Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Lo Mein–Style Noodles (Saucy, Cozy & Better-Than-Takeout)

Sarah Smith
Jan 25
3 min read

Stir-fried noodles with mushrooms, carrots, and green onions, sprinkled with sesame seeds. Wooden chopsticks on the side. Vibrant and appetizing.

These Lo Mein–Style Noodles are saucy, savory, and packed with classic takeout-inspired flavor using simple pantry ingredients. Tossed with tender noodles, vegetables, and a glossy soy-based sauce, this easy recipe comes together fast for a cozy weeknight dinner. Serve it alongside Sesame Chicken, Sweet Chili Shrimp, or Vegetarian Fried Rice for a comforting Asian-inspired meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This

Cozy, saucy noodles just like takeout
Ready in under 30 minutes
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Naturally vegetarian and easy to customize
Perfect as a main dish or side

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4

Nutrition Information

Calories: ~410 per serving
Protein: ~12g
Carbohydrates: ~60g
Fat: ~14g
Fiber: ~4g
Sodium: varies based on the soy sauce used

Ingredients

Noodles & Vegetables

8 oz lo mein noodles, spaghetti, or linguine
2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado, canola, or vegetable)
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
1 medium carrot, julienned
3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
2 cloves garlic, minced

Lo Mein Sauce

¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari)
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional; use vegetarian oyster sauce if needed)
¼ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

Cook the noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), brown sugar, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and reserved pasta water.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.
Add cabbage, carrots, and the white parts of the green onions. Cook for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cooked noodles and sauce to the skillet. Toss continuously for 1–2 minutes until the noodles are evenly coated and glossy.
Remove from the heat and garnish with the green parts of the onions. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Add tofu, shrimp, or leftover chicken for extra protein
Swap vegetables based on what you have (snap peas, bell peppers, bok choy)
Use low-sodium soy sauce if preferred
Add chili crisp or red pepper flakes for heat
A splash of extra pasta water helps loosen the sauce if needed

Make-Ahead & Storage

Lo mein noodles keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce and refresh the noodles.

FAQ

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes. Use gluten-free noodles and tamari, and ensure the oyster sauce substitute is gluten-free.

Is lo mein spicy? No, it’s savory and lightly sweet. Heat can be added easily if desired.

Can I make this without oyster sauce? Yes. The sauce will still be flavorful without it; add an extra teaspoon of soy sauce if needed.

Final Thoughts

Lo Mein–Style Noodles are one of those cozy dinners that feel familiar and satisfying every time. The sauce is simple, the noodles are perfectly glossy, and the vegetables add just enough texture to keep each bite interesting. It’s an easy, dependable recipe that fits right into a weeknight routine — especially when paired with your favorite Asian-inspired comfort dishes.