When I was growing up, my go-to dish after a long day at school was lo mein noodles.
I loved the way they tasted and how easy they were to make.
But as I got older and started to pay more attention to what I ate, I realized that lo mein noodles weren’t the healthiest option.
That’s when I started to look for alternatives.
Here are some of the best lo mein noodles substitutes that you can consider when cooking your favorite dish!
Substitutes for Lo Mein Noodles
- Ramen
- Yakisoba
- Udon Noodles
- Pad Thai
- Chow Mei Fun
- Chop Suey
- Chili Noodles
- Chow Mein
Ramen
A good substitute for lo mein noodles is ramen noodles.
Ramen noodles are also made from wheat flour and water, and they have a similar chewy texture.
They can be found in the Asian section of most grocery stores.
When using ramen noodles as a substitute for lo mein noodles, it is important to break them up before adding them to the stir-fry.
This will help them to better absorb the flavors of the dish.
Additionally, the cooking time for ramen noodles is typically shorter than the cooking time for lo mein noodles, so it is important to keep an eye on them while they are cooking.
Yakisoba
When it comes to finding a substitute for lo mein noodles, yakisoba is a great option. This Japanese noodle is made from wheat flour, and it has a similar texture to lo mein noodles. Additionally, yakisoba can be easily found in most Asian grocery stores.
There are several benefits to using yakisoba as a substitute for lo mein noodles.
- First, yakisoba is less likely to become mushy when cooked. This is because yakisoba is made with a higher protein content than lo mein noodles. As a result, yakisoba is a great option for stir-fries and other dishes where you want the noodles to retain their shape.
- Second, yakisoba has a slightly firmer texture than lo mein noodles. This gives it a heartier mouthfeel, making it ideal for dishes with bold flavors.
Yakisoba is also a great option if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to lo mein noodles.
This is because yakisoba is typically made without adding salt or other additives.
Additionally, yakisoba is usually lower in calories than lo mein noodles.
Udon Noodles
Udon noodles are a type of thick, wheat-based noodle that originates from Japan.
They can be used as a substitute for lo mein noodles in many different recipes.
One benefit of using udon noodles is that they are less likely to stick together than other types of noodles.
This makes them ideal for stir-fries and other dishes where you want each noodle to retain its shape and texture.
Udon noodles also have a heartier flavor than lo mein noodles, so they can help to boost the flavor of a dish without adding any extra ingredients.
When substituting udon noodles for lo mein noodles, you may need to add a little extra cooking time to account for the thicker noodles.
Pad Thai
Pad thai noodles make an excellent substitute for lo mein noodles.
Just like lo mein noodles, they are made from wheat flour and water.
They are also similar in size and shape, making them perfect for dishes like chicken lo mein.
Pad thai noodles also have a slightly chewy texture that holds up well to sauce and other ingredients.
Best of all, they are widely available in most grocery stores.
Chow Mei Fun
Chow mei fun, also known as rice noodles or Canton noodles, is a type of thin rice noodle that is popular in Chinese cuisine.
They can be used as a substitute for lo mein noodles in many recipes.
Rice noodles are lower in calories and carbohydrates than wheat-based lo mein noodles, making them a healthier option.
They are also gluten-free, making them a good choice for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Chow mei fun can be used in stir-fries, soups, and other dishes.
When substituting chow mei fun for lo mein noodles, it is important to note that the rice noodles will cook more quickly than the wheat-based noodles.
As a result, they should be added to the dish near the end of cooking.
Additionally, the rice noodles will absorb more liquid than the lo mein noodles, so you may need to adjust the amount of sauce or broth in your recipe accordingly.
Chop Suey
One of the most popular substitutes is chop suey noodles.
These noodles are made from wheat flour and have a similar texture to lo mein noodles.
They are also very inexpensive and easy to find in most supermarkets. another popular substitute is cellophane noodles.
These noodles are made from mung bean starch and have a slightly different texture than lo mein noodles.
However, they work well in stir-fries and have a similar flavor.
Lastly, rice noodles are a good option for those who are looking for a gluten-free alternative.
These noodles are made from rice flour and have a chewy texture.
While they may not be identical to lo mein noodles, they are still an excellent option for stir-fries and other dishes.
Chili Noodles
When it comes to substitutions, chili noodles are a very versatile option.
Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free option or you’re simply out of lo mein noodles, chili noodles can be used as a replacement in a variety of recipes.
In addition to being gluten-free, chili noodles are also lower in carbs and calories than traditional lo mein noodles.
This makes them a great option for anyone looking for a healthier alternative.
And because they’re so light and versatile, they can be used in a variety of recipes, from stir-fries to salads.
When substituting chili noodles for lo mein noodles, it’s important to keep in mind that they will cook more quickly than traditional lo mein noodles.
As a result, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Chow Mein
Chow mein noodles can be used as a substitute for lo mein noodles in many cases.
Chow mein noodles are thinner and have a softer texture, making them a good choice for dishes that are not cooked for a long time.
Additionally, chow mein noodles absorb flavor better than lo mein noodles, so they are a good choice for dishes with strong flavors.
Lastly, chow mein noodles are less likely to become mushy when overcooked, making them a good choice for dishes that may be cooked for a shorter time.
FAQs when choosing substitutes for lo mein noodles
What are some of the most popular substitutes for lo mein noodles?
The most popular substitutes are chow mei fun, chop suey noodles, cellophane noodles, and rice noodles.
What are the differences between the substitutes?
The main difference is that rice noodles are gluten-free, while the other substitutes are not.
Additionally, chow mei fun and cellophane noodles have a slightly different texture than lo mein noodles.
Which substitute is best for stir-fries?
All of the substitutes can be used in stir-fries.
However, chow mei fun and cellophane noodles may work best because they have a similar texture to lo mein noodles.
Which substitute is best for salads?
Chili noodles are a good substitute for lo mein noodles in salads. They are lower in carbs and calories than traditional lo mein noodles.