Description
This Classic Plain Lo Mein Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender noodles tossed in a savory soy-based sauce with garlic, ginger, and green onions. Perfect as a simple meal on its own or as a base for adding your favorite proteins and vegetables.
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 (optional, for color)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, 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-Frying
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for tossing noodles)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil, for stir-frying)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated or minced)
- 2 green onions (sliced, white and green parts separated)
Instructions
- Cook the 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). Avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
- Drain and Oil the Noodles: Drain the noodles thoroughly in a colander. For fresh noodles, rinse quickly with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking, then drain well. Toss the noodles with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to keep them from clumping. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together light soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), oyster sauce (if using), granulated sugar, and white pepper. Separately, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry, then add the slurry and sesame oil to the sauce mixture and whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat Aromatics: Warm 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, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Stir-Fry Noodles with Sauce: Add the cooked and oiled noodles into the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles. Using tongs or spatulas, continuously toss the noodles for 2-3 minutes to evenly coat them with the sauce and heat through. The sauce will thicken slightly during this process.
- Add Green Onions: Add the green parts of the sliced green onions and toss for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until the onions are just wilted but maintain their vibrant color.
- Serve: Immediately transfer the plain lo mein noodles to serving plates and enjoy hot as a delightful meal or side dish.
Notes
- For richer flavor, add a splash of Shaoxing wine to the sauce mixture.
- If you prefer some heat, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes along with garlic and ginger.
- This plain lo mein is versatile and works well as a base for stir-fried vegetables or protein additions like chicken, beef, tofu, or shrimp.
- Use peanut oil for a slightly nuttier flavor if desired.
Keywords: lo mein, Chinese noodles, stir-fry noodles, classic lo mein, easy noodle recipe