Plain lo mein noodles are a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s versatile, satisfying, and packed with flavor. This recipe replicates restaurant-style perfection in mere minutes, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
Ingredients Breakdown
The heart of this recipe lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients that work together seamlessly to deliver a balanced dish.
Lo mein noodles, or their close counterpart, spaghetti, serve as the foundation, offering a soft yet firm texture that absorbs sauces beautifully. These noodles form the perfect canvas for the layers of flavor that follow.
The sauce is a harmonious blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar. This combination creates a savory base with hints of sweetness and nuttiness that elevate the dish’s overall taste.
Garlic and ginger play a crucial role as aromatic additions, infusing the noodles with a warm, inviting fragrance that lingers in every bite.
For a finishing touch, optional garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds bring both texture and visual appeal, enhancing the dish’s presentation and flavor.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Achieving the perfect lo mein is all about mastering the small details in each step.
Begin by boiling the noodles until they are just al dente, ensuring a slightly firm texture that won’t break apart during stir-frying. After draining, a quick rinse under cold water stops the cooking process and prevents clumping. Tossing the noodles in sesame oil keeps them smooth and ready for the next steps.
The sauce is where the magic begins. Mixing soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil creates a rich and fragrant mixture that clings to the noodles effortlessly. Adjust the ratios based on your preference for sweetness or saltiness.
Sautéing the noodles requires precision. Heating the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet until shimmering ensures the noodles won’t stick. Stir-fry the noodles briefly, allowing them to take on a light crispness in spots for added texture.
Finally, the sauce is poured over the noodles, binding everything together. Toss the noodles gently but thoroughly, ensuring each strand is evenly coated. This final toss is crucial to achieving the signature glossy look and deep flavor of lo mein.
Recipe Tips
Choosing the Right Noodles:
While lo mein noodles are ideal, spaghetti is a great substitute. For an authentic touch, use fresh lo mein noodles available in Asian grocery stores.
Balancing the Sauce:
If you prefer a less salty profile, use low-sodium soy sauce. A drizzle of honey can enhance sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
Avoiding Sticky Noodles:
Rinsing cooked noodles under cold water and tossing them with sesame oil is essential for a smooth, non-sticky texture.
Making It Ahead:
The sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, saving time when you’re ready to cook.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Plain lo mein noodles are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides.
Stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms complement the dish, adding vibrant colors and a delightful crunch.
For a heartier meal, pair the noodles with grilled meats like chicken satay or teriyaki beef skewers. Alternatively, a light miso soup or clear vegetable broth balances the richness of the noodles.
To round out the meal, refreshing drinks like iced green tea or a citrus-infused mocktail offer a palate-cleansing contrast to the dish’s savory notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Instant Noodles?:
Yes, instant noodles work well in a pinch. Boil them briefly and skip the seasoning packets to avoid overpowering the homemade sauce.
What’s the Best Oil for Sautéing?:
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are excellent options. For a smoky flavor, try toasted sesame oil sparingly.
How Long Can Leftovers Be Stored?:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to revive the noodles.
Can I Make It Gluten-Free?:
Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives. Swap the noodles for gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles for a seamless substitution.
Variations and Add-Ons
This recipe serves as a blank canvas for endless customization.
Adding protein such as sliced chicken, shrimp, or tofu turns this simple dish into a hearty meal. These proteins can be cooked in the skillet before adding the noodles for extra flavor.
Incorporating vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or bok choy not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds a satisfying crunch.
For spice lovers, a dash of chili oil or red pepper flakes gives the noodles a fiery kick, transforming the dish into a bold and exciting version.
Plain lo mein noodles are proof that simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. This recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Experiment with add-ons, sauces, or proteins to create your personalized take on this timeless classic. It’s a dish that invites creativity while delivering comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 oz (225g) lo mein noodles or spaghetti
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
Optional: chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Begin by boiling the lo mein noodles or spaghetti in a pot of salted water according to the instructions on the package. Cook them just until they are al dente for the perfect texture. Once done, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy. Toss the cooled noodles with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to keep them from sticking together.
In a small mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a fragrant, savory sauce. Set this mixture aside for later use.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the prepared noodles to the skillet. Stir-fry them for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the noodles to warm through and take on a slightly crisp texture in places.
Pour the pre-mixed sauce over the noodles in the skillet. Use tongs or a spatula to toss the noodles, ensuring that every strand is thoroughly coated in the flavorful sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, letting the noodles absorb the sauce and develop a rich, savory taste.
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the noodles to a serving dish. For added flair, garnish the noodles with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. Serve the lo mein hot and enjoy its simple yet delicious flavors.
Plain Lo Mein Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 8 oz 225g lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- Optional: chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by boiling the lo mein noodles or spaghetti in a pot of salted water according to the instructions on the package. Cook them just until they are al dente for the perfect texture. Once done, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy. Toss the cooled noodles with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to keep them from sticking together.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a fragrant, savory sauce. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the prepared noodles to the skillet. Stir-fry them for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the noodles to warm through and take on a slightly crisp texture in places.
- Pour the pre-mixed sauce over the noodles in the skillet. Use tongs or a spatula to toss the noodles, ensuring that every strand is thoroughly coated in the flavorful sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, letting the noodles absorb the sauce and develop a rich, savory taste.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the noodles to a serving dish. For added flair, garnish the noodles with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. Serve the lo mein hot and enjoy its simple yet delicious flavors.
