Lo Mein Noodles

Lo Mein Noodles are a quick pasta tossed in a simple soy-sesame sauce and ready in 15 minutes. Serve with Sriracha Tofu and Garlic Bok Choy.

I like this lo mein noodle recipe because it’s simple and fast, with no fancy or obscure ingredients required. The ingredients are pantry staples, the sauce takes minutes to make, and dinner is ready fast.

Lo Mein vs. Chow Mein

Lo mein and chow mein use the same basic ingredients but are different dishes. Lo mein noodles are boiled and tossed with sauce; the noodles are soft and coated. Chow mein noodles are stir-fried until they develop a bit of crispness. If you’ve had both at a Chinese restaurant, you already know the difference by texture. This recipe is lo mein: saucy, tender, and quick.

Ingredients for Lo Mein Noodles

Here is what you’ll need. Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.

• Soy Sauce. The base of the sauce. Regular soy sauce gives the best flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce can be used, but you may want to taste and adjust before tossing with the pasta.
• Granulated Sugar – Just enough to round out the soy sauce’s saltiness without tipping into sweetness.
• Toasted Sesame Oil – Toasted sesame oil is darker in color and more flavorful than plain sesame oil.
• Ground Ginger – Ground ginger is used for convenience. If you prefer fresh ginger, comment use about one teaspoon freshly grated.
• Sriracha Sauce – Optional, but a good addition for adding a little heat. Start with the amount on the recipe card, then add more to taste.
• Thin Spaghetti – Or linguine or capellini. Long pasta is the right shape for lo mein; it coats evenly and has the right texture once tossed with the sauce.
• Scallions (Green Onions) – A sprinkling before serving adds a pretty pop of color and a mild onion flavor that pairs well with the richness of the sesame oil.

How to Make Lo Mein Noodles

STEP ONE: Make the Sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and sriracha if using. Set aside.

STEP TWO: Cook the Pasta. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to the hot pot.

STEP THREE: Toss. Add the sauce to the hot pasta and toss gently until every strand is coated.

STEP FOUR: Serve. Top with chopped scallions and serve hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. The sauce keeps in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Having it ready means dinner is on the table in the time it takes to boil pasta.

Can I use tamari instead of soy sauce?

Yes. Tamari is a fine substitute. Soy sauce is lighter and saltier than tamari and is generally favored in Chinese cuisine, such as lo mein, while tamari carries a slightly richer flavor and is more popular in Japanese cooking. Both work well for this recipe.

Can I use rice noodles?

Yes. Rice noodles work and make this recipe gluten-free when paired with tamari. Cook them according to package directions, which vary by brand, and toss with the sauce the same way.

Which Asian noodles are vegan?

Udon, rice, and ramen noodles are generally vegan and work well for this recipe.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles. The microwave works, but the texture is better from the skillet.

More Asian-Inspired Recipes

• Sriracha Ramen Soup with Bok Choy and Shiitake Mushrooms
• Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Asparagus and Cucumber
• Ginger Vegetable Noodle Stir Fry
• Vegan Ginger Noodle Soup
• 4-Ingredient Stir Fry Sauce

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Easy Lo Mein Noodles Recipe

Homemade lo mein is a budget-friendly kid favorite that's easy to make with just 6 simple ingredients!

5 from 5 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Chinese

Keyword: 30 minutes or less, dairy free, kid favorites, lo mein, pasta, vegan, vegetarian

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 485kcal

Author: Holly Gray

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce or to taste – optional
• 16 ounces thin spaghetti or other long pasta such as linguine or capellini
• 2 tablespoons scallions chopped for garnish – optional

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and sriracha (if using). Set aside.
• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to the hot pot.
• Add sauce, gently tossing to coat.
• Sprinkle with scallions and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 91g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 1096mg | Potassium: 333mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 32IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg

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This post was updated April 7th, 2026.