Vegetable Lo Mein Recipe

Description of this recipe

This Vegetable Lo Mein recipe is a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in a delicious and comforting noodle dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a wholesome and tasty meal. This recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to adapt it to your preferred vegetables and spice levels, ensuring a delightful dining experience every time.

Why you will love this recipe

You’ll absolutely adore this Vegetable Lo Mein for several reasons:

Quick and Easy: It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy schedules. The simple steps and readily available ingredients mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with a variety of colorful vegetables like broccoli, carrots, red pepper, and mushrooms, this dish is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s a healthy and wholesome way to nourish your body.
Customizable: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Add spinach, snow peas, or bell peppers for different flavors and textures.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of savory soy sauce, sweet honey, and a hint of spice from sriracha creates a perfectly balanced and irresistible sauce that coats every noodle and vegetable.
Versatile: Serve it as a main course or a side dish. It pairs well with spring rolls, dumplings, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the colorful vegetables and flavorful noodles. Cut the vegetables into fun shapes or involve your kids in the cooking process to make it even more appealing.
Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses affordable ingredients, making it a cost-effective way to feed your family. It’s a great option for those looking to eat healthy without breaking the bank.
Satisfying: The combination of noodles, vegetables, and flavorful sauce is incredibly satisfying. It’s a comforting and filling meal that will leave you feeling happy and content.

Ingredients:

Noodles:

8 oz lo mein noodles

Vegetables:

8 oz mushrooms, quartered or halved
1 cup medium broccoli florets
1 large carrot, cut into thin strands
1/2 red pepper, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp ginger, grated
2 Tbsp green onion, chopped

For Sautéing:

1 Tbsp oil
2 Tbsp unsalted butter

Lo Mein Sauce:

1 tsp sesame oil
3 Tbsp honey
½ tsp sriracha
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1 tsp cornstarch

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly. To prevent them from sticking together, cover them and set them aside to keep warm while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. This ensures they are ready to be tossed with the vegetables and sauce without becoming clumpy.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables by quartering or halving the mushrooms, depending on their size. Cut the broccoli into medium florets, ensuring they are not too large for easy cooking and eating. Cut the carrot into thin strands using a julienne peeler or a sharp knife. Slice the red pepper into thin strips, removing the seeds and membranes beforehand.

Step 3: In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil and butter over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is hot enough to sauté the vegetables properly. Add the mushrooms, broccoli florets, carrot strands, and red pepper slices to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables until they are fully cooked and tender-crisp. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the heat and the size of the vegetable pieces. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the lo mein sauce. In a bowl, combine the sesame oil, honey, sriracha, low-sodium soy sauce, vegetable or chicken broth, and cornstarch. Whisk all the ingredients together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth. This ensures that the sauce will thicken properly when added to the hot noodles and vegetables.

Step 5: Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, or until the garlic and ginger become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The fragrant garlic and ginger will add a delicious aromatic element to the dish.

Step 6: Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared lo mein sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 7: Cook the mixture until the noodles are reheated and the sauce has thickened slightly. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Once the noodles are heated through and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 8: Stir in the chopped green onion. This adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color to the dish. Mix well to distribute the green onion evenly throughout the lo mein.

Step 9: Serve the Vegetable Lo Mein immediately. Garnish with extra green onion, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor and visual appeal.

COOKING Rating:

Easy

Serving Suggestions:

Serve hot as a main course for a satisfying and balanced meal.
Pair with spring rolls, dumplings, or potstickers for a complete Asian-inspired feast.
Serve as a side dish to grilled chicken, tofu, or fish.
Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of chili oil for added flavor and texture.
Add a side of steamed or stir-fried greens for extra nutrients and fiber.
Serve with a light and refreshing salad, such as a cucumber or seaweed salad.
Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, sriracha, or sweet chili sauce, for guests to customize their flavor.
Serve with a side of miso soup for a warming and comforting meal.

Tips:

To prevent the noodles from sticking together, toss them with a little sesame oil after draining.
Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your spice preference.
Use fresh, high-quality vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
If you don’t have lo mein noodles, you can substitute with spaghetti or linguine.
For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth in the sauce.
Add protein such as tofu, chicken, or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Nutritional Information:

(Approximate values, may vary based on specific ingredients used)

Calories:

Approximately 350-400 per serving

Protein:

Approximately 10-12 grams per serving

Sodium:

Approximately 500-600 mg per serving (depending on the soy sauce used)

Conclusion

This Vegetable Lo Mein recipe is a winner because it combines the best of both worlds: it’s quick and easy to make, yet incredibly delicious and satisfying. The vibrant mix of vegetables, the comforting noodles, and the perfectly balanced sauce create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is foolproof and adaptable to your preferences. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal that the whole family will love. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to whip up a batch of this delectable Vegetable Lo Mein. You won’t be disappointed!

Questions and Answers about this recipe

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if you don’t have fresh ones on hand. Frozen broccoli, carrots, and mixed vegetables work well. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the skillet to prevent the dish from becoming watery. Also, keep in mind that frozen vegetables may cook a bit faster than fresh ones, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free lo mein noodles or rice noodles. Additionally, make sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce, as tamari is a gluten-free alternative. Always double-check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Q3: How can I make this recipe spicier?

A: If you like your lo mein with a bit of a kick, there are several ways to add more spice. You can increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or use a chili garlic sauce. Another option is to drizzle a little chili oil over the finished dish for an extra layer of flavor and heat.

Q4: Can I add protein to this Vegetable Lo Mein?

A: Definitely! Adding protein is a great way to make this dish more filling and nutritious. Tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef are all excellent choices. If using tofu, press it to remove excess water and then cube it before adding it to the skillet. If using chicken, shrimp, or beef, cook it separately and then add it to the skillet along with the vegetables.

Q5: How long does Vegetable Lo Mein last in the refrigerator?

A: Leftover Vegetable Lo Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to prevent the noodles from drying out. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Ensure it’s heated through before serving.