Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic days.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or added proteins like tofu, chicken, or shrimp.
- Flavorful: A harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors that will satisfy your taste buds.
- Family-Friendly: A great way to incorporate more veggies into your family’s diet without any complaints.
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together vegetable broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add julienned carrots and stir-fry until they begin to soften. Remove and set aside.
- Next, add sliced onions to the skillet, cook until translucent. Remove and set aside.
- Add broccoli florets and red bell pepper slices, stir-fry until tender-crisp.
- Combine Vegetables and Garlic: Return all cooked vegetables to the skillet. Add minced garlic and toss everything together, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet, followed by the prepared sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated. Let the mixture cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Protein Addition: Incorporate tofu, chicken, beef, or shrimp for added protein. Simply cook the protein separately and add it during the final combining step.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Noodle Alternatives: If lo mein noodles are unavailable, substitute with spaghetti, soba noodles, or rice noodles.
- Vegetable Medley: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, bok choy, mushrooms, or zucchini based on your preference.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place leftover lo mein in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of sesame oil until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated evenly.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the noodles and vegetables may become mushy upon thawing.
FAQs
What type of noodles are used in lo mein?
Lo mein traditionally uses wheat and egg-based noodles, which are soft and perfect for stir-frying. Fresh lo mein noodles are ideal, but dried versions or substitutes like spaghetti can also be used.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting traditional lo mein noodles with gluten-free noodles (such as rice noodles) and using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of this dish.
How can I add more protein to this recipe?
You can add cooked tofu, chicken, beef, or shrimp to increase the protein content. Cook the protein separately and mix it in during the final step.
Is it necessary to cook each vegetable separately?
Cooking each vegetable separately ensures they are perfectly cooked and retain their individual flavors and textures. However, if you’re short on time, you can cook them together, starting with the vegetables that take longer to soften.
Can I use other vegetables not listed in the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can incorporate vegetables like snap peas, bok choy, mushrooms, zucchini, or any of your favorites.
What can I use if I don’t have sesame oil?
While sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor, you can substitute it with oils like olive, avocado, or peanut oil. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Tossing the cooked noodles with a bit of sesame oil immediately after draining helps prevent them from sticking. Additionally, adding them to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables will coat them and keep them from clumping.
Can I prepare Veggie Lo Mein ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and sauce ahead of time. Keep them stored separately in the fridge, and cook the noodles just before serving. Combine everything just before serving to keep the dish fresh.
Is Veggie Lo Mein healthy?
Yes, this recipe is packed with a variety of vegetables, making it a nutrient-dense meal. It’s also customizable to suit your dietary needs by adjusting ingredients and portion sizes.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! If you love spice, add some chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little extra heat. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.
Conclusion
Veggie Lo Mein is a flavorful, nutritious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for busy days or anyone looking to enjoy a quick meal packed with vegetables. With its customizable nature, you can easily tailor the recipe to your preferences, whether that’s by adding protein, adjusting the spice level, or swapping in different vegetables. This recipe is sure to become a go-to in your weeknight dinner rotation!
Veggie Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Vegetarian, Asian Cuisine
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Veggie Lo Mein is a delicious and nutritious Chinese-inspired noodle dish that combines tender lo mein noodles with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a savory-sweet sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights or a light lunch. Versatile and customizable, it can be made spicier, or packed with your favorite vegetables or protein, making it a family-friendly favorite!
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together vegetable broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add julienned carrots and stir-fry until softened, then remove and set aside.
- Add sliced onions and cook until translucent, remove and set aside.
- Add broccoli florets and red bell pepper slices, stir-fry until tender-crisp.
- Combine Vegetables and Garlic: Return all cooked vegetables to the skillet, add minced garlic, and toss everything together. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Toss to combine and coat evenly. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- For added protein, cook tofu, chicken, beef, or shrimp separately and add to the final dish.
- If you want a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
- If you can’t find lo mein noodles, feel free to use spaghetti, rice noodles, or soba noodles.
- This recipe is easily adaptable with your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand.
