Soft wheat noodles tossed with stir-fried vegetables in a savory sauce
Vegetable Lo Mein
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Vegetable Lo Mein
Soft wheat noodles tossed with stir-fried vegetables in a savory sauce
★4.6(15)
Chewy lo mein noodles stir-fried with cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and bok choy in a soy-oyster sauce glaze. Better than takeout and ready in 20 minutes.
10m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
20m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Lo mein is the ultimate Chinese comfort food — soft, chewy wheat noodles coated in a savory-sweet sauce and tossed with whatever vegetables are in your crisper drawer. Unlike chow mein (which is fried crispy), lo mein noodles are soft and slippery, designed to soak up as much sauce as possible.
This vegetable version is loaded with shredded cabbage, matchstick carrots, sliced mushrooms, and tender bok choy, all brought together by a simple but addictive sauce of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar. It is faster than calling for delivery and tastes significantly better.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Cook noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- 2
Mix sauce: combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, a pinch of sugar, and 2 tablespoons water.
- 3
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir-fry carrots and mushrooms for 2 minutes.
- 4
Add cabbage, bok choy, and garlic. Stir-fry for 2 more minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- 5
Add cooked noodles and sauce to the wok. Toss vigorously with tongs for 1-2 minutes until everything is coated and heated through.
- 6
Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Finish with freshly grated Parmesan and a crack of black pepper
Substitutions
Lo mein noodlesSpaghetti or udon noodles
Both have a similar chewy texture.
Oyster sauceHoisin sauce or mushroom sauce
Hoisin is sweeter; mushroom sauce keeps it fully vegetarian.
Bok choyBroccoli or snow peas
Both add green color and fresh crunch.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Fresh Chinese egg noodles from the refrigerated section are ideal but dried spaghetti works in a pinch.
Cook noodles just to al dente — they will continue cooking in the wok.
Add chili oil or white pepper for extra heat.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Noodles will absorb sauce as they sit.
Reheating
Reheat in a hot wok or skillet with a splash of water and soy sauce to revive the noodles.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 plate) · 4 servings
Calories320
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein10g
Carbohydrates50g
Fat8g
Fiber4g
Sugar4g
Sodium720mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between lo mein and chow mein?
- Lo mein noodles are soft and tossed in sauce. Chow mein noodles are pan-fried until crispy.
- Can I use regular spaghetti?
- Yes, spaghetti is a surprisingly good substitute for lo mein noodles.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →