30-Minutes Vegetable Tofu Lo Mein Recipe
Introduction
This 30-minute Vegetable Tofu Lo Mein is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with colorful veggies, crispy tofu, and savory sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to customize and loved by all.
Ingredients
- 1 spring onion
- 1/4 cup bean sprouts
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 tsp garlic chili oil
- 4 tbsp light soy sauce, sodium-reduced
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp oil
- 250 grams tofu
- 210 grams ramen noodles
- 1 red onion
- 1 carrot
- 1/4 head purple cabbage
- 1 red pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the tofu dry and slice it into pieces. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/8 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp paprika, and a drizzle of oil. Let it marinate while preparing other ingredients.
- Step 2: Slice the red onion, carrot, purple cabbage, and red pepper into thin strips. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- Step 3: In a bowl, mix together 4 tbsp light soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tbsp water to make the sauce.
- Step 4: Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, about 3 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Step 5: Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat. Stir-fry the marinated tofu until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu from the pan and set aside.
- Step 6: Add the remaining oil to the pan, then stir-fry the red onion, carrot, purple cabbage, and red pepper on high heat until softened and lightly charred. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Step 7: Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the vegetables. Stir to combine, then add the tofu and sauce. Mix everything well to ensure the sauce coats all ingredients evenly.
- Step 8: Serve the lo mein on plates and top with sliced spring onion, bean sprouts, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of garlic chili oil for extra flavor and crunch.
Tips & Variations
- For extra protein, add cooked shrimp or chicken along with the tofu.
- Use soba or udon noodles as a tasty alternative to ramen noodles.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for a bit of tanginess.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of garlic chili oil or add fresh chili flakes.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep the noodles moist. Avoid reheating multiple times for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use firm or extra-firm tofu for this recipe?
Yes, firm or extra-firm tofu works best as it holds its shape well during frying and doesn’t crumble easily.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the noodles are made from rice or another gluten-free grain.
Print
30-Minutes Vegetable Tofu Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vibrant and flavorful 30-minute Vegetable Tofu Lo Mein is a perfect quick and healthy meal. Packed with colorful vegetables, crispy marinated tofu, and tender ramen noodles, it offers a delicious blend of savory and slightly sweet Asian-inspired flavors. The dish is stir-fried to perfection and topped with crunchy bean sprouts, fresh spring onions, sesame seeds, and a touch of garlic chili oil for an extra kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu Marinade
- 250 grams tofu
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp ginger powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp oil (for marinating and cooking)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1/4 head purple cabbage, sliced
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 spring onion, chopped (for topping)
- 1/4 cup bean sprouts (for topping)
Sauce
- 4 tbsp light soy sauce, sodium-reduced
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp water
Additional Toppings
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 tsp garlic chili oil
Noodles
- 210 grams ramen noodles
Instructions
- Marinate the Tofu: Pat the tofu dry, then slice it into pieces. Season the tofu with salt, pepper, garlic powder, ginger powder, paprika, and a drizzle of oil. Let it marinate while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the red onion, carrot, purple cabbage, and red pepper into thin strips. Mince the garlic cloves to ensure they release their full aroma during cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, maple syrup, and water. Stir well to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the ramen noodles according to package instructions, typically about 3 minutes until soft but not mushy. Drain the noodles and set them aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Tofu: Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the marinated tofu and stir-fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry the Vegetables: In the same pan or wok, add the remaining oil. Add the sliced onion, carrot, purple cabbage, and red pepper. Stir-fry on high heat until the vegetables are softened and lightly charred. Add the minced garlic last and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Combine Noodles, Tofu, and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the vegetables in the pan. Mix well to combine. Then add the cooked tofu and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together so the sauce coats the noodles, tofu, and vegetables evenly.
- Serve with Toppings: Transfer the lo mein onto serving plates. Garnish with chopped spring onions, bean sprouts, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of garlic chili oil to add crunch and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ramen noodles with any wheat noodles or even rice noodles to vary the texture.
- Adjust the amount of garlic chili oil based on your spice preference.
- Press the tofu beforehand to remove excess water for a firmer texture when cooking.
- For extra protein, add cooked edamame or sliced mushrooms.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Vegetable Lo Mein, Tofu Lo Mein, Quick Asian Noodles, Stir-Fry Noodles, Vegan Lo Mein
