General Tso’s Vegetarian Noodle Stir-Fry Recipe

Lo mein noodles and crisp vegetables are coated in a homemade General Tso sauce in this simple Vegetarian General Tso Stir Fry—ready in about 25 minutes.

I love General Tso sauce for its balance of sweet, spicy and savory notes. This vegetarian stir fry pairs that classic flavor with lo mein noodles and a mix of colorful vegetables for a fast, satisfying weeknight meal. The sauce is versatile—make extra to keep on hand for noodles, roasted cauliflower, or quick protein stir fries throughout the week. Stored in a sealed container, the sauce will keep in the refrigerator for 5–7 days.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside so the flavors meld.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions, drain and set aside.
3. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add broccoli, carrots, red bell pepper and mushrooms and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are bright and just tender-crisp.
4. Pour the General Tso sauce into the skillet and cook with the vegetables for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to warm and coat the vegetables.
5. Add the drained noodles and toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
6. Remove from heat and serve topped with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Ingredients & Instructions

General Tso’s Sauce

• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for heat)
• 2 tbsp honey (or agave/maple for vegan)
• 1 tbsp fresh garlic, crushed
• 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp Chinese five spice
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Stir Fry

• 10 oz Lo Mein noodles (or spaghetti if unavailable)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil, for stir-frying
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine all sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or heat as desired.
2. Cook noodles according to the package; drain and set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add broccoli, carrots, bell pepper and mushrooms. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Add the prepared General Tso sauce to the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring so the sauce warms and envelopes the vegetables.
5. Toss in the cooked noodles and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
6. Remove from heat, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is General Tso sauce spicy? The sauce contains chilis and red pepper flakes, so it has a spicy kick. Reduce the sriracha or red pepper flakes to lower the heat.
• Is General Tso sauce vegan? Yes—replace the honey with agave syrup or maple syrup to make the sauce fully vegan.
• Can I thicken the sauce? If you prefer a thicker glaze, whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it into the sauce while it cooks until it thickens slightly.

Pantry items used

Stocking these basic ingredients makes this stir fry quick and easy:

• Lo Mein noodles (or dried spaghetti)
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sriracha or other chili sauce
• Sesame oil
• Honey, agave or maple syrup
• Fresh garlic and ginger
• Chinese five spice and crushed red pepper flakes

More vegetarian recipe ideas

If you enjoy this recipe, try other Asian-inspired vegetarian dishes such as Spicy Vegetable Pad Thai, Korean Fried Cauliflower, Shishito Peppers with Soy Ginger Sauce, Stir-Fry Vegetables, Palak Paneer, Indian Butter Cauliflower Curry, Dan Dan Noodles, or Vegetarian Massaman Curry Noodles.

Notes and Tips

For best results, cook and toss on high heat so the vegetables stay crisp and the sauce caramelizes slightly. Serve this dish on its own as a noodle meal, or pair it with steamed rice and additional protein like tofu or edamame for extra substance. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days; reheat briefly on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Make extra sauce and refrigerate it for another meal—it’s a fast way to transform roasted vegetables, cauliflower, or cooked chicken.

Nutrition Facts (approx.)

• Calories: 366 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 69 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Sodium: 1153 mg
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 12 g