The Perfect Vegetable Lo Mein Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Whipping up a delectable vegetable lo mein can transform your weeknight dinner routine with minimal effort.

Noodles dance alongside crisp vegetables in this lightning-fast Asian-inspired creation.

Colorful bell peppers, tender carrots, and crunchy broccoli florets join the party, delivering serious flavor without complicated techniques.

Pantry staples become your secret weapon for crafting a restaurant-quality meal in less than 20 minutes.

Savory soy sauce and fragrant sesame oil weave magic through each twirled strand of noodle.

Comfort and nutrition blend seamlessly in this simple yet satisfying dish.

Grab your wok and let’s make magic happen – your taste buds will thank you.

Ingredients for Vegetable Lo Mein

• Lo Mein Noodles, Spaghetti: A versatile base that provides the perfect texture and foundation for this delicious stir-fry dish.

• Broccoli, Carrots, Bell Pepper, Snap Peas: A colorful mix of fresh vegetables that adds crunch, nutrition, and vibrant flavor to the lo mein.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that create a bold and authentic Asian-inspired taste profile.
• Green Onions: A fresh garnish that brings a mild onion flavor and bright green color to the final dish.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Honey: A perfect combination of salty, sweet, and umami flavors that coat the noodles and vegetables.
• Sesame Oil: A rich, nutty oil that enhances the overall flavor and prevents noodles from sticking.
• Sesame Seeds: A crunchy garnish that adds a nutty texture and visual appeal to the lo mein.

How to Stir Fry Vegetable Lo Mein

Step 1: Boil Delicious Noodles

Select lo mein noodles or spaghetti and cook according to package directions.

Drain the noodles completely and gently coat with sesame oil to keep them separated and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle Vibrant Vegetables

Warm sesame oil in a large wok or spacious skillet over medium-high heat.

Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring until their aromatic flavors bloom.

• Broccoli florets
• Sliced carrots
• Chopped bell peppers
• Crisp snap peas

Saute the vegetables for 3-5 minutes until they reach a perfect tender-crisp texture.

Step 3: Whip Up Savory Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Honey

Blend until the sauce looks smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Marry Noodles and Vegetables

Pour the cooked noodles into the vegetable-filled wok.

Drizzle the prepared sauce over everything and gently toss until each strand and vegetable is beautifully coated.

Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated thoroughly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Serve immediately while piping hot and enjoy your delectable lo mein.

Tips for Perfect Vegetable Lo Mein

• Toss cooked noodles with sesame oil immediately after draining to keep them from clumping together and ensure smooth, silky texture.
• Saute vegetables quickly over high heat to maintain their vibrant colors and crisp-tender texture, avoiding overcooking that leads to mushy results.
• Adjust sauce ingredients to personal taste by adding more honey for sweetness, extra soy sauce for saltiness, or a splash of rice vinegar for tanginess.
• Easily transform the dish by adding protein like sliced chicken, shrimp, tofu, or scrambled eggs for a more substantial meal.
• Prep vegetables and sauce in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to quickly assemble a fresh, speedy meal during busy weeknights.

Storing and Reheating Vegetable Lo Mein

• Store leftover lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Quickly revive lo mein by reheating in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to restore texture and prevent sticking.
• Wrap portions tightly in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Pairing Ideas for Vegetable Lo Mein

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling that balances the savory soy sauce and complements the vegetable's fresh crunch, cutting through the dish's rich flavors.
• Enhance with Jasmine Tea: Brew a light, fragrant jasmine tea to cleanse the palate between bites, highlighting the lo mein's delicate vegetable and noodle textures.
• Match with Asian Lager: Choose a clean, refreshing Asian beer like Tsingtao or Sapporo, whose mild hop profile perfectly offsets the dish's umami and sweet undertones.
• Accent with Sparkling Water: Add a splash of lime to sparkling water for a zesty, palate-cleansing beverage that provides a light, crisp counterpoint to the hearty lo mein.

Variations on Vegetable Lo Mein

• Gluten-Free Veggie Lo Mein: Replace traditional noodles with rice noodles or zucchini spirals. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure gluten-free compatibility.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add tofu, chicken, or shrimp during the vegetable sauteing stage for extra protein. Choose lean protein options to keep the dish balanced.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap noodles with cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower. Reduce cooking time for cauliflower to maintain a crisp texture and prevent overcooking.
• Vegan Friendly Option: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Replace oyster sauce with mushroom-based vegetarian stir-fry sauce to maintain umami flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use different vegetables in lo mein?

Yes, you can easily swap vegetables based on what you have. Zucchini, mushrooms, bok choy, and cabbage work great in this recipe. Just ensure they’re cut to similar sizes for even cooking.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

The current recipe is vegetarian, but to make it fully vegetarian, replace oyster sauce with vegetable oyster sauce or hoisin sauce. These alternatives provide similar umami flavor.

• How can I add protein to this dish?

Add tofu, tempeh, scrambled eggs, or cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef. Simply stir-fry your protein choice before adding vegetables, then continue with the original recipe steps.

• Can I make lo mein gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and choose rice noodles instead of wheat-based noodles. Check all sauce ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free certified.

Vegetable Lo Mein Made Easy

• Swap out vegetables based on what's in your fridge, making this recipe incredibly flexible and adaptable to your taste preferences or what's on hand.
• Loaded with colorful vegetables and protein-rich noodles, this dish offers a balanced meal that's both satisfying and wholesome for the entire family.
• Minimal dishes and maximum flavor make this lo mein a go-to recipe for home cooks looking to simplify their cooking process while enjoying a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Quick & Easy Vegetable Lo Mein Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delicious vegetable lo mein dances with Asian-inspired flavors, combining crisp vegetables and silky noodles in a savory sauce. Colorful, satisfying noodles bring comfort and excitement to your dinner table, offering you a simple way to enjoy restaurant-quality cuisine at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) lo mein noodles or spaghetti
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup snap peas

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for vegetarian option)
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Boil the noodles in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, following package instructions. Drain thoroughly and gently coat with sesame oil to prevent clumping.
2. Prepare a large wok or skillet by heating sesame oil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, releasing their aromatic essence for 30 seconds.
3. Introduce broccoli florets, julienned carrots, diced bell peppers, and snap peas to the heated surface. Stir-fry rapidly for 3-4 minutes, maintaining a crisp texture and vibrant color.
4. Craft the sauce by whisking soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey into a smooth, glossy blend. Ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
5. Merge the cooked noodles with the sautéed vegetable medley, pouring the sauce evenly across the mixture. Toss gently to distribute flavors completely.
6. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and coat each ingredient thoroughly.
7. Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Noodle Selection Flexibility: Choose whole wheat, rice, or gluten-free noodles to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
• Vegetable Customization: Swap or add seasonal vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bok choy for variety and personal preference.
• Protein Boost: Enhance the dish by adding tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef for extra protein and making it more substantial.
• Sauce Modification: Adjust sauce sweetness and saltiness by tweaking honey and soy sauce quantities to suit individual taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 58 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg