Kathy's Vegan Kitchen

Healthy Plant-Based Vegan Cooking

menu icon
search icon
×

How to Make Healthy Vegan Lo Mein Noodles With Special Sauce

by 2 Comments

Kathy's Vegan Kitchen is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read more here.

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. The word Mein, for example, means noodles, but chow mein is fried, while lo mein is stirred or tossed in sauce. Those of you who follow my blog know I'm all about the sauce! Since everyone puts their spin on recipes, my vegan lo mein recipe is healthy and full of vibrant vegetables. And, I made a simple vegan lo mein sauce, which is both oil-free and gluten-free. 

The sauce can make or break a meal. Vegan lo mein, for instance, requires very little sauce but packs a ton of flavor. 

Are lo mein noodles 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. I prefer rice noodles, wheat noodles, soba noodles, or linguine instead of using egg noodles.

Now, let's talk about preparation. I love Asian food, but I can always make it healthier at home regardless of how often I order take-out.

How to make vegan lo mein

Lo Mein Vegetables

Although any vegetables can be used to make vegan lo mein, I chose some of my favorites, as well as my Grilled Asian Sesame Tofu recipe.

Tofu, although a bonus to the dish, is entirely optional. But, I think the tofu gives vegan lo mein an added level of texture and flavor. 

Even though I chose the following vegetables, various combinations work well, so be creative and select your favorites. 

  • Mushrooms
  • Baby bell peppers or red bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Carrots
  • Green Onions
  • Snow peas
  • Purple Cabbage

Vegan lo mein sauce

When comparing a lo mein sauce to a chow mein sauce, another 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 ingredients together. 

Also note, the amount of sauce is minimal. However, because the sauce absorbs into the noodles, a little goes a long way. 

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

Cooking lo mein

First, when stir-frying vegetables, I always stir fry in stages. Then, add the vegetables in the following order, and cook quickly in a hot wok or large skillet (medium-high). 

  • Garlic, onions, ginger, and mushrooms (5 minutes)
  • Carrots, baby bells, peppers, and snap peas(2 minutes)
  • Purple cabbage and green onions (2 minutes)
  • Add the pre-cooked tofu last to reheat (2 minutes) 

Stir fried Veggies

To make sure the purple cabbage and green onions do not overcook, add them in the previous five minutes before adding the cooked 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 stir-fried vegetables and tofu on top.  

rice noodles

Next, garnish with lime wedges and sesame seeds. 

How to make vegan lo mein

TIPS 

  • Whenever I eat a pasta dish, I always eat a small number of noodles and many 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 as not to overcook the vegetables and 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 to prevent overcooking. Also, skip the oil; use water or vegetable broth to keep it clean and healthy. 

coconut bowls

I also chose to top my dish with Grilled Asian Sesame Tofu for the vegan lo mein recipe, which is optional. 

If you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, vegan lo mein is ready 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 simultaneously. 

FAQs

Are Lo Mein noodles traditionally vegan?

  • No. Lo mein noodles are generally made with eggs. Therefore, they're often referred to as thin egg noodles. To make it vegan, use soba noodles or wheat noodles.  
Is Lo Mein at Chinese restaurants vegan?
  • Generally, no. Chinese restaurants usually serve wheat-flour egg noodles. Some even contain meat like pork and seafood. Hence, we recommend making your lo mein. 
 

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR QUICK AND EASY WEEKNIGHT MEALS...

Vegan Lo Mein
Yield: 6 servings

Vegan Lo Mein

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Vegan Lo Mein combines rice noodles, fresh stir-fried vegetables, and grilled tofu in a light sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds and garnished with lime wedges.

Ingredients

Vegan Lo Mein

  • 16 ounces rice, soba or linguini noodles
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced thin
  • 1 small white onion, cut in half and thinly sliced, lengthwise
  • 2 carrots, cut into large shaves
  • 6 ounces snow peas
  • 1/2 purple cabbage, shredded
  • 2 bunches green onions, sliced thin

Asian Grilled Tofu (optional)

Lo Mein Sauce

  • 3 Tablespoons soy sauce or Tamari (gluten-free option)
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup or date syrup
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha
  • 1 /2 teaspoon liquid smoke

Garnish (optional)

  • Sesame Seeds 
  • 3 Limes cut into wedges

Instructions

STIR-FRIED VEGETABLES

  1. Preheat the wok to medium-high
  2. Stir-fry garlic, onion, half the green onions, and mushrooms for 5 minutes; stir and toss in the wok.
  3. Add the red bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots; continue stirring, allowing the vegetables to cook (3 minutes)
  4. Add a little water or vegetable broth if necessary.
  5. Add the purple cabbage and green onions and stir fry (2 minutes)
  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

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 sesame seeds, the rest of the green onions, and serve with lime wedges (optional)

Recommended Products

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

Nutrition Information

Yield

6 servings

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 169Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 0mgSodium 270mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 5gSugar 7gProtein 8g

Nutrition facts may not be 100% accurate.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

© Kathy Carmichael
Cuisine: Asian / Category: Entrees
«
»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susan

    Another awesome recipe!
    Just finished this for dinner...added the air fried tofu, nut free.
    My husband and I thought this was very tasty! A beautiful array of flavours !
    As usual , with your recipes, lotsa leftovers!!????

    Reply

    • Kathy Carmichael

      Hi Susan, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. My husband loves it too and the leftovers! Thank you so much for reaching out. I appreciate the feedback. Stay safe and healthy.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Skip to Recipe