Easy and Delicious Vegan Lo Mein Recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 oz Lo Mein noodles
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
  • 1 cup thinly sliced carrot
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp minced ginger
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 cup thinly sliced zucchini
  • 1/2 cup snow peas
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch

Steps and instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the Lo Mein noodles and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the noodles are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper and carrot to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften.
  4. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  5. Add the sliced mushrooms, green onions, shredded purple cabbage, sliced zucchini, and snow peas to the skillet. Cook for a further 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and cornstarch to create the sauce.
  7. Add the cooked and drained noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the top and toss well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through and well coated in the sauce.
  8. Serve the Vegan Lo Mein hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of noodles like rice noodles, udon noodles, or soba noodles.
  • Add protein options such as tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
  • Include other vegetables like broccoli, baby corn, or bean sprouts.
  • Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki sauce, peanut sauce, or sesame sauce.
  • Add a spicy kick by incorporating chili flakes or sriracha sauce.
  • Include additional toppings such as roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, or cilantro.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
  • For a low-carb option, substitute the noodles with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash.
  • Try using different types of oil like sesame oil or coconut oil for added flavor.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice or a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy twist.

Recipe overview

Get ready to whip up a flavorful, plant-based noodle dish with this Vegan Lo Mein recipe. This easy-to-follow guide will take you step-by-step through the process of creating a vibrant and tasty meal that's packed full of crunchy vegetables and satisfying noodles. Expect to use a rainbow of veggies, including red bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, green onions, purple cabbage, zucchini, and snow peas. All these are stir-fried to perfection in a delicious combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger. The result is a wonderful fusion of flavors that cater to both your taste buds and nutritional needs. Not only is this dish vibrant and delectable, but it's also quick and simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or when you just want a fast and healthy meal. Offering a vegan twist on the classic Chinese Lo Mein, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe? Yes, you can use different types of noodles such as spaghetti, linguine, or udon noodles if you don't have Lo Mein noodles on hand. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.
  2. Can I substitute or add different vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding or substituting vegetables based on your preference. Some popular options include broccoli, bok choy, bean sprouts, or baby corn.
  3. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe? Yes, you can use gluten-free Lo Mein noodles and ensure that the soy sauce and hoisin sauce you use are labeled gluten-free. Alternatively, you can use gluten-free tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy Vegan Lo Mein fresh, you can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.
  5. Can I make this recipe spicy? Yes, if you prefer a spicy kick, you can add some red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the vegetable mixture while cooking, or drizzle it over the finished dish.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - For boiling the Lo Mein noodles.
  • Skillet or wok - To cook the vegetables and combine all the ingredients.
  • Whisk - To mix the sauce ingredients together.
  • Small bowl - To combine and whisk the sauce ingredients.
  • Tongs or spatula - For tossing and stirring the noodles and vegetables.
  • Strainer - To drain the cooked Lo Mein noodles.
  • Garnishing tools - Such as additional green onions, if desired, for serving.

Origin stories

Lo Mein is a delightful dish that originated from the Canton region of China. It gained popularity in the cosmopolitan city of Guangzhou, a major nexus of Chinese trade and culinary innovation. The name "Lo Mein" translates to "stirred noodles" and is a testimony to the method of its making. Traditionally, this dish includes egg noodles, which are then stir-fried with an assortment of vegetables, meat, and a savory sauce. However, our vegan recipe takes a modern spin on this ancient dish, substituting egg noodles with vegan-friendly alternatives and the meat is replaced by a bounty of colorful, nutrition-packed vegetables. Confucius, the famous Chinese philosopher, once implied, 'The more colorful the food, the better.' So here, with our Vegan Lo Mein, we're offering not just a delightful and healthy meal, but a plateful of ancient wisdom and vibrancy.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.