Veggie Lo Mein is a quick and flavorful noodle dish packed with colorful vegetables and tossed in a savory sauce. It’s the perfect homemade alternative to takeout, ready in under 30 minutes, and ideal for weeknight dinners or lunch meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish transforms simple vegetables and noodles into something truly satisfying. It’s super flexible, so I can use whatever veggies I have on hand. The sauce is rich, slightly sweet, and coats the noodles perfectly. It’s quick, customizable, and always hits the spot when I want something tasty and comforting.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Lo mein noodles
- Sesame oil
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Red bell pepper
- Onion
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Vegetable broth
directions
- I cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and toss them with a bit of sesame oil.
- In a small bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, and vegetable broth to make the sauce.
- In a large skillet or wok, I heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- I sauté the carrots until golden, then remove and set aside. I repeat this step for the onions, broccoli, and red bell peppers.
- I return all the vegetables to the skillet, add minced garlic, and stir to combine.
- I add the noodles and pour the sauce over everything, tossing it all together until well combined.
- I cook for another 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat and serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook, so I have it ready in just 25 minutes.
Variations
I like adding tofu, shrimp, or chicken when I want extra protein. To spice it up, I’ll toss in some red pepper flakes or a spoonful of sriracha. When I’m out of lo mein noodles, spaghetti or linguine works as a substitute. Mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn are also great veggie additions.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet with a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce. The microwave also works for a quick reheat.
FAQs
Can I use different noodles?
Yes, I use spaghetti or linguine when lo mein noodles aren’t available. They work just fine.
How do I make this gluten-free?
I switch the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free alternative, and I use gluten-free noodles.
What vegetables go best in lo mein?
I often use what I have on hand. Snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, and bok choy all work great.
Do I need to cook the veggies separately?
I usually do because it keeps each vegetable cooked just right, but it’s not required if I’m in a hurry.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, I mix the sauce in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. It saves me time when I’m ready to cook.
Conclusion
This veggie lo mein recipe is one of my favorite ways to enjoy a hearty, veggie-packed meal without the fuss. It’s quick, versatile, and always leaves me satisfied. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just meal prepping for the week, this dish fits the bill every time.
Print
Veggie Lo Mein
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This veggie lo mein is a quick and easy stir-fry noodle dish loaded with colorful vegetables and tossed in a savory homemade sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a healthy, customizable, and delicious takeout-style meal perfect for weeknight dinners or lunch meal prep.
Ingredients
- Lo mein noodles
- Sesame oil
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Red bell pepper
- Onion
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Vegetable broth
Instructions
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and toss with a little sesame oil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, and vegetable broth to make the sauce.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Sauté carrots until golden, then remove and set aside. Repeat with onions, broccoli, and red bell peppers.
- Return all the vegetables to the pan, add minced garlic, and stir to combine.
- Add noodles and pour in the sauce, tossing everything together until evenly coated.
- Cook for 3–5 more minutes, then remove from heat and serve.
Notes
- Add tofu, chicken, or shrimp for extra protein.
- Substitute spaghetti or linguine if lo mein noodles aren’t available.
- Customize with mushrooms, baby corn, snap peas, or bok choy.
- For spice, stir in red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.