This vegetable lo mein recipe is better than takeout and easy to make in 15 minutes! Veggies and noodles are stir-fried in a delicious lo mein sauce for an easy and healthy dinner you’ll make on repeat.
When I’m short on time and craving veggies (which is always), I whip up this vegetable lo mein recipe. It’s even better than takeout and is easy to make in 15 minutes!
Your favorite veggies are stir-fried with noodles and the most delicious lo mein sauce for a meal even skeptical kids love. Because they may scoff when I make plain old stir fry vegetables, but add noodles and viola – instant favorite.
Vegetable Lo Mein Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: I included my favorite vegetable varieties in this recipe. You can substitute your favorites. Some suggestions include: zucchini, baby corn, fresh bean sprouts, water chestnuts, snap peas, etc.
- Stir fry noodles. My favorite are the already-cooked stir fry noodles (like these stir fry noodles). I find them at my local grocery store in the “Asian Foods” aisle (near the soy sauce, etc.). You can also purchased dried noodles such a lo mein noodles, ramen noodles, udon noodles, soba noodles, etc. then cook them and use them in this recipe .
- Sesame Oil. A staple in all Asian dishes on my site. Peanut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil are ok replacements for sesame oil, although the dish will lack the authentic take-out flavor without sesame oil it will still be delicious.
- Minced Garlic. freshly minced or jarred (my preference) garlic both work well.
- Onion. I prefer a sweet, white onion. Red, yellow, and green onions taste great in this recipe.
- Bell Peppers. choose your favorite variety – red, green, orange, yellow – or a combination.
- Carrots. I prefer whole carrots chopped finely for the best taste. You can purchase shredded carrots to cut out the chopping step (which is time consuming).
- Broccoli. If you don’t prefer broccoli, you can substitute it with your favorite vegetable.
- Soy Sauce. regular or low sodium soy sauce both work great. Or use coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
- Hoisin Sauce. No substitute here, this is a must-have ingredient.
- Ground Ginger. Fresh minced ginger can be used in place of ground.
- Honey. brown sugar is an easy substitute for honey.
How to Make Lo Mein
Let’s walk through how to make lo mein step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video.
Cook the lo mein noodles
If necessary, cook the dried noodles according to package instructions. This is not necessary if you are using the pre-made stir fry noodles mentioned above and in the recipe card.
Make the sauce
Then, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and set it aside to use later. It’s important to have the sauce ready to go before you begin cooking the vegetables.
Cook the lo mein vegetables
Next, cook the vegetables for the lo mein. Heat the sesame oil in a large fry pan or wok. Then add the onion and garlic and cook on over high heat until onion is soft (2-5 minutes).
Then, add the rest of the vegetables and additional sesame oil. Cover and cook until the vegetables are browned and soft, stirring occasionally.
Once the vegetables are coked, add the noodles and sauce and stir.
Serve
Finally, serve this vegetable lo mein immediately with your favorite Asian dishes – or as a main dish all on it’s own. I like to pair it with teriyaki chicken (which is made in the slow cooker), cashew chicken stir fry, or these asian chicken lettuce wraps.
Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Recipe FAQs
What are the best noodles for lo mein?
There are many noodle options that taste great in lo mein. Here are some suggestions:
Stir fry noodles). I find them at my local grocery store in the “Asian Foods” aisle (near the soy sauce, etc.). My favorite option.
Lo mein noodles
Ramen noodles
Udon noodles
Soba noodles
What is lo mein sauce made of?
This is the most delicious lo mein sauce, and it’s made out of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and honey.
Do you salt water for lo mein?
Yes, if you are cooking dried noodles to use in this lo mein recipe use salted water.
