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Classic Plain Lo Mein Noodles Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 105 reviews

Classic Plain Lo Mein Noodles is a simple yet flavorful Chinese stir-fried noodle dish made with fresh or dried egg noodles tossed in a savory soy-based sauce, enhanced with garlic, ginger, and green onions. This quick and easy recipe results in perfectly coated, tender noodles with a slightly thickened sauce, ideal as a main dish or versatile base for adding vegetables or proteins.

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)

Cooking

  • 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 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). Do not overcook to maintain the perfect texture.
  2. Drain and Oil the 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 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. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry and sesame oil to the sauce mixture and whisk until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of 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.
  5. Toss Noodles with Sauce: Add the cooked and oiled noodles to the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles. Use tongs or spatulas to toss continuously for 2-3 minutes, ensuring even coating and heating. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks.
  6. Add Green Onions: Stir in the green parts of the sliced green onions. Toss for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until the green onions are just wilted but still vibrant.
  7. Serve: Immediately transfer the Plain Lo Mein Noodles to serving plates and enjoy hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For richer flavor, add a splash of Shaoxing wine to the sauce mixture.
  • To add heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes along with garlic and ginger during stir-frying.
  • This plain lo mein can be served on its own or as a base for adding stir-fried vegetables or proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu.

Keywords: lo mein, plain lo mein, stir-fried noodles, Chinese noodles, easy lo mein, egg noodles recipe

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