond the speed, it’s the flavor that truly makes this a must-try. The savory sauce, the perfectly cooked noodles, and the fresh, vibrant vegetables combine to create a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. It’s comfort food elevated, without the hours of prep and cooking.

Why is this Lo Mein a must-try? Because it’s quick, easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. It’s the perfect solution for a last-minute dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even a late-night snack. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have lurking in your fridge, minimizing food waste and maximizing flavor!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are truly endless! Serve this Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein as a main course, or as a side dish to grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. For a heartier meal, add some protein directly to the noodles. Think sliced steak, shredded pork, or even some crispy fried tofu. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a drizzle of chili oil, or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Here are a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Spicy Lo Mein: Add a tablespoon or two of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture for a fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Lo Mein: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers.
• Shrimp Lo Mein: Toss in some cooked shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking for a protein-packed meal.
• Chicken Lo Mein: Add shredded cooked chicken or diced chicken breast to the noodles.
• Deluxe Lo Mein: Add all of the above! Shrimp, chicken, and extra veggies make this a truly decadent dish.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of cooking, after all. Find what you like and run with it. I’m confident that once you try this Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein, it will become a staple in your recipe rotation.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your wok (or a large skillet), gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won’t regret it. And most importantly, have fun! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, and this recipe is designed to be just that – quick, easy, and fun.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what you loved, and what you might do differently next time. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I love hearing from my readers. Happy cooking!