Easy Weeknight Lo Mein Recipe

This Easy Weeknight Lo Mein Recipe is better than takeout! All you need is 25 minutes and some staple ingredients to make it.

Why you'll love this recipe

• Weeknight recipe: It's perfect for busy evenings and comes together in less than 25 minutes.
• Pantry staples: It's made with ingredients you probably already have at home.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Lo mein noodles – try spaghetti, fettucine or linguine instead.
• Sunflower oil – or another neutral cooking oil like avocado oil.
• Chicken breasts – swap out for another protein like shrimp, beef or tofu.
• Carrot matchsticks – use another veggie like celery instead.
• Sliced mushrooms – zucchini would also be good here.
• Red pepper – swap out for any colour bell pepper.
• Snap peas – green beans or edamame would also be good.
• Green onions – garnish with diced white onion instead.
• Sesame seeds – black or white sesame seeds would both work.

Sauce

• Chicken broth – vegetable broth is the best substitute here.
• Soy sauce – use coconut aminos or tamari instead.
• Hoisin sauce – swap out for more soy sauce or use oyster sauce.
• Cornstarch – potato starch would also help thicken the sauce.
• Sesame oil – you can use olive oil, but it won't have the same flavour.
• Garlic – garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

How to make lo mein

Step 1: Cook the noodles.

Cook until softened, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the sauce.

Mix the chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil and garlic together.

Step 3: Brown the chicken.

Cook the chicken until browned, then remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the veggies.

Sauté in the pan until softened.

Step 5: Add everything to the pan.

Add the chicken back to the pan with the veggies, then pour in the sauce.

Step 6: Add the noodles.

Cook until the sauce is thickened, then add the noodles and serve.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between lo mein and chow mein?

The main difference is the noodles and the sauce. Lo mein noodles are chewier and thicker, while chow mein noodles are crunchier and thinner. Lo mein is also made with a thicker sauce, while chow mein is milder and lighter.

What kind of noodles are best?

Lo mein egg noodles are the traditional option for this dish, but you could also use spaghetti, linguine or fettucine.

Do you need to use a wok?

I do find that the wok helps give the veggies and chicken a nice texture and cooks everything more evenly, but a large pan will work just as well.

Storage tips

Storing: Store the leftovers in the fridge for 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze the lo mein for 3 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating: Sprinkle some water or extra sauce overtop, then reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a pan on the stovetop.

Meal prep tools

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls to pack up your weekly lunches.
• Meal prep with your freezer! Butcher Box, conveniently delivers a variety of meats to your door frozen.