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Vegetable Lo Mein

Vegetable lo mein is a vibrant stir-fry dish featuring crisp, colorful vegetables and tender noodles coated in a savory soy-based sauce. The dish comes together quickly using high heat to create a glossy, flavorful coating on the noodles and vegetables, resulting in a satisfying, balanced meal with a mix of crunch and chewiness.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz lo mein or chow mein noodles fresh preferred, soak if dried
  • 2 carrots carrots thinly sliced or julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper red bell pepper seeded and sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced finely
  • 1 inch fresh ginger minced finely
  • 3 green onions green onions chopped, for garnish
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce dark or regular
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil added at the end
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for stir-frying

Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet
  • Pot
  • Colander
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spatula or tongs

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then cook the noodles for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
  2. While the noodles cook, prepare your vegetables: slice carrots thinly and julienne the bell pepper. Mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the green onions for garnish.
  3. Heat your wok or large skillet over high heat until hot, then add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Swirl to coat the pan and wait until it shimmers and starts to smoke slightly.
  4. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Sizzle them for about 30 seconds until fragrant, filling the air with a nutty, spicy aroma.
    8 oz lo mein or chow mein noodles
  5. Stir-fry the sliced carrots in the pan for 1-2 minutes until they start to soften and release a sweet smell, their edges may turn slightly golden.
    8 oz lo mein or chow mein noodles
  6. Add the sliced bell peppers to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes until they are bright and slightly tender but still crisp.
    8 oz lo mein or chow mein noodles
  7. Push the vegetables to the side of the pan. Add the drained noodles, then pour the soy sauce evenly over everything. Toss gently with tongs or a spatula to combine, allowing the noodles to absorb the flavors and develop a slight caramelization on the edges.
    8 oz lo mein or chow mein noodles
  8. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the noodles are heated through and glossy with sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed, adding a splash more soy or a drizzle of sesame oil.
  9. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Drizzle with sesame oil for a toasty aroma and shine.
    8 oz lo mein or chow mein noodles
  10. Serve the vegetable lo mein immediately, garnished with additional green onions if desired. Enjoy the vibrant textures and savory aroma of this quick, satisfying dish.