Vegetable Lo Mein
A classic Chinese-American takeout favorite made at home! Chewy egg noodles tossed with a vibrant mix of fresh, crisp vegetables in a rich, savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight meal.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Noodles and Sauce
- b.Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions until al dente, typically 3-5 minutes. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- c.Toss the drained noodles with 1 teaspoon of the toasted sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
- d.In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, dark soy sauce, the remaining 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil, granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, and white pepper. This is your lo mein sauce. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Stir-Fry the Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. The oil should be shimmering before you add ingredients.
- c.Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- d.Add the julienned carrots and sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- e.Add the sliced mushrooms and snow peas. Continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the mushrooms have released their moisture and started to brown.
- f.Finally, add the chopped bok choy and stir-fry for 1 minute until the leaves have just wilted but the stems remain crisp.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Add the cooked noodles to the wok with the vegetables.
- c.Give the sauce a quick whisk to recombine the cornstarch, then pour it evenly over the noodles and vegetables.
- d.Using tongs, toss everything together quickly and continuously for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are fully coated in the sauce and heated through.
- e.Stir in most of the green parts of the scallions, reserving a small amount for garnish.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Remove the wok from the heat. Portion the vegetable lo mein into bowls.
- c.Garnish with the remaining green scallion parts. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Mise en place is key! Have all your vegetables chopped and the sauce mixed before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a very fast process.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan. Use a large wok or skillet to allow the vegetables to stir-fry rather than steam, keeping them crisp.
- 3High heat is essential for a good stir-fry. Ensure your oil is hot before adding ingredients to get a slight char and 'wok hei' flavor.
- 4Avoid overcooking the noodles. They should be al dente as they will cook a little more when tossed in the sauce.
- 5Rinsing the noodles under cold water not only stops the cooking but also removes excess starch, preventing them from becoming gummy.
- 6For extra flavor, a splash of Shaoxing wine can be added with the aromatics at the beginning of the stir-fry.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add 8 oz of pan-fried tofu, cooked shrimp, or thinly sliced chicken or beef. Stir-fry the protein separately and add it back in with the noodles.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
Whisk 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili garlic sauce into the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Substitute the lo mein noodles with gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles. Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced cabbage, bean sprouts, or water chestnuts. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The diverse array of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and bok choy provides essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, which support vision, immunity, and bone health.
Good Source of Dietary Fiber
With plenty of vegetables and whole wheat noodles (if used), this dish is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Heart-Healthy Choice
This homemade recipe allows you to control the sodium and fat content. Using low-sodium soy sauce and heart-healthy oils can make this a much better option for cardiovascular health compared to typical takeout.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of this homemade Vegetable Lo Mein contains approximately 380-420 calories, which is significantly less than most takeout versions. The exact count depends on the specific ingredients and oil used.