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Quick 25-Minute Lo Mein with Fresh Vegetables

quick 25-minute lo mein - featured image

A fast and flavorful lo mein recipe featuring fresh vegetables and a perfectly balanced sauce, ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh or dried lo mein or egg noodles
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated (optional)
  • 1 medium bell pepper, thinly sliced (red or yellow)
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
  • 3 stalks green onions, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (substitute with hoisin sauce for vegetarian)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) of lo mein or egg noodles and cook according to package instructions—usually 3 to 5 minutes for fresh noodles, or 8 to 10 minutes for dried. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. While noodles cook, mince 3 cloves of garlic and grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger. Thinly slice 1 bell pepper, trim 1 cup snap peas, julienne 1 carrot, and slice 3 green onions.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Add bell pepper, snap peas, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until veggies are crisp-tender but still vibrant.
  7. Add cooked noodles into the wok with the veggies. Pour the sauce over and toss everything together quickly to coat evenly. Stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes.
  8. Drizzle 1 teaspoon sesame oil over the lo mein and toss gently. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro or basil if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook noodles; they finish cooking in the stir-fry. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep vegetables crisp. Use fresh vegetables for best texture and flavor. Adjust sauce sweetness and saltiness to taste. For gluten-free, substitute tamari and gluten-free noodles. Protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added by cooking separately and adding at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: lo mein, quick dinner, stir-fry, fresh vegetables, easy recipe, weeknight meal, vegetarian, vegan option