Vegetable Lo Mein

Name: Vegetable Lo Mein
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz lo mein noodles; 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup sliced carrots; 1 cup snap peas; 1 cup green onions, chopped; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, minced

Highlighted under: Inspired World Food Collection

When I crave a quick and satisfying meal, Vegetable Lo Mein is my go-to dish. It’s packed with vibrant veggies and soft noodles, making each bite a delightful experience. I love the way the soy sauce mingles with fresh ingredients, creating that classic takeout flavor right at home. This dish is not only easy to whip up but also customizable based on what I have in the fridge. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend, Vegetable Lo Mein never disappoints!

Created by

Juliet Ashford

Last updated on 2026-02-08T05:44:37.623Z

Preparing Vegetable Lo Mein has become a cherished ritual for me. I love experimenting with the types of vegetables I use and often find myself adding whatever I have on hand. This flexibility not only reduces waste but also brings unexpected flavors to the dish. Recently, I swapped out green beans for snap peas, and it added an incredible crunch!

To achieve that authentic restaurant flavor, I discovered that letting the noodles stir-fry for a couple of minutes before adding the sauce makes all the difference. This way, the noodles soak up the flavors and gain a wonderful texture that’s hard to resist. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Colorful vegetables that brighten up your plate
Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
A customizable recipe that fits any palate

Perfecting Your Stir-Fry Technique

Stir-frying is about high heat and quick cooking, and it’s essential for achieving that crisp texture in your vegetables while infusing them with flavors. Use a wok or a large skillet to allow for maximum surface area, which helps the heat circulate evenly. Make sure your oil is hot before adding any ingredients—the right temperature is when the oil shimmers but isn’t smoking. This technique ensures that your veggies cook fast without steaming, preserving their vibrant colors and crunch.

When stir-frying, it's beneficial to add harder vegetables first. For this Vegetable Lo Mein, start with the carrots and broccoli, as they take a bit longer to soften. After about two minutes, introduce the bell peppers and snap peas. This method guarantees that all your vegetables will be tender-crisp and full of life when your dish is complete.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This Vegetable Lo Mein is highly adaptable. If you can’t find lo mein noodles, try using other types of noodles such as spaghetti or even rice noodles. For an even healthier twist, consider spiralized zucchini or carrot noodles for a gluten-free option. Just remember to cook these alternatives quickly to prevent them from becoming mushy; about 2-3 minutes in a hot skillet should suffice.

Feeling adventurous? Add your choice of protein, like tofu or sliced chicken, to create a heartier dish. For tofu, press it between paper towels before cubing to remove excess moisture; this helps it absorb the sauce better and achieve a crispy texture when stir-fried. Season your protein with a bit of soy sauce beforehand to infuse additional flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're looking to save time, Vegetable Lo Mein can be prepped in advance. You can chop your vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The noodles can also be cooked ahead of time; just toss them with a bit of oil to prevent sticking, and refrigerate for later use. When you’re ready to enjoy your dish, just stir-fry the veggies, add the noodles, and finish with the sauce—quick and easy!

Leftovers? No problem! Store any remaining Vegetable Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water or a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat and stir-fry until warmed through. This method helps revive the noodles without drying them out and maintains the dish’s original flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delicious Vegetable Lo Mein:

Vegetables and Noodles

8 oz lo mein noodles
1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup snap peas
1 cup green onions, chopped

Sauce

3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, minced

Make sure to prepare everything ahead of time for a seamless cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Vegetable Lo Mein:

Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger. In another small bowl, combine the cornstarch with water, and add it to the sauce mixture. Stir well to combine.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Combine Everything

Add the drained noodles and sauce mixture to the skillet with the vegetables. Use tongs to toss everything together, making sure the noodles are coated with the sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with green onions, and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Vegetable Lo Mein!

Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on your preferences!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat. Pair your Vegetable Lo Mein with a side of dumplings or spring rolls for a complete meal.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles

If you want to elevate the flavor of your Vegetable Lo Mein, consider adding a splash of chili oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving. This adds an additional layer of depth and a hint of heat that can really enhance the overall taste. For an aromatic touch, a small handful of fresh cilantro or basil can also be tossed in right before serving, bringing freshness and brightness to your dish.

Another technique to deepen the flavor profile is marinating your vegetables briefly in the sauce mixture before adding them to the skillet. Even a 10-minute soak helps them absorb more of the soy sauce and sesame oil, making every bite bursting with flavor.

Timing Your Cooking for Perfection

Time management is key when making stir-fries. Once your ingredients are prepped, get your noodles boiling before you even start heating your skillet. This way, everything will come together simultaneously, ensuring your meal is hot and ready to serve right after the stir-frying step. Target about 10 minutes total for the noodle and vegetable prep, plus another 5 for the stir-frying.

Watch closely while cooking your vegetables; they should maintain their vibrant color. If they start to fade, you may be overcooking them. Aim for that bright green in broccoli and snap peas, and slight char on the edges of the peppers, which can add a nice smoky flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of noodle?

Absolutely! You can substitute lo mein noodles with any other type such as soba or even spaghetti in a pinch.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! Tofu, chicken, or shrimp can be excellent additions to make it more filling.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.