5 Ingredient Lo Mein Recipe – Quick, Easy, and Delicious

5 ingredient lo mein recipe brings big flavor with barely any effort. This quick, comforting dish uses just pantry staples—no fuss, no extra shopping. Whether you’re new to cooking or need a fast weeknight fix, this bold, savory 5 ingredient lo mein delivers every time.

What You’ll Find Below

A Kitchen Flashback with 5 Ingredient Lo Mein Recipe

A kitchen flashback with 5 ingredient lo mein recipe

It started on a chilly evening. My daughter came home tired from school, and I needed a quick meal that felt warm and familiar. I had a pack of noodles, a few scallions, and basic sauces. That was all it took. I heated the wok, added oil, and the scallions sizzled instantly—filling the kitchen with that savory, toasty smell that always makes us pause and breathe. That night, the first version of this 5 ingredient lo mein recipe was born.

Since then, this dish has been our go-to on busy nights. It reminds me of my childhood, helping Nonna stir tomato sauce with only a handful of ingredients. That tradition lives on in this meal—except now it’s soy sauce and noodles, not basil and pasta. And yet, it brings the same comfort.

With just five simple ingredients, this lo mein recipe 5 ingredients or less captures the bold, savory taste of takeout lo mein in minutes. You won’t miss anything—not even the delivery guy. Every bite tastes like a treat, even when dinner was an afterthought. It’s one of the smartest recipes I’ve added to our weekly rotation.

Why this simple lo mein resonates?

There’s something special about recipes that ask so little and give so much. This 5 ingredient lo mein is full of umami thanks to the oyster sauce, while soy sauce adds depth, and scallions bring brightness. The noodles soak in the sauce perfectly, creating a dish that feels way more complex than it is.

It’s a recipe that proves less really can be more—and that’s the kind of magic we need more of in our kitchens. And if your family loves quick meals like this, don’t miss our hibachi chicken and shrimp for another easy dinner everyone will love.

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Core Ingredients & Swaps

Lo mein noodles and scallions – what to look for?

To get the best flavor and texture in your 5 ingredient lo mein recipe, start with the noodles. Fresh lo mein noodles work best—they’re chewy, quick to cook, and soak up sauce like a dream. You’ll usually find them in the refrigerated section at Asian markets or large grocery stores. They only need about 45 to 60 seconds in boiling water before they’re ready to stir-fry.

If fresh noodles aren’t available, don’t worry. You can absolutely use spaghetti or linguine instead. In fact, many home cooks make a tasty lo mein recipe 5 ingredients or less using pantry pasta. Just cook it until just tender, rinse it under cold water, and drain it well before adding it to your wok. Scallions are the second essential—they add sweetness, aroma, and that signature takeout look. Be sure to slice them lengthwise for a restaurant-style finish.

Sauce magic – soy and oyster sauce

This 5 ingredient lo mein works because the sauces do all the heavy lifting. Light soy sauce gives the dish salt and color, while oyster sauce brings a deep, savory richness that clings beautifully to the noodles. You don’t need sugar, sesame oil, or cornstarch—the combination of these two sauces delivers bold flavor with zero extras.

Here’s the trick: caramelize the sauces in hot oil before adding the noodles. This simple move intensifies their flavors and mimics the taste of wok-fired takeout. You’ll be amazed how quickly those five ingredients turn into a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite Chinese restaurant.

Want another pantry dinner winner? Check out this 5 ingredient easy chocolate chip cookies recipe—it’s sweet, simple, and just as reliable as this one.

The 5‑Ingredient Lo Mein Process

Quick prep and cooking steps

Before you start cooking this speedy 5 ingredient lo mein recipe, gather everything you need. You’ll only need five items—nothing more, nothing complicated:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh uncooked lo mein noodles
• 3 scallions, halved lengthwise and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable)
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. While it heats, slice the scallions and portion out your sauces into small bowls. If you’re using fresh noodles, shake them loose gently—no clumps.

Once the water boils, drop the noodles in and cook for 45 to 60 seconds. Drain them immediately and set aside. Meanwhile, heat your wok over medium-high heat until it just begins to smoke.

Add the oil and swirl to coat the wok. Toss in the scallions and stir-fry them for 20 to 30 seconds, just until they start to brown slightly and become fragrant.

Stir‑fry like a pro

Push the scallions to one side of the wok. Raise the heat to high, then pour in the soy sauce. It’ll hiss and begin to reduce—let it sizzle for about 10 seconds. Then stir in the oyster sauce and let them caramelize together for another 20 seconds.

Now toss in the drained noodles. Stir quickly and evenly so the sauce clings to each strand. You’ll see the noodles go glossy and darken slightly—that’s your sign they’re ready.

Serve your hot 5 ingredient lo mein immediately. It’s bold, satisfying, and made with ingredients you probably already have. For a complete meal, pair it with our 30 minute chicken breast marinade for a perfect weeknight combo.

Customizations & Troubleshooting

How to customize or double the recipe?

This 5 ingredient lo mein recipe is flexible by design. Want to double the batch? Easy. Just double each ingredient exactly—no tricky math required. Use a larger wok or skillet to keep everything cooking evenly. If the noodles seem too crowded, cook in two batches and combine at the end.

You can also add protein or veggies without needing a new shopping list. Thin strips of chicken, shrimp, or even leftover roast pork blend beautifully with the base. For vegetables, try bell peppers, snow peas, mushrooms, or shredded carrots. Just stir-fry them first in the oil before adding the scallions.

Even with additions, this remains a true lo mein recipe 5 ingredients or less at its heart. The key is layering add-ons without complicating the core method.

Need another one-skillet weeknight fix? Our [hibachi chicken and shrimp] pairs great with this lo mein and adds serious protein power to the table.

Fixes: texture, flavor, noodle swaps

If your noodles clump or turn soggy, the issue is usually overcooking or not draining them fully. Always rinse cooked noodles under cool water and shake off excess moisture before adding them to the wok.

Too salty? Switch to low-sodium soy sauce or reduce it slightly next time. Want more depth? Add a dash more oyster sauce. And if the flavor isn’t popping, it may be a heat issue—sauces need high heat to caramelize and build richness.

No lo mein noodles on hand? Use spaghetti or linguine. Just be sure to cook until al dente, then rinse and toss as usual. Even with swaps, your 5 ingredient lo mein will deliver satisfying, takeout-style flavor—every single time.

Craving something sweet to follow up this savory dish? Try our 5 ingredient easy chocolate chip cookies—a dessert as simple and foolproof as tonight’s dinner.

Conclusion: Why 5 Ingredient Lo Mein Belongs in Your Rotation

This 5 ingredient lo mein recipe proves that simple can still be bold, comforting, and delicious. With just noodles, scallions, oil, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, you’ve got a meal that satisfies in under 10 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding your family, this is the kind of dish you’ll return to again and again.

It’s smart cooking—minimal prep, zero stress, and maximum flavor. From the quick toss in the wok to that final glossy twirl of noodles, every step delivers. Plus, you can easily customize it with leftovers or double it for lunch tomorrow.

So next time the takeout craving hits, remember: your new favorite lo mein recipe 5 ingredients or less is right in your kitchen.

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