Make Chinese restaurant-style pork lo mein (lāo miàn / 捞面) at home with this easy and flavorful noodle stir-fry. This Cantonese-inspired dish is packed with tender strips of pork, crisp vegetables, and chewy egg noodles tossed in a savory stir-fry sauce. It’s a delicious and budget-friendly weeknight dinner you can whip up in under 30 minutes.
Lo mein is a beloved main course in Chinese cuisine and especially popular in American-Chinese takeout. Its glossy noodles, umami-rich sauce, and versatility make it a comfort food favorite. What makes this pork lo mein so good? The balance of texture—crisp veggies, juicy pork, and slurpable noodles—combined with a sweet-savory sauce that coats every strand. Plus, it’s easily customizable with whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand.
INGREDIENTS FOR PORK LO MEIN
Noodles:
- Egg noodles or lo mein noodles – for the signature chewy texture
Protein:
- Boneless pork loin or pork shoulder – sliced thin for quick stir-frying
Vegetables:
- Carrots – julienned for texture and color
- Green cabbage – shredded, adds crunch
- Green onions – for freshness and flavor
- Garlic – minced, aromatic foundation
Seasonings & Sauce:
- Soy sauce – salty umami base
- Oyster sauce – adds deep savory flavor
- Dark soy sauce – for rich color and deeper taste
- Sesame oil – for nutty aroma
- Sugar – balances the saltiness
- White pepper – adds subtle heat
- Cornstarch – helps thicken the sauce and tenderize pork
Oil:
- Neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) – for high-heat cooking
HOW TO MAKE CHINESE PORK LO MEIN
- Prepare the pork: Thinly slice pork across the grain. Toss with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little sesame oil. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Cook the noodles: Boil the noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, white pepper, and sesame oil.
- Stir-fry the pork: Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add marinated pork and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Add a bit more oil to the pan. Stir-fry garlic, carrots, cabbage, and green onions until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Combine and toss: Add the pork and noodles back to the pan. Pour in the sauce. Toss everything together over high heat until evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve: Plate immediately while hot. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Easy Chinese Pork Lo Mein
Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles or lo mein noodles
- 8 oz pork loin or pork shoulder thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce for marinade
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp sesame oil for marinade
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- ½ cup julienned carrots
- 2 green onions sliced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Marinate pork with 1 tbsp soy sauce, cornstarch, and ½ tsp sesame oil. Let sit 10–15 minutes.
- Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Mix sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large wok or skillet. Stir-fry marinated pork until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan.
- Add garlic, carrots, cabbage, and green onions to the pan. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes.
- Add pork and noodles back into the pan. Pour in sauce and stir-fry everything for 1–2 minutes until evenly coated and hot.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 48g (17% DV)
- Protein: 26g (52% DV)
- Fat: 17g (22% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 4g (20% DV)
- Cholesterol: 60mg (20% DV)
- Sodium: 980mg (43% DV)
- Fiber: 3g (11% DV)
- Sugar: 5g (6% DV)
Recipe Tips
- Slice pork thinly for quick, even cooking. Freeze pork slightly for easier slicing.
- Noodles can be cooked ahead and kept chilled. Toss in a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Use leftover cooked pork like char siu or roast pork for a shortcut.
- Vegetable swaps: Try bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with Chinese hot and sour soup or egg drop soup for a complete meal.
- Pair with spring rolls or dumplings for an appetizer.
- Add a refreshing cucumber salad or Asian slaw on the side.
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @wokwithsam on Instagram and hashtag it #wokwithsam.