Fast, saucy takeout favorite
This 15-minute lo mein noodles recipe is the ultimate quick-fix dinner when cravings hit and time is tight. Slippery noodles tossed in a savory-slightly-sweet sauce, loaded with veggies, and ready faster than delivery—what’s not to love? Perfect for busy weeknights, lunch bowls, or last-minute meals, this easy lo mein uses simple pantry ingredients and one pan. It’s customizable, budget-friendly, and tastes just like your favorite takeout, but fresher and faster. 🍜✨
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 2–3
📝 Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, cabbage)
- 2 green onions, sliced
Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp water
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Medium pot
- Large skillet or wok
- Colander
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or tongs
- Measuring spoons
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the sauce in a small bowl until smooth.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. 😋
- Add vegetables and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Toss in noodles and pour sauce over the top.
- Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until noodles are evenly coated and glossy. 🍜
- Finish with green onions, toss once more, and serve hot. ✨
💡 Pro Tips
- Add protein: Toss in cooked chicken, beef strips, shrimp, or tofu.
- Spicy kick: Add chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
- No lo mein noodles? Spaghetti works perfectly in a pinch.
- Storage: Best eaten fresh, but leftovers keep 2 days refrigerated.