Introduction
Transform simple ingredients into a delicious and satisfying Lo Mein dinner! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is easily customizable to your family’s preferences. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to achieve!
Why This Works
This Lo Mein recipe works because it’s quick, easy, and incredibly versatile. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to use up leftovers. Plus, the sauce is simple to whip up and delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters!
Key Ingredients
🍜 1 pound dried lo mein noodles
🥕 1 cup shredded carrots
🥦 1 cup broccoli florets
🧅 1/2 cup chopped onion
🫑 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🥚 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
🥩 1 pound thinly sliced steak (or chicken, pork, or tofu!)
🥢 1/4 cup soy sauce
🍯 2 tablespoons honey
🍶 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
🌶️ 1 teaspoon sesame oil
🧂 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Noodles: Cook lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2️⃣ Stir-fry the Veggies: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Add broccoli and garlic; stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
3️⃣ Cook the Meat: Push the vegetables to the side of the wok. Add the sliced meat to the other side and cook until browned. Break up any clumps of meat as it cooks.
4️⃣ Scramble the Eggs: Add beaten eggs to the wok and scramble until cooked through.
5️⃣ Combine Everything: Add the cooked noodles to the wok. In a small bowl whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger. Pour sauce over noodles and meat/vegetable mixture. Toss to coat everything evenly.
6️⃣ Serve Immediately: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- Use a wok or large skillet for even cooking.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables; you want them to still have a slight crunch.
- If your sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is ideal for stir-fries. It allows the ingredients to cook quickly without burning. If your wok is too hot, the noodles will burn before they’re fully cooked.
Crunch Factor
The slight crunch of the vegetables adds a nice texture contrast to the soft noodles. Don’t overcook them to maintain this delightful crunch!
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, marinate the meat in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use different vegetables according to preference and availability. Mushrooms, snow peas, and zucchini all work great!
Storage Tips
Leftover Lo Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t traditionally giftable, but you could package individual servings in reusable containers for a thoughtful gesture to a neighbor or friend.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Lo Mein: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
🌟 Peanut Lo Mein: Stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter with the sauce.
🌟 Shrimp Lo Mein: Substitute shrimp for the steak.
🌟 Vegetarian Lo Mein: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables like bean sprouts or mushrooms.
Troubleshooting
- Noodles too sticky: Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water for longer to remove excess starch.
- Sauce too salty: Add a teaspoon of sugar or honey to balance the saltiness.
- Vegetables too mushy: Reduce cooking time and increase the heat.
FAQ
- Can I use different noodles? Yes, you can substitute other types of noodles, such as spaghetti or egg noodles. However, lo mein noodles are ideal for their width and ability to hold the sauce.
- Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time? Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- What if I don’t have a wok? A large skillet or deep frying pan works just as well.
Conclusion
This Easy Peasy Lo Mein recipe is a guaranteed winner! It’s delicious, versatile, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Try it out and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us on RateMyRecipes.com!
Crazy Good Lo Mein the Whole Family Will Love
A delicious and easy lo mein recipe that brings together colorful vegetables, tender noodles, and savory sauce for a meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic and ginger, sautu00e9ing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch mixture, and sugar together.
- Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet with the vegetables and pour the sauce over everything. Toss well to combine and heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips
- For extra protein, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the dish.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your family's preferences.