Discovering My Love for Lo Mein
My Favorite is Quick Vegan Veggie Lo Mein and It all started one busy weeknight when I was craving something comforting yet light. I opened my fridge and realized I had a bunch of leftover vegetables, but not much else. That’s when the idea hit me—why not make a quick stir-fry? I’ve always loved Chinese takeout, especially lo mein, but I wanted to try a healthier, vegan version. I gathered everything I had—red bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, and some fresh spinach—and began chopping away.
The Magic of a 15-Minute Meal
The beauty of this recipe is how fast it comes together. While the noodles were cooking, I quickly sautéed garlic and ginger in my pan, filling the kitchen with an amazing aroma. Then came the colorful veggies. I love the vibrant mix of reds, oranges, and greens—it makes the dish look as good as it tastes! In just a few minutes, everything was ready, and I tossed the noodles with a savory sauce that balanced soy, sesame, and a touch of sweetness.
A Dish for Every Occasion
What I love most about this lo mein is its versatility. Whether I’m meal prepping for the week or serving it up for a quick family dinner, it’s always a hit. I sometimes change up the vegetables depending on what’s in season or what I have on hand. The best part is that it’s fully vegan, and even my non-vegan friends rave about it. It’s light, nutritious, and satisfying—a perfect mix of comfort and health.
Bringing People Together
Over time, this Quick Vegan Veggie Lo Mein has become a go-to dish in my house. It’s great for busy weeknights, but I also serve it when friends come over for dinner. It’s one of those meals that brings people together, and it’s so easy to customize. Whether I’m tossing in tofu for extra protein or adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick, this dish always leaves everyone happy and full. Every bite feels like a little celebration of flavor and simplicity.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Quick Vegan Veggie Lo Mein
- Chop the vegetables and prepare the sauce ingredients in advance to make this dish even quicker. You can store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Using fresh noodles gives the dish a more authentic texture. If you’re using dried pasta, make sure not to overcook it—al dente works best to avoid sogginess.
- Stir-fry the vegetables on high heat to retain their vibrant colors and slight crunch. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Taste the sauce before adding it to the noodles and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your preference by adding more coconut sugar or soy sauce. A dash of lime or a drizzle of hot chili oil can add extra zest.
- This lo mein recipe is highly flexible. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or in your fridge—broccoli, zucchini, or even baby corn work great.
- For more protein, add pan-fried tofu, tempeh, or even some edamame at the end for an added nutritional punch.
- Stir-fry the vegetables in batches if necessary to prevent them from steaming rather than browning.
- When reheating leftovers, add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to bring the noodles back to life without drying them out.
Quick Vegan Veggie Lo Mein
This Quick Vegan Veggie Lo Mein is your go-to meal for those busy nights when you need something healthy and delicious in a flash! Packed with vibrant veggies and a savory sauce, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to your liking. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this easy, flavorful lo mein!
4
servings5
minutes10
minutes250
kcal15
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Noodles
14 ounces vegan spaghetti or long pasta of choice
- Aromatics
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 inch fresh ginger root, grated
- Vegetables
1 cup red bell pepper strips
1 cup julienned carrots
1 cup trimmed snow peas
12 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
1 cup chopped green onions (1-inch pieces)
1 cup mixed leafy greens (spinach, kale, bok choy)
- Sauce
6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
2 tablespoons coconut sugar or preferred sweetener
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1.5 teaspoons tahini (optional)
0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
Directions
- Prepare Aromatics – In a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat, sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger in a splash of avocado oil or water for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables – Add the red bell pepper strips and julienned carrots to the pan. Stir and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Then add the trimmed snow peas and sliced mushrooms. If using tougher greens like kale or chard, add them now as well. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Make Sauce – In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), toasted sesame oil (if using), coconut sugar, rice vinegar, tahini (if using), and ground ginger.
- Combine Ingredients – Pour half of the prepared sauce into the cooked vegetables. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together with tongs or a spatula until well combined and coated with the sauce.
- Store Leftovers – Refrigerate any leftover lo mein in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Nonstick Pan
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 5000IU
- Vitamin C: 60mg
- Calcium: 80mg
- Iron: 3mg
FAQ-Quick Vegan Veggie Lo Mein
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti and substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Just make sure to thaw them and remove excess water before stir-frying to avoid a watery sauce.
What can I substitute for coconut sugar?
You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or regular sugar as a sweetener alternative. Adjust to taste, as different sweeteners can vary in intensity.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the veggies and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the noodles and stir-fry everything together for a quick meal.
How can I make the dish spicier?
To spice things up, you can add red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce or as a garnish before serving. Adjust to your preferred level of heat.
