Vegetable Lo Mein

Name: Vegetable Lo Mein
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz lo mein noodles; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup bell peppers, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup carrots, julienned; 2 green onions, chopped; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian alternative); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Light & Fresh Table

I love whipping up a quick Vegetable Lo Mein when I want something both satisfying and vibrant. This recipe is not only delicious but a great way to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge. With tender noodles tossed in a savory sauce and colorful veggies, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you can customize to your liking. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish can be made in just 20 minutes, bringing a taste of takeout right into my kitchen. It never disappoints!

Created by

Adele Summers

Last updated on 2026-02-08T01:09:35.889Z

Creating this Vegetable Lo Mein has become a go-to in my kitchen. The ease of preparing this dish exemplifies why I keep it in my recipe rotation. The secret lies in the high heat when stir-frying, which quickly cooks the vegetables while keeping them crisp — this really enhances the overall flavor.

One of my favorite things about this dish is how versatile it is. I've experimented with various sauces, and adding a touch of sesame oil gives it a unique depth. Plus, making it vegetarian allows me to enjoy it guilt-free without sacrificing taste!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
Packed with colorful vegetables for a nutritious meal
Customizable with your favorite sauces and veggies
Perfect for using up leftovers

Mastering the Stir-Fry Technique

Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking, making it essential for achieving that perfect tender-crisp texture in your vegetables. When heating your wok or skillet, aim for medium-high to high heat. You should see a shimmer in the oil before adding garlic; this indicates it’s ready. Cooking the garlic for only 30 seconds ensures it becomes aromatic without burning, which can lend a bitter taste to your dish.

When adding the vegetables, start with those that take longer to cook. The bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots should be added in that order since they require different cooking times. Stir-fry each vegetable until they are vibrant and bright but still slightly crunchy, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes. If you notice the veggies starting to darken too much, reduce the heat slightly and stir more frequently.

Customizing Your Lo Mein

One of the best aspects of Vegetable Lo Mein is its adaptability. Feel free to incorporate seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand. For example, snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms can add interesting textures and flavors. If you prefer a bit of protein, you could toss in some cubed tofu or cooked chicken towards the end of cooking for added heartiness without altering the cooking times significantly.

In terms of sauces, if you want a spicy kick, adding a splash of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate your dish wonderfully. Just be cautious with the amount; start small and adjust according to your spice tolerance. Vegetarian oyster sauce is a great substitute if you want to keep it plant-based without compromising flavor.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Lo Mein

Vegetable Lo Mein can be a fantastic make-ahead meal. After cooking, allow your lo mein to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, which makes it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying later in the week. Just remember: when storing, try to keep the sauce separate, if possible, to minimize sogginess in the noodles.

To reheat, simply add the leftovers to a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent sticking and encourage even heating. Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes until piping hot. If you prefer the texture of freshly cooked noodles, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until heated through. This helps avoid overcooking and promotes a better texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make a delicious Vegetable Lo Mein:

Main Ingredients

8 oz lo mein noodles
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup bell peppers, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup carrots, julienned
2 green onions, chopped
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian alternative)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure to have everything prepped before starting to stir-fry!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Vegetable Lo Mein:

Cook the Noodles

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

Stir-fry the Veggies

In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Then, add the sliced bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Combine Noodles and Sauce

Add the cooked noodles to the wok along with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through, and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Vegetable Lo Mein!

This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips

For extra protein, consider adding tofu or edamame to the dish. Feel free to swap in any of your favorite vegetables for this recipe
it's very forgiving and adaptable.

Ingredient Functions

The choice of lo mein noodles is crucial for achieving that quintessential chewy texture. These wheat-based noodles absorb sauces well, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your dish. If you can’t find lo mein noodles, you might substitute them with spaghettini or udon noodles, adjusting the cooking time slightly as needed based on the thickness of the noodles.

Vegetable ingredients not only provide color and nutrition but also contribute varying textures. Broccoli adds crunch and a slight earthiness, while bell peppers offer a refreshing sweetness. Carrots bring natural sweetness and a beautiful orange pop to your dish. Emphasizing diverse textures makes every bite interesting, helping to keep your palate engaged throughout your meal.

Serving Suggestions

When serving your Vegetable Lo Mein, consider garnishing it with toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of cilantro for added aroma and flavor. If you’re entertaining, serving it in a large bowl family-style encourages sharing and makes for a vibrant centerpiece. Pairing this dish with spring rolls or dumplings can create a delightful Asian-inspired meal that's perfect for gatherings.

Feel free to tweak the portion sizes based on your audience's appetite. If you're serving a crowd, this recipe scales up beautifully; just be diligent about maintaining high heat throughout the cooking process. Keeping your vegetables and noodles well-mixed will ensure uniform cooking and flavor distribution, leading to a restaurant-quality dish that’s both visually appealing and deeply satisfying.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of noodle?

Yes, you can substitute with spaghetti or rice noodles if you can't find lo mein noodles.

→ Is this dish suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! Just ensure you use a vegetarian oyster sauce or substitute it with mushroom sauce.

→ How can I make this Vegetable Lo Mein gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles to keep this dish gluten-free.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the veggies in advance and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.