Easy Lo Mein
A quick and flavorful Asian-inspired noodle dish featuring tender chicken or pork, crisp vegetables, and a savory soy-sesame sauce that appeals to all tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1/2 to 3/4 lb boneless skinless chicken or boneless pork, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, divided ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- crushed red pepper flakes to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 lb snow peas ⓘ
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to box directions, then drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large skillet over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil and cook the sliced meat until done. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir-fry the snow peas, sliced onion, and bean sprouts for 1 minute.
- Add the cooled, drained spaghetti to the pan and toss to combine.
- Return the cooked meat to the pan and fry the mixture until noodles and vegetables are well combined.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and remaining 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil. Toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer the lo mein to a large serving bowl and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker meal, you can substitute spaghetti with pre-cooked noodles or even ramen. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the chicken or pork with tofu and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness level, and consider adding a splash of oyster sauce for more depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lo mein hot, garnished with additional green onions for a fresh touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Egg White Drop Soup for a light appetizer or alongside a side of Green Beans Mandarin for a colorful vegetable option. Consider adding a protein like shrimp or tofu for a heartier meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water or broth to the pan and warm on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covered, for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Lo Mein contains roughly 398 calories, with 4g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2903mg per serving (126% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of noodle instead of spaghetti?
Yes, you can use any Asian noodles such as udon, lo mein, or rice noodles. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package to ensure they're prepared correctly before adding them to the stir-fry.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the meat in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before cooking. Adding a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving can also elevate the dish significantly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This lo mein is great for meal prep. Just make sure to store the noodles separately from the vegetables and sauce to maintain their texture. Combine everything before serving for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).