Vegan Lo Mein

Vegan Lo Mein is a quick, easy, and flexible 20-minute meal! Slippery noodles and vegetables are tossed with a homemade vegan lo mein sauce, making each bite slurpalicious and crowd-pleasing.

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

Print

Vegan Lo Mein

Vegan Lo Mein is a quick, easy, and flexible 20-minute meal! Slippery noodles and vegetables are tossed with a homemade vegan lo mein sauce, making each bite slurpalicious and crowd-pleasing.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese-Inspired

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 330kcal

Author Nora Taylor

Ingredients

Lo Mein Sauce

• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce tamari for gluten free
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce more to taste

The Rest

• 8 ounces udon wheat noodles or rice noodles for gluten free*
• 2 tablespoons high-heat safe oil I used avocado oil
• 2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms
• 1 small white onion thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper seeded and thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot shredded or julienne
• 4 large cloves garlic minced
• chopped green onions optional

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients. Set aside.
• In a large pot of boiling water, cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, onion, red pepper and carrot and cook, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until tender. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
• Stir in the cooked, drained noodles and sauce. Toss gently to combine. Stir in some some chopped green onions, if desired.
• Serve immediately. Leftovers are great the next day, but the lo mein will only last 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or stovetop until warm and add a splash of soy sauce/tamari if desired. I don't recommend freezing.

Notes

1. You can add Pan Fried Tofu or Marinated Tofu if desired, for extra protein and deliciousness.
2. For gluten free, use gluten free rice noodles and gluten free tamari instead of soy sauce.
3. You can even use spaghetti or linguine, but I prefer the udon wheat noodles.
4. Mix and match the veggies to your liking. I also like adding broccoli sometimes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 4 servings | Calories: 330kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 1283mg | Potassium: 371mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 3481IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any tips to help you transition to a plant-based diet

Transitioning to a plant-based diet can be intimidating, but it can become an exciting lifestyle change with the proper knowledge and support. These are some tips for transitioning into this type if diet:

1. For adequate macronutrients and vitamins, it is important to structure meals around whole foods, rather than processed products.
2. Focusing on creating meals that are enjoyable to eat and meet dietary needs.
3. It is important to create a support system, including friends, family members, and certified medical professionals.
4. You can add excitement to your meal by trying new recipes.
5. Gradually changing habits while also being mindful of nutrient intake.

People can increase their chances to maintain a healthy lifestyle by gradually changing to a plant-based diet.

Is a diet based on plants the same as a vegan one?

A plant-based diet does not mean you have to eat vegan. A plant-based eating plan is one that focuses on whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes. This eating style typically reduces or eliminates the consumption animal products like milk and meat. However, some small amounts may be permitted. Veganism on the other side is a ethical lifestyle choice. This involves eating only plant-based foods and avoiding animal products. Vegans can choose to follow a plant-based lifestyle, but they are distinct concepts.

Is it easy to change to a plant-based diet

While it can seem intimidating to transition to a vegan diet, it doesn’t have to be. It is possible to gradually transition to a plant-based diet and make tweaks that feel doable. Because everyone is unique, it is important that you tailor the transition for your particular lifestyle. Structure meals around whole foods, rather than processed products, can help make this easier. It's also a good idea to make meals that you enjoy eating and satisfy your dietary requirements.

The best way to help someone transition to a plant based lifestyle is to build a support network of friends, family members, and certified medical professionals. Making new recipes is a great way to spice up your journey. Plenty of delicious vegan options exist so that no one feels deprived or bored when making this dietary change. Change slowly while still paying attention to daily nutrients is key to a successful plant-based diet.

Statistics

• In fact, according to research published in the going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)
• In the United States, poor-quality diet is the most significant predictor of early death, according to an article published in the May 2017 Journal of Geriatric Cardiology. (everydayhealth.com)

External Links

[TAG28]

• The Effects of Plant-Based Diets On Weight Status: A Systematic Review by PMC


• Healthcare professionals can use plant-based nutrition to prevent and treat chronic diseases. PMC

[TAG31]

• Plant-based diets for personal, population, and planetary health - ScienceDirect

[TAG33]

• Scientific Reports: Case-control study on the relationship between breast cancer risk and plant-based dietary practices


• The carbon potential cost of animal-sourced land food production

[TAG36]

• Deteriorating beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes: a long-term model - PubMed


• A Plant-Based Dietary Intervention Improves Beta-Cell Function & Insulin Resistance in Adults Overweight: A 16-Week Randomized Clinical Test - PubMed

How To

How do you navigate social situations when eating a plant-based diet

Transitioning to a plant diet is difficult. This includes social situations like eating out with friends. You can be sure to maintain your chosen diet while enjoying delicious meals. Before you dine out, confirm the options. Not all restaurants are vegan-friendly.

If the venue is suitable, start a conversation among friends and relatives about your preferences. This will avoid awkward conversations or misunderstandings about your dietary requirements. When creating vegan dishes, trust the chef's judgement. Chat with them if necessary to ensure they are fully understanding your needs.

You can help make a difference by bringing along healthy snacks and drinks to vegan events. When your vegan relatives start to incorporate vegan recipes, be sure to acknowledge even the smallest gestures.

Although it may be challenging at first, it is possible to manage social situations while adhering to a vegan lifestyle. You will eventually get used to it. Every effort you put into gradual improvement results in small steps.

Resources:

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