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To make a delicious Minute Lo Mein, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz of lo mein noodles - 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, snap peas) - 1 cup of cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated - 1 garlic clove, minced - 2 green onions, sliced - Sesame seeds for garnish (optional) Each ingredient plays a role in creating the dish's taste. The lo mein noodles are the base, giving the meal its hearty texture. Mixed veggies add color and crunch. You can choose chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein, making it flexible for your taste. Soy sauce brings depth with its salty flavor, while sesame oil adds a rich, nutty note. The ginger and garlic provide warmth and aroma, making the dish fragrant and appetizing. Green onions give a fresh finish, and sesame seeds can add a nice crunch if you like. This combination creates a quick, tasty meal that’s easy to customize. Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have at home or what you enjoy. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Boil 8 oz of lo mein noodles in a large pot. 2. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes, or until tender. 3. Drain the noodles and set them aside. 1. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add 1 minced garlic clove and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. 3. Sauté for about 1 minute until you smell the aroma. 1. If you want, add 1 cup of cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the skillet. 2. Next, stir in 1 cup of mixed vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas. 3. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp. 1. Add the drained lo mein noodles to the skillet. 2. Pour in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and mix everything well. 3. Toss gently for about 2 minutes until heated through. 1. Remove the skillet from heat. 2. Top your dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like. 3. Serve hot in bowls, and enjoy your meal! - Cooking noodles perfectly: Boil the lo mein noodles for 4-5 minutes. Check them at 4 minutes. They should be soft but not mushy. Drain them well and set aside. - Sautéing vegetables for optimal texture: Cook your mixed vegetables for 3-4 minutes. You want them tender yet crisp. This adds freshness and color to your dish. - Adding spicy elements: Want a kick? Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. This simple change can elevate your lo mein. - Using complementary sauces: Try adding oyster sauce or hoisin sauce. These sauces bring depth and richness to the dish. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. - Essential cookware for efficiency: Use a large skillet or wok for even cooking. A pot for boiling noodles is also key. These tools help you cook quickly and evenly. - Recommended utensils: A spatula works well for tossing everything together. A colander is great for draining noodles. Keep these tools handy for a smooth cooking process. Pro Tips Cook Noodles Al Dente: To ensure your lo mein noodles maintain a good texture, cook them just until they are al dente. This will help prevent them from becoming mushy when tossed with other ingredients. Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also add a vibrant color to your dish. Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies for a different twist! Customize Your Protein: This recipe is versatile; you can use chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Experiment with your favorite proteins or even mix and match for a heartier dish. Garnish Generously: Don't skip the green onions and sesame seeds! They add a delightful crunch and flavor that elevates the dish. Consider adding some chili flakes for an extra kick! {{image_2}} You can pick different proteins for your Minute Lo Mein. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu all add great flavor. - Chicken: It gives a hearty bite and is easy to cook. - Shrimp: This option adds a sweet and tender taste. - Tofu: A solid choice for vegetarians or those wanting a lighter meal. If you're looking for vegetarian alternatives, consider using tempeh or seitan. They both provide a nice texture and can absorb flavors well. The vegetables in your Lo Mein can change with the seasons. Using fresh produce makes your dish vibrant and tasty. - Seasonal Ideas: In spring, try asparagus and snap peas. In fall, use butternut squash and broccoli. - Frozen vs. Fresh: Frozen vegetables are quick and often just as nutritious. Fresh veggies bring a crisp texture. Try mixing and matching to keep every meal exciting! Experimenting with sauces can take your Lo Mein to the next level. - Sauce Options: Try teriyaki, hoisin, or chili sauce for a twist. Each adds a unique flavor profile. - Herbs and Spices: Adding garlic, ginger, or cilantro can enhance taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes brings heat. Feel free to be creative! Discover what flavors excite your taste buds. To store leftovers, let the lo mein cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days in the fridge. I recommend using glass containers for easy reheating and cleaning. For the best reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave; just cover the bowl to trap steam. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. You can freeze lo mein for up to three months. Portion it in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out the air before sealing. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave on defrost. Reheat in a skillet after thawing for the best texture. Making Minute Lo Mein is quick and easy. You need about 10 minutes for prep. Cooking takes around 10 minutes. So, the total time is just 20 minutes. You can make it even faster if you have some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu ready. Yes, you can use other noodles. Some good alternatives are spaghetti, rice noodles, or even egg noodles. If you use spaghetti, cook it for 8-10 minutes. Rice noodles only need 3-5 minutes to soften. Check the package for exact times to avoid overcooking. If you need a soy sauce substitute, use tamari. It is gluten-free and has a similar flavor. Coconut aminos also work well and add a sweet touch. For a low-sodium option, choose low-sodium soy sauce. You can also try liquid aminos for a healthy choice. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook it in advance and store it in the fridge. It stays good for about 3-4 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. To keep the veggies crisp, add them fresh before serving. This blog post covered how to make quick and tasty lo mein. We explored the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared ideas for variations, from proteins to sauces, ensuring you customize your dish. Proper storage and reheating tips guarantee freshness for your meals. Remember, cooking can be fun and rewarding! With these insights, you can create a delicious dish each time. Enjoy your lo mein adventure and keep experimenting in the kitchen!

Quick & Easy Minute Lo Mein

A simple and delicious lo mein recipe that can be made 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 (carrots, bell peppers, snap peas)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 pieces green onions, sliced
  • to taste sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling water, cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions (usually around 4-5 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • If using, add the cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the skillet. Then stir in the mixed vegetables. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  • Add the drained lo mein noodles to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and toss everything together gently until well coated and heated through, about 2 more minutes.
  • Remove from heat. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot in bowls.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your choice of protein.
Keyword easy recipe, lo mein, quick meal