Go Back
A serving of savory plain lo mein noodles in a ceramic bowl with chopsticks, perfect for a quick and easy Plain Lo Mein Noodles Recipe.
Layla

Classic Plain Lo Mein Noodles Recipe

This easy recipe delivers perfectly cooked, savory lo mein noodles, tossed in a simple yet flavorful sauce, perfect as a side dish or a light meal. It's a quick and versatile staple for any home cook.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Noodles
  • 1 lb Fresh Lo Mein Noodles or dried egg noodles
  • 8 cups Water for boiling noodles
  • 1 tsp Salt for boiling noodles
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil for boiling noodles
For the Lo Mein Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce for color, optional
  • 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce optional, for deeper flavor
  • 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp White Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp Water or Chicken Broth
For Stir-Frying
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil or peanut oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 inch Fresh Ginger grated or minced
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil for finishing
  • 2 tbsp Green Onions sliced, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet or wok
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Tongs

Method
 

Prepare the Noodles
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt and 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 2-4 minutes for fresh noodles, 6-8 minutes for dried egg noodles). Drain well and rinse briefly with cold water to prevent sticking, then toss with 1 teaspoon of oil if desired. Set aside.
Make the Lo Mein Sauce
  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and white pepper. In a separate tiny bowl, combine cornstarch and 2 tbsp water or chicken broth to create a slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce mixture and whisk until well combined.
Stir-Fry Aromatics
  1. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Combine and Toss
  1. Add the cooked and drained noodles to the skillet/wok with the aromatics. Pour the prepared lo mein sauce over the noodles.
Finish Cooking
  1. Using tongs, toss the noodles continuously for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the sauce and heated through. The sauce will thicken slightly as it coats the noodles.
Serve
  1. Remove from heat. Drizzle with 1 tsp sesame oil and toss one last time. Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of water in the cornstarch slurry. You can easily add cooked protein like chicken or shrimp, or thinly sliced vegetables like carrots, cabbage, or bell peppers, during step 3 after the aromatics, if you wish to expand beyond "plain". Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.