You’ve seen lo mein on Chinese restaurant menus, and it may even be a regular takeout choice of yours. You know it tastes incredible, but what actually qualifies as lo mein?

Lo mein refers to fresh egg noodles that are fully cooked first, followed by a delicious drenching of awesome sauce. Fresh vegetables and/or protein are often added, making it a fabulous meal in one. It’s also a stellar option for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully.

This Lo Mein Recipe is deliciously simple and quick. Just stir up the succulent sauce. Toss together with your choice of noodles and you’re in business. Homemade is always better than takeout.

The below lo mein recipe is vegetarian, but it’s easily customizable. Feel free to pair your tasty lo mein with a favorite protein and you’ve got a nutritious, delicious meal in no time. Super fast protein ideas you can easily add straight into your lo mein include sauté shrimp, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great,) or chopped ham straight from the deli counter.

If you keep your lo mein meatless, try sprinkling in sesame seeds or chopped roasted peanuts or cashews on the finished dish for some healthy protein.

In less than 30 minutes, you’ve just become a dinner rock star. Plus zilch elbow grease. And if you’re lucky, you’ve got lunch or dinner set for tomorrow.

Where can I buy lo mein noodles?

Fresh lo mein noodles can be found in most Asian grocery stores. If you can’t find them or don’t live near an Asian grocery store, you can use dry spaghetti or linguine noodles.

Are lo mein noodles gluten-free?

Lo mein noodles are not gluten-free. The fresh egg noodles also typically have wheat flour in them. For gluten-free noodles, try rice noodles like what we use in Thai Stir Fry Noodles (Pad See Ew)

Can I freeze leftover lo mein?

We don’t recommend freezing cooked lo mein (nor any cooked noodles) as freezing tends to alter the texture. Instead, leftover lo mein keeps well in the fridge and can easily be reheated on stovetop or in the microwave.

Try This Easy Thai Fried Rice, Too.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Servings: 5

Ingredients

For the Sauce

For the Lo Mein

Optional Garnishes

Instructions

Fill pot with generously salted water, and cook your choice of noodles according to package instructions to al dente (be sure not to over-cook.) Drain well and toss with 2 TB Asian sesame oil; set aside.

While noodles are cooking, prepare the rest of the dish: In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients. Set sauce aside. Heat 2 TB olive oil in a large, deep skillet or wok. Once oil is hot, add onions and garlic, stirring 2 minutes until fragrant. Add carrots and bell peppers, stirring 3-4 minutes or until softened.

Add the cooked/drained noodles into the skillet. Pour your prepared sauce evenly over the noodles, tossing gently to coat all ingredients thoroughly. Serve warm, with your choice of garnish.

Notes

Mirin is a sweet, rice-based seasoning that can be found in the Asian section of many major grocery stores. Note that mirin is not the same thing as rice wine or rice vinegar.

Pure Asian sesame oil is much more rich, dark, and aromatic than regular sesame oil. It can often be found in major grocery stores.

Variations: switch up the veggies with fresh bean sprouts, broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or thinly sliced napa cabbage. Or, add sauté shrimp, cooked/shredded chicken, or diced ham for protein.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 292mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1401IU | Vitamin C: 60mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.3mg

This article was originally published on chewoutloud.com. Follow on Instagram