Soy Sauce Lo Mein
Silky egg noodles tossed in a savory soy sauce glaze with crisp-tender vegetables. This classic Chinese-American takeout favorite comes together in under 20 minutes, making it the perfect satisfying meal for a busy weeknight.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook Noodles and Prepare Sauce
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions until just al dente (usually 3-5 minutes).
- c.Drain the noodles immediately and rinse under cold running water. This stops the cooking process and prevents them from sticking together. Set aside.
- d.In a small bowl, whisk together the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, toasted sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. This is your lo mein sauce.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Stir-fry Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Place a large wok or skillet over high heat. Once it's very hot, add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
- c.Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- d.Add the julienned carrots and sliced bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
- e.Toss in the shredded Napa cabbage and continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until it just begins to wilt but still has a bite.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Add the cooked and drained noodles to the wok with the vegetables.
- c.Pour the prepared sauce mixture over everything.
- d.Using tongs, toss everything together continuously for 1-2 minutes to ensure the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
- e.Turn off the heat. Stir in the green parts of the scallions.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Divide the lo mein among four serving bowls.
- c.Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, slightly undercook the noodles as they will cook more in the wok.
- 2High heat is essential for a good stir-fry. Ensure your wok or skillet is smoking slightly before adding oil.
- 3Prepare all your ingredients (mise en place) before you start cooking. The stir-frying process is very fast.
- 4Rinsing cooked noodles under cold water stops them from overcooking and removes excess starch, preventing clumping.
- 5A large wok is ideal for tossing, but a large, deep skillet will also work well.
- 6Don't overcrowd the pan. If doubling the recipe, cook in two batches to ensure vegetables stir-fry rather than steam.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Stir-fry 250g of thinly sliced chicken, beef, shrimp, or cubed firm tofu before the vegetables. Remove from the wok, cook the vegetables, then add the protein back in with the noodles.
Vegetable SwapVegetable Swap
Feel free to use other quick-cooking vegetables like broccoli florets, snow peas, mushrooms, or bean sprouts. Add them according to their cooking time.
Spicy Lo MeinSpicy Lo Mein
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
Nutty FlavorNutty Flavor
Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a richer, nutty flavor profile, similar to Dan Dan noodles.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Packed with Vegetables
This dish is an excellent way to incorporate a variety of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage, which are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Quick Weeknight Meal
Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe provides a balanced and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen, making it easier to opt for a home-cooked meal over less healthy takeout.
Source of Energy
The carbohydrates from the noodles provide a quick and efficient source of energy to fuel your body and brain, making it a fulfilling lunch or dinner.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this homemade Soy Sauce Lo Mein contains approximately 380-420 calories, depending on the exact brand of noodles and sauces used. This is generally lower than a typical takeout portion.