While researching for a simple and approachable at home lo mein noodles recipe, I realized I’ve been over complicating this dish for a long time now. I also learned the difference between chow mein and lo mein.

Chow mein is stir fried noodles, while lo mein simply means mixed with sauce. So, lo mein requires no frying at all. This means, there’s really no way you can mess this up. No more overcooked, soggy noodles that stick together. Maybe one day I’ll perfect stir fried noodles, but for now, I’m happy with this lo mein.

Recipe Notes:

This lo mein recipe is a base level recipe. There’s no added protein and very minimal vegetable. We’re focusing on the method and sauce. That way once you get this down, which I’m sure you’ll get down on the first try, you can build from there; adding beef, chicken, shrimp, bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms or whatever else you choose.
You’ll notice the my lo mein isn’t as dark/pigmented as other recipes. That’s because 1) I didn’t have dark soy sauce, and 2) the noodles I used were made with egg whites only, so they aren’t as yellow as other noddles you may find at the store. Don’t let the lack of color fool you though. This lo mein recipe packs all the delicious umami flavor you’re hoping for and is just as flavorful the next day. Head to your local Asian market for the right type of noodles.
- If you don’t live near an Asian market, use thin spaghetti noodles cooked till al dente.
You’ll also notice there is no salt added to this recipe. The oyster sauce and soy sauce used contains all the salt you need. Adding any additional salt would be overkill. Also, if you do not have Maggi seasoning, don’t fret. It adds an additional umami boost, but it’s not necessary. However, I highly recommend you adding this to your pantry arsenal. It has a distinct way of enhancing savory dishes in a way that using soy sauce alone can’t deliver. I definitely utilize it is many dishes and not just when I’m creating an Asian inspired dish.

Enough of the notes, let’s cook!

Lo Mein Noodles

Yields: 3 servings

Prep Time: 2 mins | Cook Time: 5 mins | Total Time: 7 mins

Ingredients

10 oz egg noodles
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp Maggi seasoning
1/2 tsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 cup diced white onion
3 green onion (whites & green separated)

Special Tools

Wok

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, Maggi seasoning, rice vinegar and sesame oil. Set aside.
Next, prepare the lo mein noodles according the the package instructions. While the noodles are cooking, prep the wok with the onions.
Heat the wok on high heat until it is smoking. Add the vegetable oil, white onion and whites of the green onion. Sauté for 4 minutes.
Turn off the heat to the wok, add the noodles, sauce and remaining green onion. Stir until well combined. Serve while hot.

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