Noodle Varieties: 5 Best Substitutes for Lo Mein Noodles

Finding the perfect Lo Mein noodle substitute can feel like a kitchen puzzle you’re itching to solve.

We’ve got you covered with some stellar noodle swaps that’ll keep your stir-fry game strong.

Ever been in the middle of cooking and realized you’re fresh out of Lo Mein noodles?

Yup, we’ve been there too. No need to hit pause on your dinner plans.

We’re here to dish out five amazing alternatives that’ll slide right into your recipes.

These substitutes aren’t just stand-ins; they could very well steal the show.

Ready to turn that noodle predicament into a delicious victory? Let’s get into it.

What are Lo Mein Noodles?

As mentioned, lo mein is a type of Chinese noodle that is also one of the most popular dishes ordered in American-Chinese restaurants.

At its core, lo mein noodles are wheat flour noodles that have been boiled and slightly stir-fried with various meats and vegetables.

In China, Lo Mein Noodles are traditionally eaten as street food or as an appetizer before the meal.

It is common to eat them with chopsticks, but they are also popular as an edible spoon for stir-fry dishes.

There are Lo Mein Noodles with different ingredients, but the most common variation begins with stir-frying vegetables and meat in a wok or sauté pan.

The cooked ingredients are then added to boiled noodles that have been prepared separately.

Finally, the mixture is flavored with light soy sauce and sesame oil.

Lo Mein Noodles can be served as a side dish, or they can also be considered the main course.

They are normally served either hot or cold and alongside other dishes such as dumplings.

The one thing that sets Lo Mein apart from the other Chinese noodles is their length; these noodles are long and thin (although there may be variations) and traditionally require a special type of fork or chopsticks to eat them.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Lo Mein Noodles

If you like Chinese food and love noodles, but you can’t find lo mein at your local restaurant for whatever reason, don’t worry.

There are several ways you can satisfy your craving without breaking the bank or having to search high and low for this particular type of noodle.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Substitute Ratio
Chow Mein Noodles	Similar texture and thickness to lo mein noodles	1:1 substitution with lo mein noodles
Rice Noodles	Light and delicate texture, gluten-free	Use the same amount as lo mein noodles
Ramen Noodles	Chewy texture, versatile and readily available	Use the same amount as lo mein noodles
Vermicelli Noodles	Thin and fine noodles, quick-cooking	Use the same amount as lo mein noodles
Chop Suey Noodles	Soft and slightly chewy, suitable for stir-fries	Use the same amount as lo mein noodles

1 – Chow Mein Noodles

If you’re looking for Lo Mein, look no further than Chow Mein noodles without all of the flour.

These are typically made with egg and wheat flour.

There are a few different options available when it comes to cooking them.

You can choose to heat them in boiling water or fry them in oil until crispy.

When fried, Chow Mein Noodles are usually served with vegetables.

The most common vegetables used are carrots, onions, beans, sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage.

You can also add pork or beef to the dish if desired.

The best part about this type of noodle is that it doesn’t have to be dry at all.

There are several different recipes available that combine Chow Mein noodles with cream or butter sauces.

2 – Rice Noodles

It’s important to note that rice noodles are sometimes called rice sticks.

These are made from rice flour, water, and salt.

Interestingly enough, this type of noodle is similar to pasta in that they have a long shape.

When it comes to cooking them, you can boil or fry them like Chow Mein noodles (More on frying rice noodles here).

An interesting thing to note is that they need to be soaked in hot water.

Once the noodles have been softened, they can be added to several dishes and absorb flavors readily.

In addition, rice noodles are often used as an alternative to egg or wheat flour.

Rice sticks are sometimes gluten-free items, which means they are ideal for sensitivity to gluten in their diet.

3 – Ramen Noodles

This type of noodle is traditionally served in hot broth.

The first time ramen was served to the public; it was brought out as a bowl filled with noodles and pieces of meat.

Since then, this dish has evolved into many different forms, including instant noodles.

There are a few different options when it comes to cooking these noodles.

You can choose to boil them in water or broth.

If you’re looking for something different, you can always fry them with vegetables and meat.

However, it’s also possible to eat ramen cold.

Though this might not be the healthiest option (especially if you’re eating instant ramen), it’s still a good substitute for lo mein noodles, especially when the craving hits.

4 – Vermicelli Noodles

If you’re not a big fan of egg noodles, there’s another option for you.

vermicelli is made from durum semolina and water.

The noodles are long and thin, measuring around 1/8th of an inch.

When it comes to vermicelli noodles, cooking is simple – you can boil or stir-fry them.

When stir-frying, the trick is to make sure you use high heat and constantly move your pan to prevent burning.

An interesting thing about vermicelli noodles is that they absorb flavors well and can be paired with several different ingredients, including vegetables and meat (think: chicken, beef,.

The most common vegetables used are carrots, onions, beans, sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage.

You can also add pork or beef to the dish if desired.

5 – Chop Suey Noodles

If you’re looking for something other than egg noodles, look no further than Chop Suey Noodles.

This is a long type of noodle that almost resembles linguini.

Chop Suey Noodles are made from wheat flour and water.

When it comes to cooking this noodle, you can boil them like pasta.

However, they also work well if fried in oil (similarly to Chow Mein noodles).

The best part of these noodles is that they absorb the flavors of whatever you choose to mix with them easily.

For example, if you fry them in a mixture of oil and soy sauce, they will take on that flavor.

There are several different recipes available that combine Chop Suey noodles with sauces like oyster sauce, curry, or plain cream sauce.

It’s easy to make a tasty dish when you have access to these types of noodles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lo Mein noodles are a staple in Chinese cuisine.

They have been enjoyed since the Qing Dynasty.

However, some important substitutes can ease a craving for this dish.

Chow Mein noodles and Ramen noodles are two popular substitutes for lo mein noodles.

In addition, Rice Noodles and Vermicelli Noodles are also options for people who don’t eat eggs.

So if you’re craving Lo Mein Noodles, consider one of these options for a quick fix.