The Best Vegan Lo Mein You Can Make in 20 Minutes

Vegan lo mein is a delicious and flexible weeknight dish that you can whip up in about 20 minutes. It combines tender noodles with crunchy veggies and a savory, slightly sweet sauce that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or looking for a healthier alternative to takeout, this recipe offers a tasty, nutritious, and quick way to enjoy classic Chinese flavors without any animal products. Plus, it’s super adaptable — add your favorite vegetables, proteins, or use different noodles to make it your own! For another quick and satisfying meal, check out our 30-minute crispy falafel recipe.

Why This Vegan Lo Mein Recipe Works

This vegan lo mein is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a standout choice for busy weeknights.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Choosing the right ingredients can take your vegan lo mein from good to great. Here are some details to help you:

Noodles

• Traditional lo mein noodles contain egg. For a vegan version, use egg-free udon noodles, rice noodles, or other wheat-based vegan noodles.
• For gluten-free diets, according to Healthline, rice noodles or legume-based pastas (like edamame or chickpea pasta) are excellent. Legume pastas offer extra protein and fiber.
• Cook noodles al dente and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and remove starch, preventing gummy noodles.

Sauce Ingredients

• Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free needs. Since traditional soy sauce often contains wheat, tamari is a thicker, less salty, but equally umami-rich choice.
• Sesame oil adds depth but is optional if allergic or unavailable. Substitute with roasted argan oil or omit.
• Add sriracha or chili flakes for heat; adjust based on spice tolerance.
• Sweeteners like granulated sugar, maple syrup, or coconut sugar help balance saltiness.

Veggies

• Feel free to swap or add broccoli, snap peas, bok choy, shredded cabbage, or snow peas.
• Choose fresh, crisp vegetables sliced thinly for quick cooking and good texture.

Protein Options

• Get creative with marinated tofu, tempeh, seitan, vegan chicken, or cooked edamame.
• For extra texture contrast, press and pan-fry tofu until golden and crispy.

How to Make Vegan Lo Mein Step by Step

1. Prepare the sauce: Whisk together soy sauce or tamari, granulated sugar, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, and sriracha in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
2. Cook the noodles: Boil noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent stickiness. Set aside.
3. Cook the vegetables: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms, onions, red bell peppers, and carrots. Stir-fry until tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Combine noodles and sauce: Add cooked noodles to the skillet with veggies. Pour the sauce over and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Heat through for a minute or two.
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed nuts if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade, flavorful vegan lo mein!

Expert Tips for Perfect Lo Mein Every Time

• Don’t overcook the noodles: Cooking noodles al dente prevents them from becoming mushy when stir-fried.
• Press tofu well: If adding tofu, press it for 15-20 minutes to remove excess water before frying to get crispy edges.
• Pre-slice veggies thinly and uniformly: This helps them cook evenly and quickly.
• Use high heat for stir-frying: This ensures that vegetables remain crisp and the sauce caramelizes slightly.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to prevent steaming and sogginess.
• Adjust sauce to taste: If the sauce is too salty, add a splash of water or a pinch of sugar; if too sweet, add a bit of rice vinegar for acidity.
• Add fresh garnishes: Fresh herbs like chopped green onions or cilantro add brightness to the dish.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Protein Variations:
  • Add pan-fried marinated tofu, crispy soy curls, or cubes of seitan steak for a protein boost.
  • Cooked edamame or tempeh strips can also add nutrition and texture.
• Vegetable Swaps:
  • Mix in broccoli florets, baby corn, bok choy, shredded cabbage, snow peas, or even spicy chili peppers for heat.
• Noodle Substitutes:
  • Use rice noodles or spaghetti if udon wheat noodles aren’t available.
  • Try legume-based noodles like edamame pasta for more fiber and protein.
• Gluten-Free Option:
  • Use gluten-free tamari and rice noodles and avoid wheat-based ingredients.
• Garnishes and Finishing Touches:
  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, chopped nuts, or fresh herbs like cilantro and basil.
  • Drizzle with a little toasted sesame oil or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.

How to Store and Reheat Vegan Lo Mein

• Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of soy sauce or water to moisten if needed.
• Avoid freezing: Noodle texture degrades when frozen, so it’s best to keep lo mein fresh for optimal taste.

Plan ahead by prepping vegetables or tofu ahead of time for even quicker weeknight meals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Lo Mein

Is lo mein vegan?

Traditional lo mein is made with egg noodles and often includes meat, so it’s not typically vegan. However, with easy substitutions such as egg-free noodles and plant-based proteins, vegan lo mein is delicious and accessible.

What’s the difference between chow mein and lo mein?

Lo mein uses soft, boiled noodles tossed with sauce and vegetables, while chow mein involves stir-frying the noodles until slightly crispy. Chow mein noodles are often thinner and fried crispier.

How can I make vegan lo mein gluten-free?

Use gluten-free rice noodles and substitute traditional soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, a popular soy-free alternative.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Crispy tofu, tempeh, vegan chicken, or edamame all work wonderfully.

How long does vegan lo mein last?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh but reheats well with a splash of soy sauce.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Yes, substitute oil with vegetable broth or water for stir-frying vegetables to reduce fat content.

What should I serve with vegan lo mein?

It pairs great with dishes like General Tso’s Tofu, Vegan Beef and Broccoli, or simple steamed greens for a complete meal. If you’re looking for other quick weeknight options, our creamy vegan black bean soup is another fantastic choice.

Conclusion

This vegan lo mein recipe is a quick, customizable, and flavorful way to enjoy Asian-inspired comfort food at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can create a nourishing meal in under 20 minutes.

Whether you prefer to keep it simple or add your favorite proteins and veggies, this dish adapts easily to your diet and preferences. Serve it fresh for best texture and flavor, and store leftovers properly to enjoy again.

Try some of the creative variations and expert tips included to keep your lo mein delicious every time you make it!