Looking for more slurpable vegan noodle dishes? Try my Thai Peanut Noodles, Easy Drunken Noodles, and Teriyaki Noodles! Say hello to your new favorite easy weeknight dinner: Vegan Lo Mein! Ready to eat in less than 20 minutes, this easy dish tosses slippery noodles and stir-fried veggies in a simple yet flavor-packed lo mein sauce. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or need a delicious dinner in a pinch, these vegan lo mein noodles are for you! You’ll see lo mein on the menu at a lot of Chinese restaurants but, unfortunately, it isn’t always vegan. I’m okay with that, though, because I love making it at home! The ingredients are budget-friendly, I can add all the veggies and plant-based proteins I want (crispy tofu is a personal favorite!), and I’m in total control of the flavors and ingredients. There’s so much room for flexibility here, the dish can change every time you make it.
What is lo mein?
Lo mein is a popular Chinese dish that tosses egg noodles, meat, and vegetables in an aromatic and umami-forward sauce. It’s not traditionally vegan-friendly but is easy to make vegan with a few simple swaps.
How to make vegan lo mein
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. To make the vegan lo mein sauce, whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl until combined. Set aside. Next, cook the noodles according to the package directions. Drain, then set aside. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the mushrooms, onion, red bell pepper, and carrot, and cook until they’re tender. Finish by adding in the garlic. Pro tip: Thinly slice the vegetables to help them cook and soften even faster. Add the cooked noodles and lo mein sauce into the pan with the veggie mixture and toss to combine. Serve in bowls immediately and enjoy!
Variations
Add protein – Top your noodles with my Marinated Tofu, Pan-Fried Tofu, pan-fried soy curls, Marinated Tempeh, diced Vegan Chicken, strips of Seitan Steak, or cooked edamame to make the meal more filling. Mix up the veggies – Mix and match the veggies to your liking! Add broccoli florets, edamame, snow peas, green onion, baby corn, spicy chili peppers, shredded cabbage, bok choy, or anything else you have on hand. Instead of udon noodles – If you can’t find udon wheat noodles, you can make lo mein with rice noodles, spaghetti, or linguine. Finish with a garnish – Level up your dinner with a garnish of sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, chopped nuts, or sliced green onions. Gluten-free lo mein – Use gluten-free rice noodles and gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce.
Frequently asked questions
