This Easy Restaurant Style Vegetable Lo Mein is a fun, colorful dish filled with fresh veggies and soft noodles. It’s super quick to whip up—perfect for busy nights!
You can mix and match your favorite veggies, making it your own. I love tossing in extra broccoli, just because it’s so tasty! And hey, who doesn’t love slurping up those noodles? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lo Mein Noodles: You can use fresh lo mein noodles or thin egg noodles. If you can’t find either, spaghetti can work in a pinch! Just adjust the cooking time.
Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies! Zucchini, bell peppers, and baby corn are excellent choices. For a spicy kick, toss in some sliced jalapeños.
Soy Sauce: If you’re looking for a low-sodium option, there are plenty available. Also, tamari or coconut aminos can be great gluten-free substitutes.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth, but if you want a vegetarian version, try mushroom sauce or simply leave it out.
How Do I Get the Vegetables Just Right?
Stir-frying vegetables to the perfect tenderness takes a bit of practice, but don’t worry, it’s simple!
- Preheat the skillet or wok for about 2 minutes over medium-high heat before adding oil. This helps achieve that nice, shiny sear.
- Add garlic and onions first, stirring quickly for a minute until fragrant.
- Add harder vegetables like carrots and broccoli first, followed by softer ones like bell peppers and peas for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this might steam the veggies instead of stir-frying them. A bigger pan or batch cooking works better.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crisp-tender veggies that bring your lo mein to the next level!
Easy Restaurant Style Vegetable Lo Mein
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225 g) lo mein noodles or thin egg noodles
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced cabbage
- 3 green onions, chopped
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (reduce sodium if desired)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional; for extra depth)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water (optional, for loosening sauce)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy lo mein recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and another 10-12 minutes for cooking, totaling around 20-25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by boiling the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until they are just al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the noodles aside while you prep the stir-fry.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, and vegetable broth or water (if you like the sauce a bit looser). Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding any ingredients!
4. Add Aromatics:
Next, add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the hot oil. Stir-fry them together for about 1 minute until they are fragrant and the onion is soft.
5. Cook the Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add in the colorful veggies! Toss in the broccoli, carrot, bell pepper, snap peas, and cabbage. Stir-fry everything for about 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
6. Combine Noodles and Sauce:
Add the cooked noodles to the pan and pour the sauce mixture over the top. Gently toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the chopped green onions just before finishing.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your flavorful vegetable lo mein to serving plates. If you’d like, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for that extra touch. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade dish!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your restaurant-style vegetable lo mein right from your kitchen!
FAQ for Easy Restaurant Style Vegetable Lo Mein
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! If you can’t find lo mein noodles, thin egg noodles, or even spaghetti can work as substitutes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodle you use!
What Vegetables Can I Substitute or Add?
You can customize this dish to your liking! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, baby corn, or mushrooms. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on how thick the veggies are cut.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or broth to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, or even a dash of sriracha to the sauce. Start with a little and adjust based on your heat preference!
