This Easy Restaurant Style Vegetable Lo Mein is a quick and tasty dish featuring colorful veggies and soft noodles. It’s packed with flavor, and you can customize it with your favorite vegetables!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this take-out favorite at home! I love tossing in extra greens because, well, more veggies mean more crunch. Plus, it’s ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lo Mein Noodles: These are traditionally used for their chewy texture. If you can’t find them, spaghetti or linguine works in a pinch. They won’t be exactly the same, but they’ll do the trick!
Vegetables: Feel free to switch up the veggies based on your preference or what’s in your fridge. Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms are fantastic options. You can even throw in some leafy greens like spinach.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is excellent for controlling sodium levels. If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari. Additionally, coconut aminos could provide a similar flavor without the soy.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth of flavor. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, try using mushroom sauce or leave it out entirely. The dish will still taste delicious!
How Do You Cook the Perfect Lo Mein Noodles?
Cooking lo mein noodles is key to the dish’s success. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Here’s a quick guide for perfect noodles:
- Cook the noodles according to the package directions until they’re just al dente—they’ll continue cooking later.
- After draining, rinse them under cold water. This prevents stickiness and helps keep them firm.
- Set them aside while you prepare the vegetables and sauce. They’ll be ready to soak up all those yummy flavors!
Following these steps ensures that your noodles are perfect and the star of your lo mein!
Easy Restaurant Style Vegetable Lo Mein
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or bok choy, chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce or hoisin sauce (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper or black pepper
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Time Needed
This dish takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus a few minutes to cook. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet feels special enough for a treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles
First, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to the package directions until just al dente. This means they should be firm but not hard. Once done, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking. Set them aside for later.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster or hoisin sauce (if you are using it), sesame oil, sugar, and pepper. Stir until combined, then set this tasty sauce aside for later.
3. Stir-Fry the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry them for about 30 seconds until they smell delicious and fragrant. Don’t let them burn!
4. Add the Vegetables
Now it’s time to add the white parts of the sliced green onions, along with the bell pepper, carrot, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes, cooking until they are crisp but tender. You want them to keep their bright colors!
5. Toss in Remaining Veggies
Next, add the cabbage or bok choy and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it’s just wilted but still vibrant. This adds a nice crunch to your dish!
6. Combine Everything
Add the cooked noodles to the wok along with the sauce mixture you prepared earlier. Gently toss everything together to combine and heat through, about another 1-2 minutes. Make sure the noodles are coated well with the sauce!
7. Finish and Serve
Once everything is well mixed, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the green parts of the sliced green onions on top. If you’d like, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a bit of flair. Serve your delicious vegetable lo mein hot, and enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Restaurant Style Vegetable Lo Mein
Can I Use Different Noodles?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, spaghetti or any other Asian noodles like rice noodles or udon can work well too. Just follow the cooking instructions specific to the noodles you choose.
How Can I Customize the Vegetables?
You can easily adjust this recipe to include your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Zucchini, bell peppers, baby corn, and even mushrooms are great additions! Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the vegetables and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just cook your noodles and stir-fry everything together. This helps to keep the veggies fresh and crisp!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to help revive the moisture.
