Description
This flavorful Lo Mein Noodles recipe combines perfectly cooked Asian noodles with a savory tamari-based sauce and a colorful medley of sautéed vegetables. With a balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes, it makes a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons Tamari sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure Asian sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Noodles
- 8 ounces fresh Asian noodles (or dry spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons pure Asian sesame oil
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 whole onion (thinly sliced)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups matchstick carrots (pre-cut from store)
- 1 1/2 cups bell pepper (seeded and roughly chopped)
- Thinly sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Sriracha (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Boil the Noodles: Fill a large pot with generously salted water and bring to a boil. Add the fresh Asian noodles or dry spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Toss Noodles with Sesame Oil: Immediately after draining, toss the hot noodles with 2 tablespoons of pure Asian sesame oil to prevent sticking and infuse them with flavor. Set the noodles aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons tamari sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Whisk well until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add Vegetables: Add the matchstick carrots and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they become tender but still retain some crunch.
- Toss Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked and oiled noodles into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the noodles and vegetables. Gently toss everything together to ensure all ingredients are coated well with the sauce and heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the lo mein to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Add a drizzle of sriracha if you prefer some heat. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the noodles to keep them chewy and enjoyable.
- You can substitute tamari sauce with soy sauce if you don’t have tamari but tamari is gluten-free and preferred for richer flavor.
- Feel free to add protein such as tofu, chicken, or beef to customize your lo mein.
- Mirin adds a subtle sweetness and depth, but you can use a sweet rice wine or a small amount of honey as a substitute if needed.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your spice tolerance.
