Go Back
For this quick dish, gather these items: - 8 oz lo mein noodles - 1 cup mixed vegetables (like julienned carrots, sliced bell peppers, and snap peas) - 1 cup cooked protein (choose chicken, shrimp, or tofu) - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust for taste) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 garlic clove, finely minced - 2 green onions, thinly sliced - Sesame seeds for garnish (optional) You can swap ingredients based on your taste. - Use rice noodles instead of lo mein for a different texture. - Any mix of fresh veggies works well; try broccoli or zucchini. - For protein, use tempeh or seitan if you want a plant-based dish. - Substitute low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option. Fresh veggies make a big difference in taste. - Look for bright colors and firm textures. - Avoid any that are wilted or have brown spots. - Buy seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and price. - If possible, shop at local markets for fresh produce. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, fill a large pot with water. Heat it until it boils quickly. Add the lo mein noodles to the pot. Cook the noodles for about 4-5 minutes. Check the package for exact times. When they are soft, drain them in a colander. Make sure all the water is gone. Set them aside while you prepare the rest. Grab a large skillet or wok. Pour in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Heat it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir them for about 1 minute. You want to smell their lovely scent. Be careful not to let them burn! Now, it’s time to add your protein. If you have cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu, add it to the skillet. Next, toss in the mixed vegetables. Stir everything together for about 3-4 minutes. You want the veggies to be soft but still a bit crunchy. Gently add the drained lo mein noodles to the skillet. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of soy sauce over the top. Use tongs or a spatula to mix everything well. Make sure the noodles are coated in the sauce. Heat it all together for another 2 minutes. Once everything is hot, take the skillet off the heat. Top your lo mein with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds a nice crunch. Serve the lo mein in bowls while it’s steaming. Enjoy the colorful and tasty dish! To cook lo mein noodles just right, start with boiling water. Use a large pot for more space. Add the noodles and stir gently. Cook for about 4-5 minutes. Check the package for exact times. The noodles should be al dente, firm but not hard. Drain them well in a colander to remove excess water. This keeps your dish from getting soggy. You can adjust the soy sauce to fit your taste. Start with 3 tablespoons. After mixing in the noodles, taste the dish. If you want more flavor, add a bit more soy sauce. Remember, too much can make it salty. A splash of sesame oil adds a nice touch, enhancing the aroma. For quick cooking, cut your vegetables small and thin. This helps them cook evenly and fast. Sauté them in hot sesame oil. Start with garlic and ginger to build flavor. Add mixed veggies next and cook for 3-4 minutes. You want them tender yet still crisp. This keeps the colors bright and the textures varied, making your dish more fun to eat. Pro Tips Perfect Noodle Texture: To achieve the best texture for your lo mein, make sure to cook the noodles until just al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot ingredients. Variety of Vegetables: Feel free to customize your lo mein by adding different vegetables based on the season or your preferences, such as broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas for added color and nutrition. Enhance Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of oyster sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat to your lo mein. Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner option. {{image_4}} You can easily make Minute Lo Mein vegetarian or vegan. Just skip the meat and use tofu. Tofu adds protein and texture. Use soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor. You can also try adding miso paste for a deeper taste. For a vegan dish, ensure the noodles are egg-free. If you want to mix things up, try different proteins. Chicken and shrimp are popular choices. You can also use beef or pork for a heartier meal. If you prefer plant-based options, tempeh or seitan works well too. These choices add unique flavors and make the dish your own. Feel free to get creative with vegetables. Carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas are great. You can also add broccoli, mushrooms, or bok choy. Just make sure to cut them small for even cooking. Mix and match to suit your taste. The more colors, the better! After enjoying your Minute Lo Mein, store any leftovers in a container. Use an airtight container to keep flavors fresh. Allow the dish to cool down before sealing it. Keep the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them carefully. You can use a microwave for quick reheating. Place your lo mein in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. You can also reheat it on the stove. Warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring until hot. Freezing is a smart way to prepare meals ahead of time. Portion out your lo mein in meal-sized servings. Use freezer-safe bags or containers to prevent freezer burn. Be sure to label each bag with the date. You can keep frozen lo mein for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as discussed above for a quick meal. It takes about 20 minutes to make Minute Lo Mein. This includes cooking the noodles and sautéing the veggies and protein. The prep time is around 10 minutes, and cooking takes about 10 minutes. Yes, you can make Minute Lo Mein ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat. You can use lo mein noodles, egg noodles, or even spaghetti. Each type gives a different taste and texture. Fresh noodles cook faster than dried ones, so keep that in mind. Traditional lo mein uses wheat noodles, which contain gluten. However, you can find gluten-free noodles made from rice or other grains. Always check the package to ensure they are labeled gluten-free. I covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips for making Lo Mein. I shared how to choose fresh veggies and customize the dish. You can create variations with different proteins and veggies to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly and use quick reheating methods. With these easy steps, you can enjoy tasty Lo Mein at home. Now, you’re ready to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!

Quick & Easy Minute Lo Mein

A simple and delicious lo mein recipe that can be prepared in just 20 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz lo mein noodles
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as julienned carrots, sliced bell peppers, and snap peas)
  • 1 cup cooked protein of your choice (chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and set aside, allowing any excess water to completely drain off.
  • Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or wok, pour in the sesame oil and heat over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for approximately 1 minute until they release a fragrant aroma, being careful not to burn them.
  • Incorporate Proteins and Vegetables: If you are using pre-cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu, add it to the skillet now. Then, stir in the mixed vegetables, cooking for about 3-4 minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender yet retain some crispness for texture.
  • Combine Noodles with the Mixture: Gently add the drained lo mein noodles to the skillet. Drizzle the soy sauce over the noodles and toss all the ingredients together gently with tongs or a spatula. Ensure everything is well coated in the sauce and heat through for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Top your lo mein with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired, for an optional crunch. Serve the steaming hot lo mein in individual bowls, enjoying the colorful and flavorful presentation.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables and protein.
Keyword easy recipe, lo mein, quick meal