Easy Vegetable Lo Mein Recipe

If you are looking for an easy to make meal that is versatile and absolutely delicious, then you will love this Vegetable Lo Mein Recipe. Not only does it taste incredible, it is a very budget friendly meal and can be made with a variety of ingredients that you have on hand.

It is a recipe that I make over and over again whenever I need a quick weeknight meal or when I want a meatless recipe. Although you can certainly add a protein to the dish as well.

Best of all the entire recipe is made, from start to finish, in just 20 minutes! Just be sure to start heating the water to boil the noodles first, as this step in the recipe takes the most time.

However, while the water is heating up, you will have plenty of time to prepare the vegetables. Although I have included carrots, broccoli, and red pepper in the recipe below, feel free to include whatever vegetables that you prefer or have on hand.

For example, if you have sliced mushrooms in the refrigerator feel free to throw a few into the skillet. Or in the middle of summer when zucchini are abundant slice one into thin strips and toss them with the other vegetables.

Mix it up every time that you make it, and you will never get bored with this recipe.

What Are Lo Mein Noodles

Lo mein noodles are a type of egg noodle commonly used in Chinese cuisine. These noodles are made from wheat flour and eggs, giving them a slightly chewy texture and are pale yellow in color.

The term lo mein translates to stirred noodles. Therefore the name also refers to a dish that includes these noodles stir-fried with a variety of vegetables and/or meat, in a savory sauce.

You can find the long, round noodles in the Asian or International aisle at the grocery store. They are most often dried noodles that are often packaged in boxes or bags.

However, if you can’t find them, you can substitute Udon noodles, Spaghetti or Linguine pasta. Although the texture will be slightly different, the dish will still taste incredible.

And if you are looking for a gluten-free option choose rice noodles when making this Vegetable Lo Mein dish. They come in all different sizes, so choose one that is thick enough to be tossed with the vegetables.

Chow Mein vs. Lo Mein

If you are a little confused about what the difference is between chow mein and lo mein, you’re not alone. It is easy to look at both terms and think they might mean the same thing.

Although both include the term ‘mein’, which means noodles, Chow mein refers to fried noodles. And as mentioned above Lo Mein translates to stirred noodles.

Although they are both types of noodles and can be made into easy stir fried dishes there are some distinct differences. They are prepared in two different ways and when cooked they have different textures.

The Texture

Chow mein noodles are known for their dry and crunchy texture. They are typically cooked in oil and therefore they retain a slight crunch when served.

On the contrary lo mein noodles have a smoother and slightly chewy texture. The noodles are often thicker than chow mein noodles as well.

Cooking Method

Although both dishes can use the same ingredients in recipes, the cooking methods for the noodles are very different. Chow mein noodles are often soaked in hot water to soften them before adding them to a wok or skillet to finish cooking.

However, lo mein noodles are completely cooked before getting tossed with the vegetables and sauce. Instead of getting stir-fried, the lo mein ingredients are lightly mixed and tossed.

Serving

Not only are there differences in both the texture and cooking methods, the way that the noodles are served with sauce is also different between chow mein and lo mein.

Chow mein is more of a dry dish where the noodles, vegetables and protein take center stage. There may be a little sauce, but it is very light.

Lo Mein on the other hand relies on a rich sauce to flavor all the ingredients. The sauce heavily coats both the vegetables and cooked noodles.

Steps For Making Vegetable Lo Mein

1. Cook The Lo Mein Noodles – This recipe comes together very quickly so be sure to cook the noodles first.

2. Prepare The Sauce – The sauce requires only 4 basic ingredients: soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and broth. If you want to keep it vegetarian be sure to use vegetable broth.

3. Stir Fry The Vegetables – Depending on the type of vegetables that you use you may need to stir fry them individually for best results. However, if you don’t mind vegetables that have varying levels of tenderness you can add them to the wok or skillet at the same time.

4. Toss Everything Together – When the vegetables are tender to your liking, add the sauce to the pan. Then toss the noodles in the mixture and once coated, serve immediately.

Option To Add Meat

Although this recipe is delicious as a pure vegetarian meal, you can also add thinly sliced chicken or beef to the Lo Mein for the meat lovers.

In fact, when I make it for dinner, I will often serve my portion as a vegetarian dish and then I will add the thinly sliced, cooked chicken to the skillet for the rest of the family.

Either way that you make it, it is an incredibly satisfying and delicious meal that your entire family will love.

Easy Vegetable Lo Mein Recipe

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1⁄4 cup vegetable broth
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Stir Fry Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 large carrot, julienne
• 1 cup broccoli, finely chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz. lo mein noodles (cooked according to package instructions)

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare The Sauce

In a small bowl add the broth, brown sugar, sesame oil and soy sauce. Whisk until well incorporated. Set aside.

Stir Fry

Heat a wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once the oil is hot add the carrots and cook until just softened. Remove and set aside.

Add the broccoli and bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes. Then add the onions and cook until the edges begin to turn golden brown in color and the peppers and broccoli are crisp tender.

Add the carrots back to the skillet and stir in the minced garlic.

Add the sauce and cooked lo mein noodles and toss to coat. Reduce the meat to medium and cook for 5 minutes to allow the noodles and sauce to heat through.

Remove from the heat and serve immediately.

*If you have an Instant Pot try this Instant Pot Lo Mein Recipe. It is a great way to get dinner on the table without the need to stand over a hot pan.

ENJOY! Mary

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