In our culinary journey today, we’re stepping away from the comforting warmth of crockpot creations to explore a different kind of quick and delicious meal. Get ready to discover the magic of this incredibly easy Lo Mein recipe – a dish so flavorful and simple, it’s destined to become a new family favorite. One of our core missions is to bring you recipes that are not only delicious but also remarkably straightforward, allowing you to reclaim your precious time. We believe that meal preparation shouldn’t consume your entire evening, but rather free you up to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Imagine unwinding on the couch with a captivating book, catching up on your favorite movie, spending quality time with loved ones, or simply indulging in some much-needed rest. This Vegetable Lo Mein recipe is specifically designed to grant you that freedom. It’s a perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and satisfying without the hassle of a complicated cooking process. Let’s dive into how this vibrant, customizable noodle dish can transform your dinner routine and give you back valuable moments for relaxation and joy.
Discover the Ultimate Easy Vegetable Lo Mein Recipe
Are you searching for a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly simple weeknight dinner? Look no further than our Super Easy Lo Mein Recipe! This dish is a celebration of fresh vegetables and savory noodles, tossed in a delectable sauce that comes together in minutes. Whether you’re a vegetarian or looking to add some protein, this recipe is wonderfully versatile and can be customized to your exact preferences. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to a homemade Lo Mein that’s healthier, fresher, and just as satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Quick Lo Mein Recipe
- Lightning Fast: From prep to plate in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Highly Customizable: Easily swap vegetables or add your favorite proteins like chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu.
- Packed with Flavor: A balanced sauce with savory, sweet, and aromatic notes that will delight your taste buds.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Loaded with fresh vegetables, it’s a nutritious alternative to restaurant versions.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common ingredients, it’s a cost-effective meal option for the whole family.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will enjoy the delightful texture and customizable ingredients.
What Exactly is Lo Mein?
Lo Mein, literally meaning “tossed noodles” in Cantonese, is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its soft, chewy noodles stir-fried with vegetables and often a choice of protein, all coated in a rich, savory sauce. Unlike Chow Mein, where noodles are often fried until crispy, Lo Mein noodles are boiled until tender, then tossed with the other ingredients, giving the dish a distinctively soft and saucy texture. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for sharing.
Essential Ingredients for Your Easy Lo Mein
Creating a fantastic Lo Mein starts with a selection of fresh vegetables and a perfectly balanced sauce. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to gather:
Fresh Vegetables
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy depth and meaty texture. Shiitake or cremini mushrooms work beautifully.
- Sweet Pepper: Any color sweet pepper (red, yellow, orange, or green) provides a wonderful crunch and vibrant color. Slice them into thin strips.
- Carrots: A large carrot, julienned or thinly sliced into strips, adds a touch of sweetness and essential crunch. For convenience, you can use pre-shredded carrots.
- Frozen Peas: Quick and easy to add, frozen peas bring a pop of color and natural sweetness. No need to thaw beforehand!
- Fresh Spinach: A whole bag of fresh spinach might seem like a lot, but it wilts down significantly, adding a healthy boost of greens without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for that authentic aromatic flavor. Don’t skip this!
The Flavorful Sauce
- Oil: A neutral cooking oil like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil is perfect for sautéing the vegetables.
- Soy Sauce: We recommend reduced-sodium soy sauce to better control the overall saltiness of the dish. It provides the essential umami flavor.
- Sesame Oil: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end adds a distinct nutty aroma and flavor that defines many Asian dishes.
- Ground Ginger: While fresh ginger is always fantastic, ground ginger offers a convenient way to infuse that warm, zesty note. For an even bolder flavor, use freshly grated ginger.
- Sugar: Just a touch of white sugar balances the savory and salty notes in the sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
The Star of the Show: Noodles
- Spaghetti Noodles: Surprisingly, spaghetti noodles make an excellent substitute for traditional Lo Mein noodles, which can sometimes be harder to find. Their texture and thickness are very similar, making them a perfect, accessible choice for this recipe.
Customize Your Lo Mein to Perfection
One of the best aspects of this easy Lo Mein recipe is its incredible adaptability. Feel free to make it your own based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers.
Vegetable Variations
Don’t limit yourself to the suggested vegetables! This recipe is a canvas for your culinary creativity. Consider adding:
- Broccoli florets: Add them with the carrots and peppers for a tender-crisp texture.
- Bok choy: Quartered or roughly chopped, it wilts beautifully and adds a mild, fresh taste.
- Bean sprouts: Stir them in at the very end for an extra crunch.
- Water chestnuts or bamboo shoots: For an authentic Asian texture and subtle flavor.
- Snow peas or snap peas: Add a sweet crispness.
- Onions: Sliced yellow or red onions can be sautéed with the garlic for added pungency and sweetness.
Protein Power-Ups
While delicious as a vegetarian dish, Lo Mein is fantastic with added protein. Here are some popular options:
- Chicken: Sliced chicken breast or thigh stir-fried until cooked through before adding vegetables.
- Beef: Thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak, marinated briefly in a little soy sauce and cornstarch, then quickly seared.
- Shrimp: Add raw shrimp during the last few minutes of vegetable cooking; they cook very quickly until pink and opaque.
- Tofu: Press extra-firm tofu, cube it, and pan-fry or bake until golden and crispy before adding to the stir-fry.
- Eggs: Scramble a couple of eggs separately and chop them into pieces to toss in with the noodles.
Simple Steps for a Flawless Lo Mein Dinner
Super Easy Lo Mein Recipe
This Super Easy Lo Mein Recipe is perfect for a family dinner! Serve it vegetarian or easily add chicken or beef based on your preference for a complete meal.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Servings:
4 people
Calories:
494kcal
Author:
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 2 C Mushrooms sliced
- 1 Sweet pepper (any color), sliced into strips
- 1 Carrot large, sliced into thin strips
- ½ C Frozen Peas
- 1 bag Fresh Spinach
- 1 clove Minced Garlic
- 2 Tablespoon Oil
- 2 Tablespoon Soy Sauce sodium reduced
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon White Sugar
- 6-8 oz. Spaghetti Noodles
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the ground ginger, white sugar, sesame oil, and soy sauce until well combined. Set this flavorful sauce aside.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic, thinly sliced carrots, sweet pepper strips, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté, stirring continuously, for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly tender-crisp. You want them cooked but still with a nice bite.
- Next, add the frozen peas and the entire bag of fresh spinach to the skillet. Don’t worry if the spinach seems like a mountain; it will quickly wilt down as it cooks.
- Continue stirring and tossing the vegetables until the spinach has fully wilted and the peas are heated through, which usually takes another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables simultaneously.
- This step requires enthusiastic tossing! You may find it helpful to use two stirring utensils (tongs and a spatula work great) to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Keep tossing for another 1-2 minutes until everything is beautifully combined and the noodles are glistening with the savory Lo Mein sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories from Fat 90
Tips for Lo Mein Success
- Prep Everything First (Mise en Place): Before you even turn on the stove, have all your vegetables sliced, garlic minced, and sauce whisked. This will make the cooking process incredibly smooth and fast, as stir-frying requires quick movements.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Al dente is key! They will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot vegetables and sauce. Overcooked noodles can become mushy.
- High Heat is Your Friend: Use medium-high heat for sautéing the vegetables. This ensures they cook quickly and retain a pleasant crispness, rather than steaming.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the vegetables in batches to ensure they stir-fry properly instead of steaming. This preserves their texture and flavor.
- Adjust the Sauce to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients. Want more spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer it sweeter? A little more sugar. For a tangier note, a dash of rice vinegar can be added.
- Fresh Ginger vs. Ground: While ground ginger works, fresh grated ginger will give your Lo Mein an even brighter, more pungent flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
This easy vegetable Lo Mein is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with other Asian-inspired dishes. Consider serving it alongside:
- Crispy spring rolls or egg rolls
- Steamed dumplings or potstickers
- A side of steamed edamame
- A light cucumber salad with a sesame dressing
Storing Leftovers: Leftover Lo Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the noodles seem dry. You can also microwave it, stirring occasionally.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this super easy Lo Mein, be sure to explore our other fantastic dinner ideas that promise flavor and simplicity:
- Hearty Bacon Pot Pie
- Super Easy Shepherd’s Pie
- Delicious Corn and Black Bean Taquitos
- Comforting Butternut Squash Soup with Sausage
- Tender Huckleberry BBQ Sauce Ribs
Don’t stop there! Explore our extensive collection of copycat recipes, irresistible dessert recipes, and an abundance of convenient Crock-Pot Recipes to inspire your next meal.
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This recipe was originally shared on May 16, 2018, and updated in January 2021 to provide an even better culinary experience for our readers.