Quick Lo Mein Noodles
Easy 20-Minute Weeknight Chinese Noodles with an Optional Spicy Kick
This simple Lo Mein recipe is your answer to fast and satisfying Chinese takeout at home. Ready in just 20 minutes, it features soft, slippery egg noodles tossed with vibrant vegetables and a savory, umami-rich soy-based sauce. The beauty of this dish is its versatility—it works equally well with chicken, beef, shrimp, or just vegetables, making it a perfect use for whatever you have in the fridge.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4
Ingredients
12 oz (340 g) fresh or dried Lo Mein noodles (or egg noodles)
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil, divided
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch (2.5 cm) ginger, grated
1 cup (115 g) shredded carrots
1 cup (150 g) sliced bell peppers (any color)
1 cup (50 g) snow peas (mangetout)
1/4 cup (25 g) chopped scallions (green onions), for garnish
For the Lo Mein Sauce:
1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) oyster sauce (optional, substitute with hoisin sauce)
1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
1 tsp (5 ml) white sugar
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce: Give your Lo Mein a deeper flavor and satisfying heat by incorporating Blazing Citrus Medium into the sauce. Whisk in 1 to 2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of the sauce with the soy sauce and sesame oil mixture. The everyday heat and citrus brightness will elevate the dish beyond standard takeout flavor.
Heat Level: 5.5 out of 10 🔥
Blazing Citrus “Medium” Hot Sauce brings bright sweet heat to any dish. Made with grapefruit juice instead of vinegar, it delivers a clean citrus finish with a smooth serrano kick at a comfortable medium heat. Spoon it over tacos, grilled chicken, shrimp, crispy potatoes, eggs, or grain bowls, or whisk it into mayo or yogurt for an instant dip or dressing. Crowd friendly and full of flavor, it lifts rich foods and makes everyday meals pop.
1. Cook Noodles: Cook the Lo Mein noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and toss with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the Lo Mein sauce ingredients (soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar).
2. Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of oil in a black cast iron skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until fully cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of oil to the skillet. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Combine and Toss: Return the cooked chicken and the drained noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared Lo Mein sauce over the ingredients.
5. Finish and Serve: Toss everything vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce and the dish is heated through. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
Protein Swap: Use 1 lb (450 g) of sliced beef sirloin or firm cubed tofu instead of chicken.
Vegetable Variety: Feel free to swap the vegetables for sliced cabbage, broccoli florets, or button mushrooms. Adjust the cooking time as necessary.
Regional Swap (Asian-inspired): For a Japanese-style twist, add a drizzle of mirin (sweet rice wine) to the sauce for an extra layer of sweetness, and finish with a sprinkle of toasted white sesame seeds.
Other Users Suggest
Replacing: Oyster Sauce. Suggested Swap: 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetarian oyster sauce or a dark mushroom soy sauce. Why: Allows the recipe to be adapted for vegetarian diets while maintaining the deep, savory umami flavor.
Replacing: Lo Mein Noodles. Suggested Swap: 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine pasta. Why: This makes the recipe accessible when Asian noodles are unavailable; just cook the pasta as directed.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat quickly in a wok or skillet over medium heat, adding a small amount of water or chicken broth to rehydrate the noodles.
Freeze: Lo Mein noodles can be frozen, but the texture of the vegetables may be slightly softer upon thawing. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 485 Protein: 40g Carbs: 52g Fat: 15g
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