Vegetable Lo Mein

Name: Vegetable Lo Mein
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 8 oz lo mein noodles; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color); 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup sugar snap peas; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, grated; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water

Highlighted under: Simple Quick Meals Inspiration

I love making Vegetable Lo Mein at home because it's not only quick but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of colorful veggies and chewy noodles makes for a delightful dish that can easily be customized. The sauce is a simple mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of ginger, bringing everything together beautifully. Best of all, the entire meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome, homemade dinner in no time!

Created by

Kate Phillips

Last updated on 2026-02-07T18:25:37.194Z

When I first attempted making Vegetable Lo Mein, I was amazed at how easy it was to pull together on a busy weeknight. I found that by using fresh, seasonal vegetables, the dish would burst with flavor and color, elevating the entire experience. My favorite veggies include bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, all of which cook quickly and pair wonderfully with the noodles.

After a few tries, I realized that cooking the noodles just until al dente was key, as they continue to soften when tossed with the hot vegetables and sauce. This technique allowed me to keep the perfect texture that makes this dish so enjoyable. I've even tried adding tofu for extra protein!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Vibrant and colorful mix of vegetables for a visually appealing dish
Simple and quick preparation, perfect for weeknight dinners
Customizable with your favorite proteins and vegetables

Techniques for Perfectly Cooked Noodles

Cooking lo mein noodles to the perfect texture is crucial. Always check the package instructions for timing, as different brands can vary. Aim for al dente, which means the noodles should be firm to the bite. To prevent them from becoming mushy, be sure to drain them promptly and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. This simple step can elevate the dish from good to great by keeping the noodles chewy.

Additionally, if you want to add extra flavor to your noodles, consider tossing them in a little soy sauce or sesame oil right after draining. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps prevent sticking. Make sure to stir them gently so that they are well-coated without breaking any noodles.

Choosing the Right Vegetables

The beauty of Vegetable Lo Mein lies in its versatility. While the recipe calls for broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and sugar snap peas, feel free to substitute with any seasonal vegetables you have on hand. Zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn work beautifully and add different flavors and textures. Just remember that denser vegetables, like carrots, may require a little more cooking time, while softer veggies, like zucchini, should be added later to prevent overcooking.

For the best visual appeal, cut your vegetables into uniform sizes. This not only ensures even cooking, but it also makes for a prettier plate. Consider adding a splash of color with red or yellow bell peppers or even purple cabbage, which will create a stunning contrast against the noodles.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

If you have leftovers, Vegetable Lo Mein stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet or wok over medium heat to restore some of the noodles' original texture. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to help steam the noodles back to life, preventing them from becoming dry or sticky.

For a delightful variation, think about adding protein to your lo mein. Tofu, shrimp, or chicken can be sautéed along with the vegetables for a heartier meal. If you’re opting for tofu, press it beforehand to remove excess water, ensuring it crisps up nicely in the pan. Serve your Vegetable Lo Mein garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make a delicious Vegetable Lo Mein.

Vegetable Ingredients

8 oz lo mein noodles
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup sugar snap peas
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated

Sauce Ingredients

3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water

Ensure everything is prepped and ready to go before you start cooking for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Vegetable Lo Mein.

Cook the Noodles

In a large pot, boil water and cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Stir-Fry the Veggies

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds. Then, add the broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until the veggies are tender yet still crisp.

Combine and Serve

Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the soy sauce and rice vinegar over everything, tossing to combine. Add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce, stirring for another minute. Serve hot and enjoy!

Add some chopped scallions or sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and presentation!

Pro Tips

Feel free to mix in any leftover proteins like chicken or shrimp to make the dish more filling. Also, adjusting the amount of soy sauce can help cater to your taste preferences.

Ingredient Spotlight: Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the dish. It’s important to use toasted sesame oil, as it has a higher flavor intensity compared to regular sesame oil. When heated, its fragrance becomes more pronounced, adding depth to your stir-fry. If you find yourself without sesame oil, you can substitute it with a neutral oil like canola, but the dish will lack that signature nuttiness.

Using sesame oil in moderation is also key. Since it has a strong flavor, start with the amount specified and adjust to your taste. Too much can overwhelm the dish, so remember that balancing flavors is vital in achieving a well-rounded meal.

Cornstarch's Role in the Sauce

Cornstarch is pivotal in creating the perfect sauce for Vegetable Lo Mein. When mixed with water and added to the stir-fry, it acts as a thickening agent, giving your sauce a glossy texture that clings to the noodles and vegetables. This prevents the sauce from being too runny and ensures each bite is flavorful. If cornstarch is unavailable, you can substitute it with arrowroot powder or even all-purpose flour, although the texture may vary slightly.

Make sure to mix the cornstarch thoroughly with water before adding it to the pan. This step is critical; if not mixed well, it can clump together and create a lumpy sauce, which can detract from the dish's overall appeal. Cook the sauce until it thickens, which should take only a minute, producing a beautifully cohesive lo mein.

Making It Ahead of Time

Preparing Vegetable Lo Mein in advance is a fantastic time-saver for busy weeknights. You can chop your vegetables the day before and store them in the fridge. This not only speeds up your cooking process but also allows the flavors to mingle. Just be cautious; some vegetables, like mushrooms, may brown when sliced and left too long, so it's best to do those on the day you plan to cook.

You could also pre-cook the noodles and toss them with a drop of oil to prevent sticking. Store them in the fridge, and when you're ready to cook, the stir-fry will come together in no time. Just remember that made-ahead meals may need a few extra minutes on the heat when reheating to ensure everything is warmed through and fresh-tasting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

→ How can I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I add protein to this recipe?

Yes, you can add tofu, chicken, or shrimp. Just cook the protein in the skillet before adding the veggies.