Vegetable Lo Mein Recipe: A Flavorful and Easy-to-Make Dish
Lo mein, a beloved Chinese noodle dish, is a fantastic choice for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe focuses on a vibrant and healthy vegetable lo mein, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch. We'll be focusing on maximizing flavor while keeping it simple and adaptable to your preferences.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to be flexible, so feel free to adjust quantities based on your needs and the vegetables you have on hand.
- Noodles: 8 ounces of dried egg noodles (or your preferred lo mein noodles)
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup snow peas
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, adds umami)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sugar (or to taste)
- Optional additions: Chopped scallions for garnish, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, a drizzle of chili oil for extra spice.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Prepare the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside. Tip: For even better texture, toss the cooked noodles with a little sesame oil to prevent them from clumping.
-
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion (if using) and garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the carrots and broccoli and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender-crisp.
-
Add Remaining Vegetables: Add the bell peppers, snow peas, and mushrooms. Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until all vegetables are tender-crisp but still retain some bite.
-
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and sugar until smooth.
-
Combine Everything: Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Add the cooked noodles and toss gently to combine everything evenly. Cook for another minute or two, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and healthy vegetable lo mein!
Tips and Variations:
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef for a more substantial meal. Add the protein during step 2 along with the onion and garlic.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables. Mushrooms, zucchini, bok choy, and bean sprouts all work well.
- Make it Ahead: The lo mein can be made ahead of time and reheated gently, though the noodles might slightly soften.
This vegetable lo mein recipe is a fantastic base for culinary creativity. Experiment with different vegetables and sauces to create your own signature dish. Enjoy!