20-Minute Instant Pot Lo Mein

Caramelized edges, tender inside, done in one pan. The Instant Pot Vegetable Lo Mein delivers a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s packed with colorful vegetables and satisfying noodles. It respects the constraints of time and ease, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight meal.

What Happens When You Make It Right

When you sauté garlic and ginger in the Instant Pot, you unlock a fragrant base that enhances every ingredient. The combination of Lo Mein noodles and a variety of mixed vegetables creates a delightful texture, where the noodles are perfectly cooked, and the vegetables retain a slight crunch. The finished dish showcases a beautiful medley of colors and a glossy sheen, signaling that it’s ready to enjoy.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 8 oz Lo Mein noodles
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

The Lo Mein noodles soak up the flavors while keeping a perfect texture, making them the backbone of this meal.

The Method

1. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the vegetable oil. Add the garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for another 2-3 minutes, observing their vibrant colors.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and soy sauce, stirring well to combine everything.
4. Add the Lo Mein noodles, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
5. Close the lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Cook on ‘Manual’ for 3 minutes.
6. Once done, do a quick release of the pressure until you hear the hissing subside.
7. Open the lid and add sesame oil, mixing everything well until it’s fully incorporated.
8. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, while admiring the rich colors.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes, and you should look for a steaming, lightly glossy finish when it’s ready.

Timing & Temperature Reference

• Step 1: 1 minute at high heat.
• Step 2: 2-3 minutes at high heat.
• Step 3: No specific timing.
• Step 5: Cook for 3 minutes at high pressure — look for rapid steam release.
• Step 6: Quick release — listen for pressure release before opening.

Avoid cooking for too long to maintain the texture of the vegetables.

Where People Get Stuck

• Using too little oil → Stickiness occurs → Use enough oil to coat the bottom → The mixture should sizzle without sticking.
• Overcooking the vegetables → They become mushy → Decrease sauté time → Look for a bright color and slight crunch.
• Forgetting to release pressure quickly → Noodles may become soggy → Perform a quick release as soon as cooking ends → You’ll know it worked when the noodles are tender yet firm.

These common issues can easily be avoided with a few adjustments.

Variations That Work

• Substitute Lo Mein noodles with Udon noodles for a thicker texture, increasing cook time by 1 minute.
• Replace mixed vegetables with a frozen blend; no cooking adjustments needed, but expect slightly softer vegetables.
• Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for added depth without changing cooking times.
• Incorporate tofu for protein, allowing an additional sauté step to warm it through before sealing.

These swaps can tailor the dish to your preferences without risking the integrity of the original recipe.

The Plate

• Pair with a side of pickled vegetables to add acidity and a personal touch.
• Serve alongside a spicy dipping sauce for an exciting flavor contrast.
• Plate with sriracha drizzled over the top for added heat and vibrant color.
• Top with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for textural contrast.

Serving this dish with complementary flavors elevates the dining experience.

Storage

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days, easily reheating in the microwave.
• If freezing, consume within a month, reheating directly from frozen.
• Reheating should be done at a low temperature to maintain texture.
• Expect some drying out if stored too long, as the noodles may absorb liquid.

The flavor remains strong, but freshness diminishes on subsequent days.

Yield & Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 320
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 50g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 4g

This dish provides a satisfying yet light meal packed with nutrients.

Final Word

Now you understand the impact of sautéing aromatics to build flavor in your dishes. Next time, consider swapping in Udon noodles for a heartier bite. Preparing this flavorful meal will bring a world of satisfaction to your table without a complicated process, making it an ideal choice for your busy week.

If you’re looking for another delicious recipe to try in your Instant Pot, consider exploring this Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe for a satisfying addition to your rotation.

Instant Pot Vegetable Lo Mein

---

• Author: amanda-miller
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A vibrant, flavorful one-pan meal made with Lo Mein noodles and colorful mixed vegetables, perfect for weeknight dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz Lo Mein noodles
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the vegetable oil.
2. Add the garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for another 2-3 minutes, observing their vibrant colors.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and soy sauce, stirring well to combine everything.
5. Add the Lo Mein noodles, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
6. Close the lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Cook on ‘Manual’ for 3 minutes.
7. Once done, do a quick release of the pressure until you hear the hissing subside.
8. Open the lid and add sesame oil, mixing everything well until it’s fully incorporated.
9. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Pair with pickled vegetables or a spicy dipping sauce for enhanced flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg