Sesame Garlic Lo Mein: Savory and Glazed
Focused on aromatics, this dish relies on toasted sesame oil and fresh garlic to create a deep flavor profile without needing meat.
Sesame and Garlic
7 Easy Homemade Lo Mein Recipes
Curated by Cooking with Kendra Editorial TeamUpdated May 25, 2026
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Lo mein shows up on weeknight tables for a reason—it bridges the gap between a cleaning-out-the-fridge meal and a restaurant-style dinner. Most of these recipes rely on a high-heat stir-fry and a balance of savory liquids to get that characteristic glossy finish.
Whether you're using traditional egg noodles or a pantry pasta substitute, these versions focus on simple techniques that work on any stovetop. By prepping your ingredients ahead of time, you can have a substantial meal ready in less time than it takes for a delivery driver to arrive.
Meatless Lo Mein with Fresh Vegetables
These meatless versions prioritize fresh aromatics and crisp vegetables, providing a lighter alternative to protein-heavy dishes. Because they rely on pantry staples like soy sauce and garlic, they're often the fastest options to get on the table.-
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Vegetable Lo Mein Stir Fry: Better Than Takeout
High-heat stir-frying keeps the bell peppers and snap peas bright and crunchy, making it a fast choice for meatless nights.
Loaded with Vegetables -
Soy Sauce Noodles: Simple and Savory
The fastest option in the collection, these noodles use two types of soy sauce to build color and saltiness in one pan.
Ready in 15 Minutes
Easy Shrimp and Beef Lo Mein Recipes
Achieving a high-quality sear on beef and shrimp without overcooking the protein is the focus here. Both recipes use specific timing to ensure the meat stays tender while the noodles absorb the savory glaze.-
Shrimp Lo Mein: Healthy and Better Than Takeout
This version uses large shrimp and a quick searing method to ensure the protein stays tender while the vegetables maintain a crisp texture.
Quick Shrimp Option -
The Ultimate Beef Lo Mein: Tender and Glossy
Utilizing the velveting technique, the beef remains exceptionally soft and absorbs the savory glaze for a result that mimics high-end takeout.
Tender Beef Slices
Quick Chicken Lo Mein with Pasta
If you don't have traditional egg noodles on hand, these recipes show how to use common pasta shapes as a reliable substitute. The sauces are formulated to cling to the smooth surface of spaghetti or linguine for a consistent bite.-
Chicken Lo Mein Pasta: Better-Than-Takeout
Designed for family dinners, this recipe uses thin-sliced chicken breast that cooks through in minutes and pairs with a traditional dark sauce.
Family-Friendly Chicken -
Classic Oyster Sauce Pasta: Savory and Glossy
This pasta-based stir-fry uses oyster sauce to provide an umami-rich coating that clings perfectly to round noodles or thick spaghetti.
Umami-Rich Sauce
Quick Comparison
| Recipes | Best For | Time | Difficulty | Protein Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shrimp Lo Mein | Seafood lovers | 30 min | Easy | Shrimp |
| Sesame Garlic Lo Mein | Meatless weeknights | 25 min | Easy | None |
| Vegetable Lo Mein Stir Fry | Using up produce | 20 min | Easy | Vegetables |
| Chicken Lo Mein Pasta | Easy family dinners | 30 min | Easy | Chicken |
| Beef Lo Mein Recipe | Takeout-style beef | 30 min | Easy | Beef |
| Soy Sauce Noodles | Maximum speed | 15 min | Easy | None |
| Classic Oyster Sauce Pasta | Simple pantry cooking | Time varies | Easy | None |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between the different protein options in this collection?
Choose shrimp or thinly sliced beef for a restaurant-style experience, or stick with vegetable and sesame options for a faster, lighter meatless dinner.
What is the difference between lo mein and chow mein?
Lo mein uses boiled noodles that are tossed with sauce at the end, while chow mein typically involves frying the noodles for a more brittle texture.
Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?
Yes, spaghetti or linguine work well as substitutes because they have a similar thickness and bite to traditional lo mein egg noodles.
How do I keep my noodles from getting soggy?
Avoid overcooking the noodles in water; boiling them until they are just underdone allows them to finish cooking in the stir-fry pan.
Can these recipes be prepped ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can store lo mein for 2–3 days and reheat it in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
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