Introduction

Vegetable Lo Mein is a delightful and versatile dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables and savory noodles. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable, allowing you to use whatever veggies you have on hand. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this lo mein is both satisfying and wholesome, making it a favorite among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Noodles: 8 ounces of lo mein or spaghetti noodles
Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated
Carrots: 1 cup, julienned
Bell pepper: 1 cup, thinly sliced
Broccoli: 1 cup, cut into small florets
Sugar snap peas: 1 cup
Green onions: 3, sliced
Soy sauce: 1/4 cup
Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (optional, for thickening)
Water: 1/4 cup

Prep Time

Approximately 15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 people

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Cook the Noodles

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the noodles are cooking, wash and chop all the vegetables. Use a mixture of bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas for a colorful dish. Make sure all the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. This will create a flavorful sauce to coat the noodles and vegetables.

Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then add the prepared vegetables. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.

Add the Noodles

Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss the noodles and vegetables together to mix them evenly.

Pour in the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles and vegetables are well-coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the lo mein to serving plates. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy your vegetable lo mein warm.

Notes

Customize Your Vegetables

Feel free to customize the vegetable mix based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions.

Protein Options

To add protein, consider adding cooked tofu, chicken, shrimp or beef to the dish. Add them at the same time you add the noodles for even mixing.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or additional sauce if needed.

Make it Vegan

To keep this dish vegan, ensure that the soy sauce used is labeled vegan, as some sauces may contain fish or other animal products.

Cook techniques

Stir-frying

Stir-frying is a quick cooking method that uses high heat to cook food rapidly in a small amount of oil while stirring continuously. It’s ideal for vegetables, as it preserves their color, texture, and nutrients.

Blanching

Blanching involves briefly boiling vegetables and then plunging them into ice water. This technique helps to set the color, enhance the flavor, and soften vegetables slightly before adding them to the stir-fry.

Marinating

Marinating vegetables in a sauce or seasoning allows them to absorb flavors before cooking. This enhances the overall taste of the final dish.

Assembling

Assembling is the process of combining cooked ingredients in a specific order to achieve the desired flavor and texture in your dish. For lo mein, this includes adding noodles last to ensure they stay separate and don’t become mushy.

FAQ

Can I use other vegetables in lo mein?

Yes, you can customize your lo mein by using a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or broccoli based on your preference.

What type of noodles can I use for lo mein?

Traditional lo mein is made with egg noodles, but you can also use wheat noodles or other types, depending on your dietary preferences.

Is lo mein a healthy dish?

Lo mein can be a healthy dish if prepared with plenty of vegetables and a moderate amount of sauce. You can also choose whole grain noodles for added nutrition.

Can I make lo mein ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare lo mein ahead of time. Cook and store the noodles and vegetables separately, then combine and heat them when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

The Vegetable Lo Mein is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to fit any taste preference or dietary need. With its colorful vegetables and savory sauce, it makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, this recipe is sure to please a crowd and can be prepared in just a matter of minutes.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Chow Mein

Swap out the lo mein noodles for chow mein for a crispier texture and a delightful crunch.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

Use the same sauce and add tofu or your favorite protein for a hearty vegetable stir-fry.

Dim Sum

Serve alongside dumplings or spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

Asian Salad

Pair the lo mein with a refreshing Asian salad for a light and healthy option.

Homemade Spring Rolls

Create fresh spring rolls using the same vegetables in the lo mein for a fun appetizer.

Sesame Chicken

Add crispy sesame chicken for an upgraded version that is sure to impress.

Fried Rice

Serve with a side of fried rice for a fulfilling and flavorful meal combo.

Sweet and Sour Tofu

For a vegetarian twist, consider adding sweet and sour tofu with your lo mein for a delightful mix of flavors.

Spicy Kimchi

Incorporate spicy kimchi into your vegetable lo mein for an extra kick and depth of flavor.