What is the difference between lo mein and chow mein?

Lo Mein ("tossed noodles") features soft, thicker noodles that are often boiled and then tossed with sauce and ingredients. Chow Mein ("fried noodles") typically uses thinner noodles that are stir-fried, often until slightly crispy, before being mixed with other components.

What kind of noodles are best for lo mein?

Traditional lo mein uses fresh or dried egg noodles, specifically "lo mein noodles," which are thick, round, and slightly chewy. If unavailable, fresh or dried spaghetti or linguine can be a decent substitute due to their similar texture.

Is lo mein supposed to be thick or thin?

Lo mein noodles are characteristically thick and round, providing a substantial, chewy texture. The dish itself should have a saucy, but not overly soupy, consistency, where the noodles are well-coated.

What sauce is lo mein made of?

A classic lo mein sauce typically includes soy sauce (light and/or dark), oyster sauce (for umami depth), sesame oil (for aroma), rice vinegar (for tang), a touch of sugar, and often cornstarch slurry to thicken it slightly.

Why is my lo mein soggy?

Lo mein can become soggy if the noodles are overcooked, if there's too much sauce relative to the noodles, or if vegetables release too much water during cooking. Ensure noodles are cooked al dente and vegetables are stir-fried quickly over high heat to prevent water release.

Can you use spaghetti for lo mein?

Yes, spaghetti can be a good substitute for lo mein noodles. Its thickness and texture, once cooked al dente, mimic traditional lo mein noodles reasonably well, making it a common alternative for home cooks.

Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe: Better Than Takeout in 30 Minutes 2026

Name: Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 3 tablespoons oyster sauce; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 3-4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided; 8 ounces lo mein noodles, spaghetti, or linguine; 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, cabbage); 3 green onions, sliced; Sesame seeds and extra green onion for garnish

Easy Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A quick and satisfying homemade version of the takeout classic. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and noodles are coated in a savory sauce, all ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a balanced, family-friendly meal that’s faster than delivery.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 15min
Total Time: 30min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: dinner
Method: stir-frying
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Scale

1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
8 ounces lo mein noodles, spaghetti, or linguine
2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, cabbage)
3 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds and extra green onion for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the noodles. Whisk all sauce ingredients in a bowl until cornstarch dissolves. Toss chicken with 2 tablespoons of the sauce and let marinate for 10 minutes.
Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove to a plate.
Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Stir-fry harder vegetables for 1 minute, then add remaining vegetables. Cook for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
Return chicken and any juices to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained noodles. Re-whisk the reserved sauce and pour it over everything.
Using tongs, toss and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything. Stir in most of the sliced green onions.
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with remaining green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Pre-mixing the sauce with cornstarch prevents lumps. For gluten-free, use tamari and gluten-free noodles. Leftovers reheat best in a skillet with a splash of water.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 480
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 1200
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 2
Unsaturated Fat: 10
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 55
Fiber: 4
Protein: 32
Cholesterol: 65

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/easy-chicken-lo-mein-recipe/