Weeknight Lo Mein
Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? If you’re searching for a dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen, look no further than this delicious Weeknight Lo Mein. With its vibrant vegetables, savory sauces, and perfectly cooked noodles, this recipe is not only quick and easy but also a delightful way to bring some excitement to your meal rotation. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is a simple yet satisfying option that can be customized to your liking. Let’s dive into the details of this scrumptious recipe!
Top Reasons to Make Weeknight Lo Mein
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Customizable: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand, or add protein like chicken or tofu.
- Deliciously Flavorful: A perfect balance of savory, spicy, and umami flavors makes every bite satisfying.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required—everything cooks in one pan!
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, making it a go-to weeknight meal.
What You’ll Gather
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Chinese oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Chinese chile-garlic sauce, plus more for serving
- 12 ounces lo mein noodles (or substitute fresh linguine or spaghetti)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded and caps thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 6 ounces snow peas, trimmed
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
Equipment at a Glance
- Large Pot: For boiling the noodles.
- Wok or Large Skillet: Ideal for stir-frying the ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Cooking Utensils: Use a spatula or wooden spoon for stirring.
Directions: Weeknight Lo Mein
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Begin by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Ensure they are al dente, then drain and set aside. If using fresh linguine or spaghetti, follow the same cooking instructions.
Step 2: Combine the Sauces
In a small bowl, mix together the low-sodium chicken broth, low-sodium soy sauce, Chinese oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, and Chinese chile-garlic sauce. Set this mixture aside as it will be the flavorful base of your lo mein.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. This ensures a good sear on the vegetables and noodles.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies
Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the pan and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add the minced ginger and garlic, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Add More Vegetables
Toss in the snow peas and broccoli florets, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. The colors should be vibrant, and the vegetables should maintain a slight crunch.
Step 6: Combine with Noodles
Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the pan, pouring the sauce mixture over everything. Using tongs or a spatula, gently toss to coat the noodles and vegetables evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing everything to heat through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from the heat and garnish with thinly sliced scallions. Serve the Weeknight Lo Mein hot, with extra Chinese chile-garlic sauce on the side for those who like it spicy. Enjoy your homemade takeout-style meal!
Make It Fit Your Plan
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the oyster sauce with a vegetarian version or simply increase the soy sauce.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap out noodles for spiralized vegetables like zucchini or shirataki noodles.
- Spice Adjustment: Increase or decrease the amount of chile-garlic sauce based on your spice preference.
Method to the Madness
The brilliance of this Weeknight Lo Mein lies in its versatility. The key is to ensure that the vegetables are cooked but still retain some crunch, allowing them to shine alongside the noodles. The sauce is what ties everything together, so don’t hesitate to taste and adjust as you go. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of rice vinegar. Remember, the beauty of homemade lo mein is that you can make it uniquely yours!
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
Leftover Weeknight Lo Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water to the pan and stir-fry over medium heat until warmed through. If you wish to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop.
Weeknight Lo Mein FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can easily substitute them with fresh linguine, spaghetti, or even rice noodles based on your preference.
What if I can’t find oyster sauce?
If you can’t find oyster sauce, you can substitute it with additional soy sauce mixed with a bit of sugar or a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
You can add cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu to the stir-fry. Just ensure that the protein is cooked thoroughly before mixing it in with the noodles.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Weeknight Lo Mein is a great option for meal prep. Just prepare the dish in advance and store it in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have everything you need to create a delicious Weeknight Lo Mein, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! This recipe is not only a fantastic weeknight meal but also a wonderful way to enjoy homemade flavors in the comfort of your own home. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and relish in the joy of creating a meal that will surely please your family and friends. Happy cooking!
Weeknight Lo Mein
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Ensure they are al dente, then drain and set aside. If using fresh linguine or spaghetti, follow the same cooking instructions.
- In a small bowl, mix together the low-sodium chicken broth, low-sodium soy sauce, Chinese oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, and Chinese chile-garlic sauce. Set this mixture aside as it will be the flavorful base of your lo mein.
- In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. This ensures a good sear on the vegetables and noodles.
- Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the pan and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add the minced ginger and garlic, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the snow peas and broccoli florets, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. The colors should be vibrant, and the vegetables should maintain a slight crunch.
- Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the pan, pouring the sauce mixture over everything. Using tongs or a spatula, gently toss to coat the noodles and vegetables evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing everything to heat through.
- Remove the pan from the heat and garnish with thinly sliced scallions. Serve the Weeknight Lo Mein hot, with extra Chinese chile-garlic sauce on the side for those who like it spicy. Enjoy your homemade takeout-style meal!
Notes
- Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins for a personalized touch.
- For a vegetarian version, replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian alternative.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
