Veggie Lo Mein

Veggie Lo Mein is a delicious and easy stir-fried noodle dish filled with colorful vegetables and a savory, slightly sweet sauce. This quick and healthy meal is perfect for weeknights and can be customized with your favorite vegetables. It offers all the flavors of takeout but is made fresh at home in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy, ready in just 20 minutes
• Packed with fresh, colorful vegetables
• Versatile and customizable with your favorite veggies or protein
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• A healthier alternative to takeout

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Noodles:

• 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, ramen, or linguine)

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for a vegetarian option)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Vegetables:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup snow peas or snap peas
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cabbage (optional)
• 3 green onions, sliced

Optional Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Extra sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro

Directions

this recipe

1. Cook the Noodles:
   • Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic until well combined. Set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add mushrooms, carrots, bell pepper, snow peas, broccoli, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Combine Noodles and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked noodles and sauce to the skillet with the vegetables.
   • Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with sesame seeds, extra green onions, or fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Protein Addition: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef for a heartier dish.
• Spicy Lo Mein: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of traditional noodles.
• Peanut Lo Mein: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy, nutty twist.
• Extra Crunch: Top with chopped peanuts or cashews for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the noodles may become too soft when thawed.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to keep the noodles from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of noodles for lo mein?

Yes, you can use spaghetti, ramen, udon, or any long, thin noodles if lo mein noodles are not available.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and gluten-free noodles to make this dish gluten-free.

3. What vegetables work well in lo mein?

Virtually any vegetables work well, including bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, cabbage, and zucchini.

4. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water to the sauce if you prefer a thicker consistency.

5. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient option. Just add them directly to the skillet and cook until heated through.

6. How do I add protein to this dish?

Add cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu during the last few minutes of cooking to incorporate protein into the dish.

7. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the vegetables and sauce ahead of time. Cooked lo mein can also be reheated easily for meal prep.

8. Can I make this dish oil-free?

Yes, use a splash of vegetable broth to sauté the vegetables instead of oil.

9. What can I serve with veggie lo mein?

Serve with spring rolls, dumplings, or a fresh Asian-inspired salad for a complete meal.

10. How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?

Toss the cooked noodles with a bit of oil or rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking before adding them to the skillet.

Conclusion

Veggie Lo Mein is a quick, easy, and delicious dish that offers the perfect balance of tender noodles, fresh vegetables, and savory sauce. With its versatility and simplicity, this recipe is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights, offering all the flavors of takeout with the benefits of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Make it your own by adding your favorite veggies or proteins, and enjoy this satisfying meal any night of the week!

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