Name: Vegetable Lo Mein
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 400g lo mein noodles or spaghetti; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 1 carrot, julienned; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1/2 cup snap peas or snow peas; 2 green onions, sliced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional); 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; Salt and pepper to taste; Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Vegetable Lo Mein is a classic Chinese-inspired stir-fried noodle dish loaded with colorful vegetables and tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce. This quick and easy recipe brings vibrant flavor and satisfying texture to the dinner table in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the perfect balance of comfort and health. It features tender noodles, crisp vegetables, and a rich soy-based sauce. It’s incredibly customizable, making it a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Plus, it’s fast, budget-friendly, and ideal for weeknight dinners or plant-based meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
Vegetable oil
Garlic, minced
Ginger, minced
Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), thinly sliced
Carrots, julienned
Mushrooms, sliced
Snow peas or snap peas
Baby spinach or bok choy
Soy sauce
Dark soy sauce (optional for color and depth)
Oyster sauce or hoisin sauce
Sesame oil
Brown sugar or honey
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster or hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Set aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes.
Toss in snow peas and spinach. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until wilted.
Add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add protein: Stir in tofu, scrambled egg, chicken, shrimp, or beef.
Spicy twist: Add chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the stir-fry sauce.
Low-sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added sugar.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free tamari and rice noodles.
Extra crunch: Add water chestnuts or bean sprouts just before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles.

FAQs

What type of noodles should I use?

Traditional lo mein noodles are ideal, but spaghetti or linguine works in a pinch.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the components and mix just before serving or reheat gently.

What vegetables can I substitute?

Use what you have—zucchini, broccoli, cabbage, or green beans all work well.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?

Rinse them in cold water after cooking and toss with a little oil if storing.

Can I make this oil-free?

Yes, sauté in a small amount of water or broth, though flavor may be slightly different.

What’s the difference between lo mein and chow mein?

Lo mein uses soft, boiled noodles while chow mein often involves crisped, pan-fried noodles.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Reheat with a splash of water to refresh the noodles.

How do I make the dish more saucy?

Double the sauce ingredients or add a bit of reserved noodle water to thin it.

Is dark soy sauce necessary?

It’s optional but adds depth and a rich color to the noodles.

Can I serve this cold?

Yes, it also works as a cold noodle salad when dressed with extra sesame oil.

Conclusion

Vegetable Lo Mein is a flavorful, flexible, and fast dish that’s ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting, restaurant-style meal at home. With endless variations and a short cooking time, it’s a must-have recipe for busy weeknights and satisfying plant-based meals.

Vegetable Lo Mein

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A quick and flavorful Chinese-inspired noodle dish made with stir-fried vegetables and lo mein noodles tossed in a savory soy-based sauce.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Vegan

Instructions

Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Set aside.
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add carrots, bell pepper, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
Add cooked noodles and sauce mixture to the pan. Toss everything together to coat evenly and heat through.
Stir in green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds if desired.