This Easy Restaurant-Style Vegetable Lo Mein is a tasty noodle dish loaded with colorful veggies. It’s quick to make and perfect for a cozy meal at home!
I love how you can mix in any veggies you have on hand. Plus, it’s ready in no time—5 minutes for prep, and voilà! Dinner is served. Yum! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lo Mein Noodles: Traditional lo mein noodles are best, but you can easily swap in spaghetti if needed. The texture might differ slightly, but it’ll still taste great!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch. You can substitute with bok choy, snap peas, or even frozen broccoli if that’s what you have!
Carrot: Julienned carrots add sweetness and color. If you’re short on carrots, you might use sliced bell peppers or zucchini instead.
Oyster Sauce: It adds depth to the dish, but for a vegetarian option, mushroom sauce works well. If you’re avoiding both, just bump up the soy sauce a bit!
Sesame Oil: This oil provides a nice nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, a little bit of olive oil can work as a substitute, though the taste will be different.
How Can You Get Your Veggies Perfectly Crisp in Stir-Fry?
To keep your veggies crisp, cook them in hot oil over medium-high heat! Here’s how:
- First, heat that oil until it shimmers before adding ingredients.
- Add garlic and onion first for flavor, then follow with your veggies, starting with the ones that take longer to cook, like broccoli.
- Stir-fry them quickly to maintain their color and crunch—no more than 4-5 minutes.
Using high heat and quick cooking keeps everything vibrant and fresh—just like at your favorite restaurant! Enjoy making this tasty dish!
Easy Restaurant-Style Vegetable Lo Mein
Ingredients For Your Dish:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as canola or peanut oil)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, chopped (optional)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for depth, or use vegetarian mushroom sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare, plus another 5-10 minutes for cooking. In just under 30 minutes total, you’ll have a delicious stir-fry on the table that tastes like it came right from your favorite restaurant!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until they’re just al dente. This usually takes about 5-6 minutes. Once done, drain them and set them aside. Drizzling them with a little oil helps prevent sticking!
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, sugar, vegetable broth, and black pepper. Stir well to make sure the sugar dissolves completely and everything is combined. Set this sauce aside for later.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the onion begins to soften.
4. Add the Remaining Veggies:
Next, add the broccoli florets, julienned carrot, and red bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry these colorful veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they’re crisp-tender but still brightly colored. You want them to stay vibrant!
5. Combine Noodles and Sauce:
Now it’s time to add the cooked lo mein noodles to your pan. Pour the prepared sauce over everything. Use tongs or chopsticks to gently toss the noodles and vegetables, making sure everything is well coated in that delicious sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm up the dish and mix the flavors!
6. Finishing Touches:
If you like, stir in some chopped green onions at this point for added fresh flavor. Once you’re happy with how everything looks and smells, remove from heat.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the Vegetable Lo Mein to serving bowls and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve it immediately—enjoy your wonderful homemade dish!
This recipe is super flexible! Feel free to toss in any additional vegetables you like, such as snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn. This quick stir-fry method keeps everything deliciously crisp and bursting with flavor—just like your favorite Chinese restaurant!
FAQ for Easy Restaurant-Style Vegetable Lo Mein
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can use spaghetti or any similar type of noodle. Just cook them according to the package instructions until al dente!
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
This recipe is versatile! You can add or substitute veggies such as snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or even bok choy. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on how quickly they cook.
Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
Sure! If you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred spice level!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Lo Mein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
