Healthy Instant Pot Chinese Lo Mein Recipe: If you’re craving Chinese takeout but want something quicker, healthier, and homemade, this Instant Pot Chinese Lo Mein is just the recipe you need! It’s packed with fresh veggies and flavorful noodles, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish uses simple ingredients and comes together easily in the Instant Pot. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 8 oz linguine pasta, broken in half
- 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp shaoxing rice wine
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
How to Make Instant Pot Lo Mein
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
First, add sesame oil and minced garlic into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Set it to the sauté function. Once the pot heats up, cook the garlic until it turns lightly golden and aromatic.
Step 2: Layer the Noodles and Vegetables
Spread the broken linguine noodles across the bottom of the pot. Then, place the snow peas, broccoli florets, and carrot matchsticks on top of the noodles.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, grated ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, shaoxing rice wine, and brown sugar. Taste the sauce and adjust if needed. Pour this sauce mixture over the noodles and vegetables inside the Instant Pot.
Step 4: Cook Under Pressure
Seal the Instant Pot and set it to manual, high pressure, for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Quick Release and Stir
After cooking, do a quick release (don’t use natural release, as it will overcook the noodles and vegetables). Open the lid carefully. At first, the noodles may look watery, but don’t worry! Stir the noodles gently, breaking up any clumps. As you stir, you’ll notice the liquid will quickly evaporate, and the noodles will turn perfectly coated and ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Instant Pot Lo Mein is everything you love about Chinese noodles — quick, flavorful, and full of fresh veggies. Plus, it’s made at home with simple ingredients, so you know exactly what you’re eating. It’s faster than ordering takeout and tastes just as delicious, if not better!
Making Chinese Lo Mein at home has never been easier thanks to the Instant Pot. With minimal effort and just a few pantry staples, you can enjoy a steaming plate of delicious, restaurant-style noodles in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want something comforting, filling, and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll want to make it again and again!
FAQs
Can I use spaghetti instead of linguine?
Yes, you can easily substitute spaghetti if you don’t have linguine. Just break it in half before adding to the Instant Pot.
Can I make this Lo Mein vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the oyster sauce or use a vegetarian version.
Why do the noodles look watery after cooking?
This is normal. After stirring well, the liquid will evaporate and the sauce will coat the noodles perfectly.
Can I add chicken or shrimp to this recipe?
Yes! Add small pieces of cooked chicken or shrimp after cooking the noodles for extra protein.
How do I store leftover Lo Mein?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.