Vegan Lo Mein

What is the difference between vegan lo mein and vegan chow mein? Not only is vegan lo mein cooked differently than chow mein, but it’s also all about the sauce. Those of you who follow my blog know I’m all about the sauce! In fact, the sauce can make or break a meal. Vegan lo mein, for instance, requires very little sauce but packs a ton of flavor. 

WHAT NOODLES TO USE TO MAKE LO MEIN VEGAN

Both chow mein and lo mein are typically made with egg noodles. Of course, to make vegan lo mein, vegan, we need to make some changes. Instead of using egg noodles, I prefer wheat noodles, soba noodles, or linguine works as well. 

Now, let’s talk about preparation. I love Asian food, but regardless of how many times I order take out, I can always make it healthier at home. The word Mein, for example, means noodles, but chow mein is fried, while lo mein is stirred or tossed in sauce. So, my vegan lo mein recipe is not only oil-free,  it is definitely tossed not fried. 

WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE NEEDED FOR VEGAN LO MEIN? 

Although any vegetables can be used to make vegan lo mein, I chose some of my favorites, as well my Grilled Asian Sesame Tofu recipe. Tofu, although a bonus to the dish, is completely optional. But, I think the tofu gives vegan lo mein an added level of texture and flavor. 

Even though I chose the following vegetables, a variety of combinations work well, so be creative and choose your favorites. 

• Mushrooms
• Broccoli
• Onions
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Green Onions
• Purple Cabbage

HELPFUL HINT FOR GETTING YOUR VEGGIES AND EATING YOUR PASTA TOO! 

Whenever I eat a pasta dish, I always eat a small number of noodles and a lot of vegetables. So, I strike a balance between my love of pasta and my nutrient-dense vegetables. As a result, I eat a ton of veggies and the pasta I crave without the guilt. 

Another suggestion is to stir fry the vegetables in a wok without any sauce! Instead, I saute my vegetables in the wok, in a particular order, so not to overcook the vegetables, but to also keep them crunchy and not soggy with sauce. 

Furthermore, the vegetables taste better stir-fried and then added to the noodles with the sauce. 

A hot wok, for instance, is essential in stir-frying vegetables. First, make sure the wok is hot, then cook the vegetables in order to prevent overcooking. Also, skip the oil; use water or vegetable broth to keep it clean and healthy. 

Next, add the vegetables in the following order, and keep adding and stirring until the tofu (if using) is added at the end. 

• Garlic, onions, and mushrooms (5 minutes)
• Carrots and broccoli(5 minutes)
• Purple cabbage and green onions (5 minutes)
• Add the pre-cooked tofu last to reheat (5 minutes) 

In order to make sure the purple cabbage and green onions do not overcook, add them in the last five minutes before adding the tofu (if using).

Once the noodles are cooked and drained, and the vegetables are stir-fried, it’s time to bring it all together. As mentioned earlier, I prefer to mix the sauce with the noodles and add the stir-fried vegetables and tofu on top.  

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE VEGAN LO MEIN SAUCE?

When comparing a lo mein sauce to a chow mein sauce, another difference is in the sauce. In contrast, chow mein sauce is thicker and loaded with sugar. However, the secret to vegan lo mein sauce is liquid smoke. Even though it only has a tiny amount of liquid smoke, the smoky flavor brings the rest of the ingredients together. 

Also note, the amount of sauce is minimal. Because the sauce is absorbed into the noodles, a little goes a long way. 

SO, WHAT’S IN THAT VEGAN LO MEIN SAUCE? 

• Soy or Tamari 
• Fresh ginger
• Maple syrup
• Rice Vinegar
• Sriracha
• Liquid smoke (I sued Hickory flavor)
• Water

For this recipe, I also chose to top my dish with roasted salted cashews for a nutty flavor. Similar to the addition of Grilled Asian Sesame Tofu, the roasted cashews are a suggestion, but the dish is fabulous without either. 

If you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, vegan lo mein is ready in 20 minutes from start to finish. Loaded with vegetables in a light sauce, vegan lo mein is a delicious way to get in all your veggies and enjoy a little pasta at the same time. 

IF YOU RE LOOKING FOR QUICK AND EASY WEEKNIGHT MEALS…

• Enchilada Pasta
• Grilled Asian Sesame Tofu with Vegetable Slaw
• Vegan Poke Bowl Recipe
• Vegan Pasta Primavera
• Vegan Cajun Pasta
• One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
• Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe
• Pulled Pork Sweet Potato Sandwich
• Spicy Thai Vegan Drunken Noodles with Seared Tofu
• Asian Salad with Peanut Dressing

Yield: 6 servings

Vegan Lo Mein

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Vegan Lo Mein is a combination of soba noodles, fresh stir-fried vegetables, and grilled tofu in a light sauce topped with roasted cashews.

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Ingredients

• 2 broccoli crown, cut into bit-sized florets
• 16 ounces mushrooms, sliced thin
• 1 large white onion, cut in half and thinly sliced, lengthwise
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 1/2 purple cabbage, sliced thin
• 1 bunch green onions, sliced thin

Asian Grilled Tofu (optional)

• 1 recipe Asian Grilled Tofu 

Roasted Salted Cashews (optional)

• 1/2 cup salted cashews

Lo Mein Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari 
• 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
• 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke

Garnish (optional)

• Sesame Seeds 

WHEAT, SOBA, OR LINGUINI NOODLES

• 1 16 ounce package 

Instructions

STIR-FRIED VEGETABLES

1. Preheat the wok to medium-high
2. Stir-fry garlic, onion and mushrooms for 5 minutes, stir and toss in the wok
3. Add the broccoli and carrots; continue stirring allowing the vegetables to cook
4. Add a little water or vegetable broth if necessary
5. Add the purple cabbage and green onions.
6. If using tofu, add tofu and toss around to reheat.

LO MEIN SAUCE

1. Combine all the ingredients
2. Whisk together
3. Set aside

ASIAN GRILLED TOFU (Optional)

1. Grilled tofu according to the Asian Grilled Tofu Recipe

HEATING THE ROASTED CASHEWS

1. In a small skillet on low heat, add the nuts.
2. Cook the cashews, stirring often, so not to burn nuts.
3. When toasted, remove from heat.

NOODLES:

1. Cook noodles according to package directions
2. Drain and rinse
3. Add sauce and allow noodles to soak up the sauce.

SERVING LO MEIN

1. Once the noodles have absorbed the sauce, add them to the bottom of serving bowls
2. Top with stir-fried vegetables and tofu
3. Top with roasted cashews and sesame seeds

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Marukan Seasoned Rice Vinegar 12 Oz (12 oz), 12 oz
• 
  San-J Tamari Gluten Free Soy Sauce, Black Bottle, 10 Ounce
• 
  365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Pure 100% Grade A Maple Syrup, Dark Color Robust Taste, 32 Fl Oz
• 
  Colgin Liquid Smoke, Natural Hickory, 4-Ounce
• 
  Lodge P14W3 Pro-Logic Cast Iron Wok, 14-inch, Black

Nutrition Information

Yield

6 servings

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 169Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 0mgSodium 470mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 5gSugar 7gProtein 8g

Nutrition facts may not be 100% accurate.

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