15 Minute Lo Mein is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen in no time at all. Featuring tender noodles tossed in a savory sauce with an array of colorful vegetables, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t have hours to spend cooking. With a handful of ingredients and just 15 minutes on the clock, you can whip up a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this 15 Minute Lo Mein not only for its speed but also for its incredible versatility. When I first discovered this recipe, I was juggling a busy work schedule, family commitments, and the desire to eat healthy. One evening, I decided to throw together whatever I had in the fridge, and lo and behold, I created a dish that quickly became a family favorite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability — you can use whatever vegetables or protein you have on hand, making it a go-to for clearing out the fridge. Plus, it’s packed with flavor, thanks to the umami-rich sauce that coats every strand of noodle.
Tips and Tricks
- Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and proteins before you start cooking. This will save you precious minutes during the cooking process.
- Use Leftovers: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Just toss them in at the end to heat through.
- Noodle Choice: You can use fresh or dried lo mein noodles. If using dried, make sure to cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the stir-fry.
- Sauce Variations: Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste. Adding a touch of sesame oil or chili paste can kick it up a notch!
Make Ahead Tips
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep a few components in advance. Chop vegetables and proteins up to 2 days ahead and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. You can also mix the sauce ingredients ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. When ready to cook, everything will be at your fingertips, ensuring a super quick meal.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap out chicken or shrimp for tofu, and ensure your sauce is soy sauce-based without any fish sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles or rice noodles along with tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Spicy Lo Mein: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
How to Serve
Serve your 15 Minute Lo Mein hot, straight from the pan. For an appealing presentation, place the noodles in a shallow bowl or on a plate, and top with fresh green onions and sesame seeds. A sprinkle of cilantro or a wedge of lime can also elevate the dish. Pair it with some crispy spring rolls or a side of steamed edamame for a complete meal.
Pairing Suggestions
Complement your Lo Mein with a light, refreshing drink like a chilled jasmine tea or a crisp Riesling. If you prefer cocktails, a classic Mai Tai or a Singapore Sling works beautifully. For dessert, consider serving mango sticky rice or green tea ice cream to round out your Asian-inspired meal.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to bring the noodles back to life. While freezing is possible, the texture may not be as pleasing upon thawing.
Equipment Needed
You’ll need a large skillet or wok to stir-fry the ingredients effectively. If you don’t have a wok, a large non-stick frying pan will work just as well. A good set of kitchen knives for chopping, and measuring spoons for the sauce, are also essential.
Dietary Adaptations
- Vegan: Use tofu or tempeh in place of meat and ensure your sauce is free from fish sauce.
- Nut-Free: Replace any nut-based oils with vegetable or canola oil.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, take advantage of fresh vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and snap peas. In the fall or winter, consider using heartier vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bok choy, which can hold up well in the stir-frying process.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles? Yes, while not traditional, spaghetti can work in a pinch.
- Why is my Lo Mein sticky? This can happen if the noodles were not rinsed well after cooking or if they were overcooked.
- How long does it take to cook the noodles? Fresh lo mein noodles typically take 3-5 minutes, while dried noodles may take 7-10 minutes.
15 Minute Lo Mein
15 Minute Lo Mein is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen in no time at all.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. lo mein noodles (fresh or dried)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or mushroom sauce for vegan)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, snow peas)
- 1 cup cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: If using dried lo mein noodles, cook according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Set aside.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables to the hot pan and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Protein: Toss in your cooked protein and stir-fry for an additional minute.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles and sauce to the pan. Toss everything together and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 327Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 1143mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 5gSugar: 3gProtein: 32g
Asianplated.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
In just 15 minutes, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that rivals takeout. This 15 Minute Lo Mein is not only quick and easy but also adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, this dish is sure to please. I encourage you to try it out and make it your own with different ingredients and flavors. Happy cooking!
