Knowing what sauce goes on lo mein noodles can have a major impact on your overall dining experience.
I would even go so far as to say that it’s a make-or-break situation.
And while you may be tempted to just go with soy sauce (I see you, Kikkoman), I’m here to show you that there are so many other delicious options out there.
So, whether you’re looking for a savory sauce or something with a little sweetness, read on for my top 12 picks.
What Sauce Goes on Lo Mein Noodles? 12 Best Sauces
A sauce is like the icing on the cake when it comes to lo mein noodles.
It can take an already delicious dish and make it even better.
But with so many different sauces out there, it can be tough to figure out which one is the best for your noodles.
Here are 12 of the best sauces for lo mein noodles:
1. Alfredo Sauce
If you prefer your sauce on the thicker side, then this is the sauce for you.
Alfredo sauce is made with cream, butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
One thing to keep in mind with Alfredo sauce is that it can be a bit heavy, so if you’re looking for a light option, this may not be the best choice.
That being said, there are ways to lighten up the sauce by using milk instead of cream or using low-fat cheeses.
You could also add some extra veggies to the sauce to make it a bit more nutritious.
Here are some ideas:
- Use chicken broth instead of water to cook the noodles for an extra boost of flavor.
- Add sauteed mushrooms, onions, or garlic to the sauce.
- Stir in some cooked spinach or other leafy greens.
- Mix in diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
2. Parmesan Cream Sauce
Parmesan cheese makes anything taste better and creamier, and this parmesan cream sauce is no exception.
This delicious sauce is perfect for any type of noodle, whether it be spaghetti, fettuccine, or even macaroni noodles.
The best part about this sauce is that it is so versatile- there are endless ways to change it up to fit your taste.
Here are some ideas:
- Add in some garlic for an extra zing
- Try using a different type of cheese, like cheddar or Swiss
- Add in some cooked bacon or pancetta for a salty kick
- For a vegetarian option, add in sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables
- Make it spicier with a pinch of red pepper flakes or ground black pepper
3. Basil Pesto Sauce
If you have a jar of pesto sauce in your pantry, then you already have the perfect sauce to enhance any type of noodle.
Pesto is traditionally made with basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.
However, there are many ways that you can change up this sauce to make it your own.
Here are some ideas:
- Use different herbs: cilantro, mint, or parsley would be delicious in place of the basil.
- Use a different type of cheese: goat cheese or Feta would be a nice change from Parmesan.
- dd some spice: red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne would give the pesto a little kick.
- Make it vegan: simply omit the cheese or use a vegan variety.
- Use different nuts: almonds, pistachios, or sunflower seeds would all be tasty in place of pine nuts.
4. Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce has a fresh and vibrant flavor that can enhance any type of noodle.
This classic sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, and onions, and can be spiced up with red pepper flakes, oregano, and parsley.
Marinara sauce is delicious as is, but there are many ways to change it up:
- Add some cooked ground beef or sausage for a heartier dish.
- For a creamier sauce, add some heavy cream or half-and-half.
- If you want a bit more of a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or swap out the regular diced tomatoes for fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
- And for a veggie boost, try adding in some sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or yellow squash.
5. Italian Arrabbiata Sauce (sugo all’arrabbiata)
Any Italian will tell you that arrabbiata sauce is the perfect condimento for pasta.
This zesty, spicy tomato sauce is traditionally made with garlic, tomatoes, and red chili peppers cooked in olive oil.
Arrabbiata sauce is easy to make and can be used as a base for other sauces or dishes.
Here are some ways to change up this classic sauce:
- Add pancetta or bacon for a smoky flavor
- Add mushrooms for a earthy flavor
- Add olives for a briny flavor
- Add cream for a richer, creamier flavor
6. Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This is one of my favorite sauces for lo mein noodles – just imagine all that savory, creamy goodness coating every bite of your noodles!
I also love how versatile this sauce is – you can easily add in different vegetables or proteins to change it up.
Here are a few ideas:
- Add in some chopped broccoli or kale for a veggie boost
- Swap out the lo mein noodles for rice or zucchini noodles
- Try using different mushrooms, like shiitake or oyster mushrooms
- Add in some chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein
7. Dijon Mustard Sauce
Check if you have a jar of Dijon mustard in your fridge – if you do, then you’re halfway there to making this delicious sauce!
This particular sauce is great for noodles because it is creamy, tangy, and a little bit sweet.
It’s incredibly easy to make and only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup of Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Simply whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl and voila – you have yourself a tasty sauce that will enhance any type of noodle dish.
And if you want to change things up, here are a few ideas:
- add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
- stir in a spoonful or two of tomato paste for a more robust flavor
- swap out the apple cider vinegar for another type of vinegar like white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
8. Lemon Butter Sauce
I’m sure you have lemon and butter in your fridge right now, so go ahead and give this Lemon Butter Sauce a try!
It’s delicious on any type of noodle, including spaghetti, fettuccine, and angel hair.
This particular sauce is also very versatile- you can change it up in a number of ways to better suit your taste.
Here are some ideas:
- Add garlic: Garlic really enhances the flavor of the lemon and butter and is a great addition to this dish.
- Use white wine instead of water: This will give the sauce a more complex flavor. Just be sure to simmer the sauce for a bit longer to cook off the alcohol.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Cheese always makes things better! Adding some Parmesan will give the sauce a nice creaminess and depth of flavor.
- Try it with chicken or shrimp: If you’re not in the mood for noodles, this sauce goes great with chicken or shrimp. Just cook up your protein of choice and add it into the sauce.
9. Chimichurri Sauce
Why not add some color and zing to your noodles with a Chimichurri Sauce?
This Argentinian-style sauce is traditionally made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
It is super easy to make and can be done in under 10 minutes.
All you need to do is throw all the ingredients into a food processor or blender and let it do its thing!
The sauce has a bright flavor that will enhance any type of noodle dish.
It is also great on grilled meats or vegetables.
Here are some ways you can change up this sauce:
- Use cilantro instead of parsley
- Add in a jalapeno for some heat
- Use white balsamic vinegar instead of regular vinegar
10. Gorgonzola Sauce
Most people think of gorgonzola sauce as a topping for steak, but it’s also an excellent way to enhance the flavor of any type of noodle.
This sauce is creamy and flavorful, with a slightly tangy taste that can really elevate a dish.
Here are some ways to change up this sauce:
- Add in some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for extra flavor
- Stir in a bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Mix in some chopped cooked bacon or pancetta for a salty, smoky flavor
- Add in a bit of white wine or chicken broth to thin it out
11. Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce
Instead of taking the route of a heavy, creamy sauce for your lo mein noodles, try something lighter and fresher with a sun-dried tomato pesto.
This particular sauce is not only flavorful but it is also incredibly easy to make.
You can use it on any type of noodle, whether you are having spaghetti, penne, or even just a simple bowl of rice noodles.
The sun-dried tomato pesto will enhance the flavor of the noodles without overpowering them.
Here are some ways that you can change up this sauce to make it your own:
- Use different types of nuts: instead of using the traditional pine nuts, try pistachios, cashews, or even almonds.
- Add in some spice: a little bit of red pepper flakes will give this sauce a nice kick.
- Make it creamier: if you want a richer sauce, add in some cream or even some goat cheese.
12. Horseradish Sauce
This zingy horseradish sauce is the perfect way to enhance any type of noodle dish.
It’s easy to make and can be tailored to your liking.
Here are some ways to change up this delicious sauce:
- Add some diced onion or shallots for a bit of sweetness and crunch.
- If you like things spicy, add in a bit more horseradish.
- For a creamier sauce, add in some sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- To make it a bit more savory, stir in some chopped fresh rosemary or thyme.
What Sauce Goes on Lo Mein Noodles? (12 Best Sauces)
Ingredients
- Alfredo Sauce
- Parmesan Cream Sauce
- Basil Pesto Sauce
- Marinara Sauce
- Italian Arrabbiata Sauce (sugo all'arrabbiata)
- Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- Dijon Mustard Sauce
- Lemon Butter Sauce
- Chimichurri Sauce
- Gorgonzola Sauce
- Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce
- Horseradish Sauce
Instructions
- Choose your favorite sauce from this list to use on your lo mein noodles.
- Prepare the rest of your meal.
- Enjoy in no time!