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Vegetable Lo Mein with Perfectly Balanced Sauce

This vegetable lo mein features chewy wavy egg noodles tossed with colorful stir-fried vegetables, all coated in a rich, balanced sauce that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The dish comes together quickly, with high-heat stir-frying that creates a slightly smoky aroma and crisp-tender vegetables for a vibrant, glossy finish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz wavy egg noodles cook until al dente
  • 2 carrots carrots thinly sliced on bias
  • 1 bell pepper bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions green onions sliced diagonally
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce preferably good quality
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce for umami richness
  • 1 tsp sesame oil add at the end for aroma
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar brightens the flavor
  • 1 tsp sugar balances acidity
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil for stir-frying

Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and cook the noodles until just al dente, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and toss with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. While the noodles cook, prepare your vegetables by slicing carrots and bell peppers thinly on a bias. Chop the green onions diagonally, and mince the garlic and ginger finely for maximum flavor release.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil to create your flavorful sauce. Set aside.
  4. Heat your wok or large skillet over high heat until it shimmers. Add vegetable oil, then toss in the finely chopped ginger and minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly golden.
  5. Add the sliced carrots and bell peppers to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and develop a slight char, releasing a smoky aroma and vibrant color.
  6. Push the vegetables to one side of the wok. Place the drained noodles directly into the empty space. Let them sit undisturbed for about 30 seconds to develop a light sear, then toss everything together to combine.
  7. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the noodles and vegetables. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes, ensuring each strand is coated and glossy, and the sauce starts to caramelize slightly.
  8. Add the sliced green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. Toss again to distribute evenly, then remove from heat. The dish should look glossy, fragrant, and just slightly sticky.
  9. Serve immediately in shallow bowls, garnished with extra green onions if desired. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and satisfying texture of this quick, flavorful vegetable lo mein.