15 Minute Lo Mein – Quick & Easy Weeknight Noodle Stir-Fry

Looking for a fast, satisfying weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor? This 15 Minute Lo Mein is a lifesaver for busy evenings, combining tender noodles with crisp-tender vegetables and a glossy, umami-rich sauce. With a base of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar, this dish delivers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or meal prepping for the week, this quick lo mein recipe is adaptable, comforting, and endlessly versatile. Add your favorite proteins, swap vegetables based on what’s in season, or make it entirely vegetarian for a fast, wholesome, restaurant-quality dinner from your own stovetop.

Why This Recipe Works

This 15 Minute Lo Mein works because it balances speed, flavor, and texture without sacrificing authenticity. Unlike heavier, slow-cooked stir-fries, this recipe maximizes flavor in minutes by combining a savory umami sauce, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles. Every bite is a harmony of soft, tender noodles, crisp-tender vegetables, and aromatic seasoning.

The recipe is highly customizable: use any vegetables you have on hand, add tofu, shrimp, or chicken, and adjust the sauce to taste. The balance of salty, slightly sweet, and nutty notes gives the noodles a restaurant-quality flavor in a fraction of the time.

Flavor Layering

1. Aromatic base: The white parts of green onions and garlic gently sautéed create a fragrant start.

2. Umami-rich sauce: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar deepen the savory profile.

3. Textural contrast: Crisp-tender vegetables and chewy noodles provide a satisfying mouthfeel.

4. Finishing touches: Green onion tops or optional sesame seeds add freshness and visual appeal.

Technique

• Quick stir-frying: High heat and constant tossing ensure vegetables stay crisp while flavors meld with the noodles.

• Deglazing: Adding a small splash of water or vegetable broth lifts the browned bits from the pan, concentrating flavor without burning.

• Tossing noodles: Coating noodles in sauce over heat allows even absorption and glossy, flavorful strands.

Cooking Logic

1. Start with a fragrant aromatic base — this creates a depth of flavor without long cooking.

2. Cook vegetables until just tender — ensures a contrast of texture with soft noodles.

3. Combine noodles with sauce at the end — prevents overcooking and ensures each strand is evenly coated.

4. Optional garnishes are added last to provide freshness, crunch, and visual appeal.

Recipe Info

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated (optional)

Lo Mein

• 4–6 ounces dried ramen noodles or spaghetti

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)

• 2–3 cups mixed vegetables, sliced or julienned (carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, mushrooms, broccoli, or bok choy)

• 1–2 tablespoons water or vegetable broth (to deglaze the pan)

Ingredient Breakdown (Professional Notes)

1. Soy Sauce (3 tbsp): Salty backbone of the dish; adds savory umami depth.

2. Oyster Sauce (3 tbsp): Adds sweetness, richness, and that signature “takeout” flavor.

3. Sesame Oil (1 tsp + 1 tbsp): Provides nutty aroma and depth; strong flavor, so use sparingly.

4. Sugar (1 tsp): Balances salty sauces and enhances slight caramelization.

5. Garlic (1 clove): Adds warm, aromatic notes; optional for mild palates.

6. Dried Noodles (4–6 oz): Quick-cooking, absorbs sauce well; ramen or spaghetti both work.

7. Green Onions (3, separated): White parts for cooking aromatics; green tops for garnish and freshness.

8. Mixed Vegetables (2–3 cups): Adds crunch, color, and nutrients; julienne or thinly slice for even cooking.

9. Water/Broth (1–2 tbsp): Deglazes the pan and prevents sticking while concentrating flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, and the optional grated garlic.

   • Taste and adjust: the sauce should be savory with a subtle sweetness and rich umami notes. Set aside.

2. Cook the Noodles:

   • Boil 4–6 ounces of noodles according to package instructions until al dente.

   • Drain and rinse briefly under warm water to prevent sticking. Toss lightly with a few drops of sesame oil if desired. Set aside.

3. Stir-Fry Vegetables:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

   • Add the white parts of 3 sliced green onions first, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.

   • Add 2–3 cups of mixed vegetables (julienned carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, cabbage, or bok choy) and stir-fry 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender.

4. Deglaze the Pan:

   • Add 1–2 tablespoons of water or vegetable broth to loosen any browned bits stuck to the pan.

   • This concentrates the flavor while keeping vegetables from overcooking or sticking.

5. Combine Noodles and Sauce:

   • Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with vegetables. Pour in about half of the prepared sauce.

   • Toss continuously over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, ensuring noodles are evenly coated.

   • Add more sauce gradually if needed until noodles have a rich, glossy appearance.

6. Finish and Garnish:

   • Remove from heat. Sprinkle the green parts of green onions over the top for freshness and color.

   • Optionally, add sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or chili flakes for additional texture and flavor.

7. Serve Immediately:

   • Plate in shallow bowls or on a serving platter. Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.

Texture & Flavor Profile

• Noodles: Tender yet slightly chewy; should absorb sauce without becoming mushy.

• Vegetables: Crisp-tender; maintain color and a slight bite.

• Sauce: Silky, umami-rich, with subtle sweetness and nuttiness from sesame oil.

• Overall: Balanced savory-sweet flavor, mild garlic aroma, and fresh herbal brightness from green onions.

Tips for Best Results

1. Prep ingredients ahead: Julienne vegetables and slice green onions before heating the pan. Stir-frying is quick; prep ensures nothing overcooks.

2. High heat is key: Keeps vegetables crisp and enhances flavor.

3. Don’t over-sauce: Add gradually to avoid soggy noodles.

4. Customize protein: Add sliced tofu, shrimp, chicken, or beef for a more filling dish.

5. Optional aromatics: Add ginger, chili oil, or a splash of rice vinegar for extra depth.

Variations

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Use plant-based oyster sauce alternatives or mushroom soy sauce.

• Gluten-Free: Swap regular soy sauce with tamari and use rice noodles.

• Spicy: Add sriracha, red chili flakes, or a dash of gochujang to the sauce.

• Protein-Boost: Toss in cooked shrimp, thinly sliced chicken, or firm tofu.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a main dish with a light Asian-inspired salad.

• Pair with spring rolls or edamame for a full meal.

• Great for meal prep — store in airtight containers, and reheat quickly in a skillet with a splash of water.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Not recommended for long-term freezing as noodles may become mushy.

• Reheating: Toss gently in a hot skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive texture.

Nutrition Overview (Per Serving, 4 Servings)

• Calories: ~320 kcal

• Protein: ~9 g

• Fat: ~8 g

• Saturated Fat: ~1 g

• Carbohydrates: ~48 g

• Fiber: ~4 g

• Sugar: ~6 g

• Sodium: ~780 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use spaghetti instead of ramen noodles?

   • Yes, spaghetti or other thin pasta works well; cook to al dente for best texture.

2. How do I make it vegan?

   • Use tamari instead of soy sauce and vegan oyster sauce. Skip optional egg noodles.

3. Can I prep vegetables ahead?

   • Absolutely! Slice and store in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.

4. How do I store leftovers without soggy noodles?

   • Store noodles separate from sauce if possible, and reheat briefly in a hot skillet.

5. Can I make it spicy?

   • Yes, add chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes while tossing noodles in the sauce.

This 15 Minute Lo Mein proves that you don’t need to order takeout to enjoy vibrant, flavorful Asian-inspired noodles. With a few pantry staples, fresh vegetables, and a simple umami sauce, you can achieve a restaurant-quality dish in minutes. The key lies in layered flavor, high-heat stir-frying, and proper sauce-to-noodle ratio. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a quick lunch, it’s versatile, satisfying, and easily customized to your dietary preferences.

Whether served solo, as a family meal, or alongside other Asian-inspired dishes, this recipe delivers speed, comfort, and bold flavor in every bite.

15-minute-lo-mein-quick-stir-fry

Olivia Harris

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Vegan

Cuisine Asian-Inspired

Servings 3

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

• Sauce:
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 small garlic clove finely grated (optional)
• Lo Mein:
• 4 –6 ounces dried ramen noodles or spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 green onions sliced (white and green parts separated)
• 2 –3 cups mixed vegetables sliced or julienned
• carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, mushrooms, broccoli, or bok choy work well
• 1 –2 tablespoons water or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan

Instructions

 

• Make the sauce: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and garlic until well combined. Set aside.
• Cook the noodles: Boil the noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
• Stir-fry vegetables: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the green onions and the vegetables. Stir-fry for about 4–5 minutes, until crisp-tender.
• Deglaze: Add the water or vegetable broth to loosen any browned bits from the pan.
• Combine: Add the cooked noodles and about half of the sauce. Toss well over heat until evenly coated. Add more sauce as needed until the noodles are a rich, glossy brown.
• Finish: Remove from heat and garnish with the green onion tops. Serve immediately.

Notes

This easy lo mein recipe is a fast, flavorful alternative to takeout and comes together in just minutes. Made with pantry-friendly noodles, a savory umami sauce, and colorful vegetables, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Fully customizable with your favorite protein, this dish works great as a vegetarian or vegan stir-fry meal.