Craving a quick, flavorful, and wholesome meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights? This easy vegetable lo mein recipe is your answer!
Bursting with vibrant veggies and tender noodles tossed in a savory sauce, this dish captures the essence of classic Chinese takeout—but healthier and made right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and equipment.
Plus, it’s highly adaptable to whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a wonderful way to use up leftovers or sneak in more greens.
With a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors, this vegetable lo mein can be on your dinner table in under 30 minutes. It’s filling, satisfying, and can easily be made vegan or vegetarian.
If you love dishes like stir-fries or noodle bowls, this recipe will quickly become a favorite go-to. Get ready to master a delicious, colorful, and nourishing meal that will impress family and friends alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable lo mein is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Here’s why it stands out:
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables or whatever’s in season.
- Healthy and nutritious: Packed with fresh veggies and whole wheat noodles (optional).
- Vegan and vegetarian-friendly: No animal products needed, but you can add tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
- Deliciously balanced sauce: A simple blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness enhances every bite.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Lo mein noodles or spaghetti | 8 ounces | Cooked according to package instructions |
Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons | For stir-frying |
Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Fresh for best flavor |
Ginger | 1 tablespoon, minced | Optional but recommended |
Carrot | 1 medium, julienned | Or thinly sliced |
Bell pepper | 1 medium, sliced | Any color |
Snow peas | 1 cup | Trimmed |
Green onions | 3, sliced | White and green parts separated |
Soy sauce | 3 tablespoons | Low sodium preferred |
Oyster sauce or vegetarian mushroom sauce | 1 tablespoon | Optional for depth of flavor |
Sesame oil | 1 teaspoon | For finishing |
Brown sugar | 1 teaspoon | Balances saltiness |
Crushed red pepper flakes | 1/4 teaspoon | Optional for heat |
Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- Colander (to drain noodles)
- Large wok or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Bowl (for mixing sauce)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add lo mein noodles (or spaghetti) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing with a small drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster or mushroom sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Heat the wok: Place your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the wok. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the carrots, bell pepper, and snow peas to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
- Add green onions: Toss in the white parts of the green onions and cook for another minute.
- Combine noodles and sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the wok along with the prepared sauce. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring all the noodles and veggies are coated.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Add the green parts of the green onions and stir in.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the lo mein to serving plates and enjoy hot. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro.
Tips & Variations
For the best texture, avoid overcooking your noodles; al dente is ideal.
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences or pantry availability:
- Vegetables: Try adding mushrooms, broccoli florets, baby corn, or snap peas. Frozen mixed vegetables work well too.
- Protein boost: Add tofu, tempeh, or even cooked shrimp or chicken for a heartier meal.
- Spice it up: Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha for heat.
- Gluten-free option: Use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Make it saucier: Double the sauce quantities if you love your lo mein extra moist and flavorful.
For even more delicious plant-based recipes, check out our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals and the flavorful Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 55 g |
Protein | 8 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sodium | 750 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable lo mein shines on its own as a complete meal, but you can elevate the dining experience with these ideas:
- Serve alongside Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious for a fusion twist.
- Pair with light soups such as a miso bowl or hot and sour soup.
- Top with chopped roasted peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
- Add a side of steamed or stir-fried greens like bok choy or kale.
Conclusion
This easy vegetable lo mein recipe is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. It’s quick to prepare, packed with fresh vegetables, and adaptable to your taste preferences.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this dish strikes a perfect balance between comfort food and nutritious eating. The vibrant colors and savory sauce make it visually appealing and delicious, while the simple cooking process ensures minimal stress in the kitchen.
Plus, it’s a wonderful way to explore more plant-based meals if you’re transitioning to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to explore other wholesome dishes like our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade or the comforting Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide.
Happy cooking and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Vegetable Lo Mein
Description: A quick and delicious vegetable lo mein packed with fresh veggies and savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in cooked noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 55 g
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