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.
Jump to:
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
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Noodles Spaghetti works best (you can also use thicker chow mein or hakka noodles)
- ¼ teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
- ¼ 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
- 3 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar I used rice vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoon Red chili paste adjust to taste (I used sambal oelek)
- 1 teaspoon Brown sugar
Vegetables
- ½ cup Cabbage thinly sliced
- 1 Carrot peeled and sliced into matchsticks
- ½ cup Bell Pepper thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Scallion or Green onion white and green part divided
- ½ 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.
Rupal says
Any tips on how to make this gluten free? I know that the cook time would be less for the noodles and I would have to use gluten free soy sauce. Just not sure of exact measurements and cook times. Worried that the veggies won’t cook since gluten free noodles need less cook time I think . Thank you!
Meeta Arora says
Hi Rupal - I have not tried with gluten-free noodles, and want to be careful as we don't want them to get mushy. If you pressure cook even for 1-2 minutes, the thinly cut veggies we have used here will get cooked. Would love to hear back if you give this a try with gluten-free noodles.
Robin Lewis says
How would you add tofu to this?
Meeta Arora says
Hi Robin - I would air fry or saute tofu in a pan. Then add to the lo main after it is pressure cooked. Hope you enjoy it!
Kanika says
Turned out absolutely delicious. I made it on a week night (I usually stay away from cooking on weekday just coz of our crazy work schedules) but wow! so easy and quick to make and tasty too! I’m
Definitely going to add this to my recipes list. Thanks much!😊
Piping Pot Curry says
Hi Kanika - So happy to hear that. Thank you for sharing it back 🙂
Lisa W says
Really good! I doubled the brown sugar, and I used 8 oz broccoli (raw), which I steamed separately and then mixed in.
I recommend making this a couple hours before you want to eat it. It takes a while for the excess water to absorb and for the pasta and everything to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Linda says
Have you ever subbed the bags of mixed frozen veggies for the fresh veggies?
Christy Jayne says
Wow! Thank you for this! Our vegan household loved it and omitted the oil. Doubled it, but replaced broccoli with a stir fry mix, brown sugar with maple syrup and also added edimame. I'm putting this in work lunches next week. I can't believe I didn't even have to pry the noodles apart. I always have to pry them apart when we have spaghetti! Thanks again!
Piping Pot Curry says
Hi Christy - So happy to hear that. Thank you for sharing it back 🙂
Mackenzie M says
If you doubled everything did you have to change to cook time at all or was it still just the 4 mins on high?!
Kelly says
This recipe was easy, quick, and delicious! I doubled it for extra leftovers and baked the broccoli for 20 minutes at 400F because I love broccoli and wanted bigger pieces; I still added them at the end and put the lid on for 5 minures and that seemed to help with absorbing the extra liquid. I also added some crushed red pepper at the end since my fiance and I love spicy food. Thin spaghetti worked perfectly for this and the cook time was spot on. Next time I will probably bake up some tofu to add at the end, too! Really looking forward to trying more of your recipes ❤
Meeta Arora says
Hi Kelly - So happy to hear you enjoyed the Lo Mein. Thank you for sharing back!
Megan says
I have made this recipe before and it was awesome. This time around I don't have the veggie broth. Could I just use water for the sauce?
Meeta Arora says
Hi Megan - It will be fine to use water in place of broth. You might want to add some more of the sauces and seasoning to compensate. You can add to taste after the noodles are cooked too.
Barbara says
If adding chicken would you add it raw or cooked?
Meeta Arora says
Hi Barbara - You can use raw chicken. To add boneless chicken, cut it into 1-2 inch pieces. Then sauté the chicken in some oil for 1-2 minutes before adding other ingredients. Then follow the recipe. Hope you enjoy the Lo Mein.
Elizabeth Williams says
Adjusted the chili paste since we like things a little more spicy! I also added chopped up chicken thighs for protein. Husband and I both enjoyed this! Thank you!
Meeta Arora says
Hi Elizabeth - Glad to hear you both enjoyed the Lo Mein!