Instant Pot Vegetable Lo Mein is a quick and easy vegan meal packed with healthy vegetables and cooked in a flavorful sauce. Made at home in only 20 minutes, you'll have this delicious Lo Mein ready and on the table in less time than it takes to order takeout.
This is one of those recipes that just makes you feel good. When you need some comfort food without regret later, the fresh vegetables and noodles soak up the sauce that hits just the spot.
With just a quick mix of the sauce and then a few minutes in the Instant Pot, you'll be surprised by just how simple that takeout fix can become.
This instant pot lo mein recipe is so much easier than the traditional method of cooking noodles by first boiling and then stir frying in a wok. You are saving time by cooking everything in a single pot, along with the benefit of lesser dishes to wash.
Note that the noodles cooked in the instant pot are a bit stickier, but also very moist and delicious.
This recipe for Lo Mein noodles in the pressure cooker is a one-pot wonder. You will love how easy it is to put together and have dinner ready. It is great for meal prep too.
If you are new to the instant pot, check out my quick start beginner guide.
What is Lo Mein?
Lo Mein is a Chinese noodle dish. The noodles are made with wheat flour and egg and are generally boiled to softness.
Typically Lo Mein noodles are tossed in a light sauce and served with vegetables.
Lo Mein vs. Chow Mein
Lo Mein and Chow Mein are very similar dishes.
The big difference between Lo Mein and Chow Mein is the texture of the noodles. Lo Mein noodles are traditionally boiled or steamed for a soft, smooth noodle texture. Chow Mein noodles are typically pan fried so they have a crispier, firmer texture.
Both dishes incorporate the same foundations of flavor and ingredients. Feel free to call this dish Hakka Noodles, Chow Mein or your very loved Lo Mein.
Ingredients in Vegetable Lo Mein
The great thing about this Lo Mein recipe is that you can customize it to your tastes. Here are the ingredients that I recommend you start with for the noodles and sauce:
- Noodles - use spaghetti (works best), or use thicker chow mein or hakka noodles
- Veggie broth
- Sesame oil
- Ginger paste
- Minced garlic
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Red chili sauce
- Brown sugar
My favorite veggies to use in this easy Lo Mein recipe are cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, green onion, and broccoli.
You can easily add some snap peas and mushrooms if you like. Just remember to add the snap peas in the last few minutes, like the broccoli, so it doesn't overcook.
Where to Buy Noodles?
You can find noodles at your local Asian foods store or in the Asian section of your nearest international food store. I recommend using chow mein or hakka noodles or Spaghetti in this Instant Pot Vegetable Lo Mein recipe.
Make sure to not use instant noodles in this recipe. As the name suggests, they are instant and would not work well when pressure cooked.
How to make Vegetable Lo Mein in the Instant Pot?
- Let’s start by gathering the ingredients. This recipe is very simple and uses mostly staples you’re likely to have on hand.
- In a bowl, add all the sauce ingredients. Whisk until evenly combined.
- Add the noodles to the Instant Pot. Then pour the sauce into the pot above the noodles.
- Add all of your veggies except for the broccoli. It will be added closer to the end.
- Seal your Instant Pot and set to manual, high pressure, 4 minutes. (Note: When using spaghetti, check the cook time on the package. Usually the cook time in the pressure cooker is half the cook time on the package minus one minute. eg if the package says 12 minutes, cook for 5 minutes in the instant pot)
- When Instant Pot is done cooking, do a quick pressure release.
- Open the lid and add the broccoli florets.
- Stir the noodles with tongs several times, breaking up any that may have clumped together during cooking.
- Close the lid for 3 minutes so the broccoli gets cooked. Make sure to cut the broccoli to small florets.
- Open the lid. Sprinkle some green onions and sesame seeds, then serve.
Tips to make the best Instant Pot Lo Mein
- Use the right variety of noodles.
- Make sure to pour the sauce over the noodles so they all get a bit wet.
- Take the steel insert out of the instant pot once cooked, so the noodles don't overcook.
- Adjust the sauces to your taste when serving.
- This noodles recipe is very versatile, you can change the vegetables and sauces to your preference.
- You could also add sauteed tofu or another favorite protein.
How to Serve Vegetable Lo Mein?
This Lo Mein recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own, served on a plate or in a bowl with chopsticks. But if you want to make it into a more substantial meal, it would pair well with other Chinese inspired recipes, such as Sweet Corn Soup or Garlic Chili Potatoes.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add extra texture and flavor.
Check out other Instant Pot recipes to enjoy:
- Coconut Rice - a gluten free and vegan side dish made with sweet coconut milk.
- Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup - a warm and creamy soup that is perfect on a cool day.
- Thai Green Curry with tofu - a delicious vegan entree made in less than 20 minutes.
Instant Pot Vegetable Lo Mein Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz Noodles Spaghetti works best (you can also use thicker chow mein or hakka noodles)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper adjust to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish, if desired
For the Sauce
- 2 cups Vegetable Broth (or water)
- 2 teaspoon Sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoon Red chili paste adjust to taste (I used sambal oelek)
- 1 teaspoon Brown sugar
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup Cabbage thinly sliced
- 1 Carrot peeled and sliced into matchsticks
- 1/2 cup Bell Pepper thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Scallion or Green onion
(white and green part divided)
- 1/2 cup Broccoli cut into very small florets
Instructions
- In a bowl, add all the sauce ingredients. Whisk until evenly combined. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Add the noodles to the instant pot (break spaghetti in half).
- Pour the above sauce into the pot above the noodles. Add vegetables on top except broccoli. (check the video)
- Seal your Instant Pot and set to manual, high pressure, 4 minutes. (see note for cooking time)
- When Instant Pot is done cooking, do a quick pressure release.
- Open the lid and add the broccoli florets (make sure they are cut into small pieces). Stir the noodles with tongs several times, breaking up any that may have clumped together during cooking. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Close the lid for 5 minute so the broccoli get cooked (do not pressure cook in this step).
- Open the lid. Sprinkle some green onions and sesame seeds and serve.
Video
Notes
Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
This is really good and very quick and easy. I actually made it two days in a row! Can't wait to explore more of Meeta's recipes! If you're in a hurry, frozen veggies (defrosted quickly in warm water) work just as well as chopped fresh ones and shave a bunch of prep time.. that's how I made it the second day, turned out great. Thanks Meeta
Hi Katie - So happy to hear that. Thank you for sharing your experience 🙂
Would love to add chicken peices to this. How would you suugest to cook this please 🙂
Hi Selena - To add boneless chicken, cut it into 1-2 inch pieces. Then saute the chicken in some oil for 1-2 minutes before adding other ingredients. Then follow the recipe. Hope you enjoy the Lo Mein.
I have tried this recipe twice and it was amazing both times! It does have a little heat, but my husband and I like that. Very easy recipe and comes out perfect every time!
Hi Meghan - So happy to hear that. Thank you for sharing your experience 🙂