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Classic Plain Lo Mein Noodles Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 87 reviews

This Classic Plain Lo Mein Noodles recipe delivers tender, flavorful noodles coated in a savory soy-based sauce with aromatic garlic, ginger, and green onions. Perfect as a simple meal on its own or as a versatile base for your favorite vegetables and proteins, this quick and easy stir-fried dish brings authentic Asian flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Noodles

  • 1 lb fresh lo mein noodles (or 12 oz dried egg noodles, cooked al dente)

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup light soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color, optional)
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, but highly recommended for flavor)
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (to add at the end of the sauce)

For Stir-Fry

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for tossing noodles)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated or minced)
  • 2 green onions (sliced, white and green parts separated)

Instructions

  1. Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh lo mein noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 2-3 minutes for fresh, 5-7 minutes for dried). Do not overcook.
  2. Drain and Oil Noodles: Drain the noodles thoroughly in a colander. For fresh noodles, quickly rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, then drain well. Toss the drained noodles with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to prevent clumping. Set aside.
  3. Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together light soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), oyster sauce (if using), granulated sugar, and white pepper. In a separate small bowl, combine cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry. Add slurry and sesame oil to the sauce mixture and whisk until well combined. Set aside.
  4. Heat Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Stir-Fry Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked and oiled lo mein noodles to the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles. Using tongs or two spatulas, toss continuously for 2-3 minutes to evenly coat noodles and heat through. The sauce will thicken slightly.
  6. Add Green Onions: Add the green parts of the sliced green onions and toss for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until they are just wilted but still vibrant.
  7. Serve: Transfer the plain lo mein noodles to serving plates immediately and serve hot. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For richer flavor, add a splash of Shaoxing wine to the sauce mixture.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with garlic and ginger for some heat.
  • This plain lo mein works well alone or as a base for stir-fried vegetables and proteins.

Keywords: lo mein, noodle recipe, Chinese noodles, stir-fry noodles, easy lo mein, classic lo mein, vegetable oil, soy sauce noodles

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/classic-plain-lo-mein-noodles-recipe/