Instant Pot Vegetable Lo Mein
This recipe is something that I use to get my kids to eat all the odds and ends that I find in my refrigerator. This Vegetable Lo Mein is flexible and moreish. Done in the instant pot, it is mostly a push and dump kind of recipe. The only change I make is using buckwheat noodles. It is my new thing. Higher in fiber and actually gluten-free, it is a little more wholesome than regular flour-based noodles. That said this recipe works just fine with regular noodles too. To get a double vegetable impact you can make this with zoodles.
What exactly is Lo Mein?
The word mein, refers to noodles, and lo mein is a dish of soft noodles with vegetables and some kind of protein. Usually, meat or shrimp. Here is a recipe for Chicken Lo Mein.
One of my favorite everyday noodle recipes is this one for Coconut Curry Noodles.
How I make my Vegetable Lo Mein
I usually make this with bell peppers, carrots, beans, and broccoli. But really, you can even throw in mixed frozen vegetables if you so desire. In terms of the seasonings, I keep it simple, ginger, garlic, sesame oil and soy sauce. If I feel like it, I might add in a little sugar to balance out the flavors. This recipe takes about 20 minutes all in. I will assure you that it will give your take out a run for its money.
Seasonings Count
In fact, I have had some rather greasy and lack luster versions of Lo Mein that really don’t cut it. Since, it is one of my children’s favorite things to order, I have found this rather easy creation. Feel free to vary this with your choice of noodles, vegetables and proteins.
The same seasonings will work, and I have given you a stove top instructions as well. After all, why let the lack of a device get in the way of a good tested and tried recipe. To ensure that this recipe is truly gluten-free, make sure you are using tamari and check your buckwheat noodles.
Soba noodles are traditionally gluten-free but I have seen varieties that have wheat flour blended. I do add in some freshly ground black pepper and finish with sesame seeds. And yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as well.
If you have to pick, do not skip the black pepper. It give it a nice and pleasant heat.
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An easy version of vegetable lo mein, instant pot and stove top instructions. This is done in about 20 minutes flat.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tamari soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium sized bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 large carrot, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup of broccoli, cut into pieces
- 6 ounces buckwheat noodles or any other noodles of your choice
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds to finish
Instructions
- Turn the instant pot on to sauté mode. Add in the oil and sesame oil. Add in the ginger and garlic and cook for a minute.
- Turn off the instant pot. Add in the tamari, sugar, black pepper and the vegetables and mix well.
- Add in the noodles.
- Add about 1/2 cup of water and use this to deglaze the pot. Set to 1 minute of pressure and do a quick release. Remove the lid and mix in the noodles. The mixture will be a little soupy and the noodles a little al dente. Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with the sesame seeds if using and serve immediately.
Notes
Stove Top Instructions
Cook the noodles until tender and drain throughly. In a large pot, heat the oil and sesame oil and add in the ginger and garlic. Add in the tamari, sugar and black pepper and add in the vegetables. Cover and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and stir in the noodles to mix well. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and serve hot.