Sesame-Vegetable Lo Mein
A vibrant and flavorful vegetable lo mein with sesame oil, crisp sugar snap peas, broccoli, red bell pepper, and shredded carrots, perfect for a quick, healthy meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the vermicelli pasta according to package directions.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of dark sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add the sugar snap peas, broccoli florets, red bell pepper strips, shredded carrots, green onions, pressed garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper.
- Stir-fry the vegetables for 5 to 7 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
- Add the cooked pasta to the wok and pour in the soy sauce and water.
- Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Optional: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a boost of flavor, consider adding additional vegetables like bell peppers, bok choy, or even mushrooms to the stir-fry. You can use gluten-free soy sauce if needed, or tamari as a substitute. If you prefer, sesame oil can be replaced with olive oil for a different taste. Always remember to prep all your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sesame-Vegetable Lo Mein with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch. It pairs beautifully with a side of Chinese Asparagus Salad or your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light soup or spring rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or stir-fry in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. Adding a splash of soy sauce or water can help to rejuvenate the dish and prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame-Vegetable Lo Mein contains roughly 460 calories, with 15g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (189% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and iron (58% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2853mg per serving (124% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, this Sesame-Vegetable Lo Mein is already vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the soy sauce you use is also vegan, as some brands may contain additives. You can also add tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
What type of noodles can I use instead of vermicelli?
If you can't find vermicelli, you can substitute with other Asian noodles like lo mein noodles, udon, or even rice noodles. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodle you choose.
How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the amount of crushed red pepper or omit it entirely for a milder flavor. Alternatively, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of sriracha for more heat, depending on your preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).