This easy homemade lo mein sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced to coat noodles, vegetables, or protein of your choice. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it comes together in minutes and tastes just as good as your favorite takeout version—if not better.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s incredibly quick and requires no cooking at all. The flavors are well-rounded, combining umami from soy sauce and oyster sauce, nutty sesame oil, and a gentle sweetness from brown sugar. It’s versatile enough for lo mein, chow mein, stir-fried vegetables, or even as a light marinade.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
In a medium bowl, add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, water, and black pepper.
Whisk everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
Taste and adjust if needed, then use immediately or store for later use.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 1 cup of lo mein sauce, enough for approximately 4 servings of noodles.
Preparation time is about 5 minutes.
No cooking time is required.
Variations
For a sweeter sauce, add an extra teaspoon of brown sugar.
For a spicier version, mix in chili flakes or a small amount of chili paste.
For a deeper flavor, add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic or grated ginger.
For a shellfish-free option, replace oyster sauce with a mushroom-based vegetarian oyster-style sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Before using, give it a good stir or shake since ingredients may settle.
Reheating is not necessary, but you can gently warm it if adding directly to hot noodles or stir-fries.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce is perfect for meal prep and can be made several days in advance.
Is this sauce very salty?
Using low-sodium soy sauce helps keep the salt level balanced. You can also add a little extra water if needed.
Can I use this sauce for dishes other than lo mein?
Absolutely. It works well for chow mein, vegetable stir-fries, or as a light noodle sauce.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce if I have a shellfish allergy?
A mushroom-based vegetarian oyster-style sauce is the best substitute and keeps the umami flavor.
Can I freeze lo mein sauce?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture and flavor may change after thawing.
Does this sauce need to be cooked?
No, the sauce is fully ready once mixed, but it can be heated when added to cooked dishes.
Can I make this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
How do I thicken the sauce?
This sauce is meant to be light. If you want it thicker, simmer it briefly with a small cornstarch slurry.
Is sesame oil necessary?
Sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor, but you can reduce it slightly if preferred.
How much sauce should I use per serving?
About 1/4 cup of sauce works well for one serving of noodles, depending on how saucy you like it.
Conclusion
This easy homemade lo mein sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition to your kitchen routine. With minimal ingredients and no cooking required, it delivers authentic taste and flexibility for countless meals. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a batch ready in your fridge at all times.
This quick and easy homemade lo mein sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and packed with umami flavor. It’s perfect for tossing with noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or your favorite protein, and it requires no cooking at all.
Ingredients
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
In a medium bowl, add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, water, and black pepper.
Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth.
Taste and adjust as needed. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep salt levels balanced.
Add chili flakes or paste for a spicy kick.
For a shellfish-free option, use mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce.
Shake or stir before each use as ingredients may settle.
