Description
Vegetable Lo Mein is a flavorful, versatile, and popular Chinese dish, loved for its quick preparation and delicious taste. This dish features stir-fried vegetables tossed with tender noodles in a savory sauce that brings all the flavors together. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal or a satisfying comfort food, Vegetable Lo Mein is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
Ingredients
Ingredients List (with measurements)
Here’s what you’ll need to make Vegetable Lo Mein:
For the Noodles:
- 10–12 oz Lo Mein noodles (or substitute with spaghetti or udon noodles)
For the Stir-Fried Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or peanut oil for more flavor)
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to taste)
Optional Toppings:
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Sriracha or chili flakes (for heat)
These ingredients come together to create a delicious, balanced dish. The vegetables add texture and color, while the sauce brings depth and umami, making each bite flavorful.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make Vegetable Lo Mein:
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the Lo Mein noodles or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce (if using), and sugar. Adjust the seasoning to taste and set the sauce aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp but still bright in color.
- Combine noodles and sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are well-coated and the vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Additional Tips for Perfecting Vegetable Lo Mein
To ensure your Vegetable Lo Mein turns out delicious every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use Fresh Noodles if Possible: Fresh Lo Mein noodles (found at Asian grocery stores) have a chewier texture and absorb sauces better than dried noodles. If fresh noodles aren’t available, spaghetti or udon noodles work well as substitutes.
- Cut Vegetables Evenly: Make sure to cut all the vegetables into similar-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and prevents some vegetables from becoming too soft while others remain undercooked.
- Stir-Fry in Batches: If you’re making a large batch of Lo Mein, avoid crowding the wok by stir-frying in batches. This helps the vegetables maintain their crisp texture and prevents them from steaming.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Customize the sauce to your liking by adjusting the soy sauce, hoisin, and sesame oil. If you like more saltiness, add a bit more soy sauce; for extra sweetness, add a touch more hoisin or sugar.
- Add a Protein for Extra Heft: While this is a vegetable-focused dish, adding tofu, tempeh, or even edamame can provide more protein, making the dish more filling. For an extra boost of flavor, marinate the tofu before stir-frying.