Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein: Quick Recipe for a Delicious Meal

If you’re looking for a meal that feels special but won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours, you’re going to love this Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein: Quick Recipe for a Delicious Meal. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want something quick yet satisfying. With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce, this dish comes together in a flash and is sure to please everyone at the table.

What makes this recipe extra special is its versatility. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual family gathering, this lo mein can fit right into any occasion. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up even on days when you’re feeling a bit rushed. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this delightful dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: This recipe is ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves lo mein! It’s a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Flexible ingredients: You can easily swap out proteins or veggies based on what you have on hand.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of sauces and seasonings creates an irresistible taste experience.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep the ingredients ahead of time for an even quicker meal when you’re ready to cook.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be happy to know that this Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein requires simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry or fridge. Let’s gather everything we need for this delicious dish!

For the Noodles

• 1 pound lo mein noodles (fresh or dried)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for noodles)

For Cooking

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Protein

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced (or substitute with shrimp, beef, or tofu)

For the Vegetables

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)

For the Sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional but highly recommended)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water (for cornstarch slurry)

Variations

One of the best things about this Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you have at home.

• Swap the protein: Use shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken for different flavors and textures.
• Add more veggies: Toss in broccoli florets or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add some chili flakes or Sriracha if you like a little heat in your meal.
• Make it vegetarian: Simply leave out the meat and use extra veggies or tofu for a hearty vegetarian option.

How to Make Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein: Quick Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and white pepper. Adding chicken broth or water helps create a nice consistency. In another small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry; this will help thicken our sauce later. Whisk everything until smooth and set aside—this step sets the foundation for our flavorful dish!

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Cook your lo mein noodles according to package directions until they are al dente. Drain them and rinse under cold water—this prevents them from sticking together later. Tossing them with sesame oil adds an extra layer of flavor while keeping them from clumping.

Step 3: Prepare Protein and Vegetables

Slice your chicken thinly to ensure quick cooking. Then slice your bell peppers and mushrooms while shredding those colorful carrots. Don’t forget to slice green onions as well—they make for a lovely garnish! Mince your garlic and grate fresh ginger; these aromatics are key to building flavor in our lo mein.

Step 4: Cook the Protein

Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add your sliced chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes should do it! If you’re using another protein like shrimp or tofu, adjust cooking times accordingly. When done, remove from wok and set aside; we’ll add this back later!

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables

In that same hot wok, add your bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots. Sauté these until they are tender-crisp—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Cooking them just right keeps their vibrant colors and crunch intact!

Step 6: Add Aromatics

Now it’s time to get fragrant! Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the wok and sauté for about 30 seconds until they’re aromatic—trust me; your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Return your cooked chicken back into the wok along with those beautiful sautéed vegetables. Then add in your cooked lo mein noodles—we’re almost there!

Step 8: Add Sauce and Cook

Pour that delicious sauce over everything in the wok. Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly; cooking it together allows flavors to meld beautifully. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and coated with thickened sauce.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat once everything’s perfectly mixed! Garnish with sliced green onions for that final touch before serving immediately—enjoy every bite of this scrumptious meal!

Now you’ve got an incredible Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein ready in no time! Perfectly balanced flavors will make everyone come back for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein: Quick Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Making the perfect Lo Mein can be simple and rewarding with just a few helpful tips!

• Prep All Ingredients First: Having everything chopped and ready to go before you start cooking will streamline the process and ensure that you don’t overcook any ingredients while you’re busy prepping.

• Use High Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat helps to quickly sear your protein and vegetables, giving them that delightful texture while sealing in their flavors.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking proteins or vegetables, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows for better browning and prevents steaming, which can make your dish soggy.

• Taste as You Go: Adjusting the seasoning while cooking ensures that the flavors are balanced to your preference. Don’t hesitate to add a dash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of pepper if it needs a little more kick!

• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing your Lo Mein to sit for a minute after cooking lets the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste when served.

How to Serve Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein: Quick Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Presenting your Lo Mein can elevate your meal experience! Here are some suggestions on how to serve this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Sliced Green Onions: Adding fresh green onions on top gives a burst of color and flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely crunch and an extra layer of nuttiness.
• Chili Flakes: If you enjoy some heat, a few chili flakes on top will spice things up beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Spring Rolls: These crispy delights filled with vegetables provide a crunchy contrast to the soft noodles and are perfect for dipping in sweet chili sauce.
• Edamame: Steamed edamame is not only nutritious but also offers a light, salty bite that pairs well with Lo Mein’s rich flavors.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful mix of stir-fried vegetables complements your Lo Mein beautifully while adding extra nutrients.
• Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup as a starter brings comforting umami flavors to your meal, making it feel more complete.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’re all set to impress your family or guests with your delicious Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein! Enjoy every savory bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein is perfect for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or quick lunches. You can prepare the sauce, chop your veggies, and even cook the noodles in advance for a speedy meal anytime!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Ensure it’s cooled down to room temperature before sealing.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze your lo mein, portion it into freezer-safe containers.
• It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein recipe that might help you out!

Can I use different proteins in this Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein?

Absolutely! This dish is versatile. You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu based on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I make this Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this recipe, simply replace the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables. The sauce will still provide that delicious flavor you love!

What type of noodles should I use for Lo Mein?

For authentic taste and texture, use fresh lo mein noodles if you can find them. Dried egg noodles or even spaghetti can work as alternatives in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Easy 15 Minute Lo Mein as much as I do! It’s a delightful blend of flavors that can easily be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re whipping it up for dinner or prepping meals for the week ahead, I’m confident this recipe will become a favorite. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations!