Craving a delicious, quick, and wholesome meal that’s entirely plant-based? This vegan chow mein recipe is exactly what you need!
Packed with vibrant vegetables, tender noodles, and a savory sauce that brings it all together, this dish is both comforting and healthy. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more meatless meals to your routine, this chow mein will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling nourished.
Chow mein is a classic Chinese stir-fried noodle dish that’s versatile and easy to customize. Here, we use simple, fresh ingredients and a homemade sauce to create a flavor-packed meal in under 30 minutes.
Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping or a weeknight dinner when time is tight but flavor is essential. If you love Asian-inspired dishes, this one is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegan chow mein is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal without any animal products. This recipe is:
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Loaded with veggies: A colorful mix of cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and more for a nutrient boost.
- Flavorful and savory: The homemade sauce combines soy, garlic, and a hint of sweetness for that authentic taste.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or add tofu for extra protein.
- Great for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
For more easy and delicious vegan meals, check out our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals and Copycat Vegan Recipes: Make Your Favorites at Home.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Chow Mein noodles (or thin egg-free noodles) | 8 oz (225 g) | Use gluten-free if needed |
Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp | For stir-frying |
Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | Fresh for best flavor |
Ginger, minced | 1 tbsp | Optional but recommended |
Carrot, julienned | 1 medium | |
Red bell pepper, sliced thin | 1 medium | |
Green cabbage, shredded | 2 cups | |
Green onions, chopped | 3 stalks | White and green parts separated |
Soy sauce | 3 tbsp | Low sodium preferred |
Oyster sauce (vegan) | 1 tbsp | Available in Asian markets or substitute with mushroom soy sauce |
Maple syrup or agave nectar | 1 tsp | For a touch of sweetness |
Toasted sesame oil | 1 tsp | For finishing flavor |
Sesame seeds | 1 tsp | Optional garnish |
Black pepper | To taste |
Equipment
- Large pot – to boil noodles
- Large wok or deep skillet – for stir-frying
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for prepping veggies
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring
- Colander – to drain noodles
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chow mein noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 3-4 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vegan oyster sauce, maple syrup, and a pinch of black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat the wok: Place your wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the vegetables: Toss in the carrots, red bell pepper, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but remain crisp.
- Incorporate cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage and continue stir-frying for another 2 minutes until it just begins to wilt.
- Add noodles and sauce: Add the cooked noodles into the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over the top. Use tongs or chopsticks to gently toss everything together, making sure the noodles and veggies are evenly coated. Stir-fry for 2-3 more minutes until heated through.
- Finish with sesame oil: Drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the chow mein, toss once more, and remove from heat.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and the green parts of the green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
“For the best texture, don’t overcook your vegetables—they should be tender-crisp to keep that satisfying crunch.”
- Protein boost: Add cubed and pan-fried tofu or tempeh for extra protein. Toss it in during step 6 along with the noodles.
- Spice it up: Add sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Veggie swaps: Feel free to use snap peas, broccoli florets, mushrooms, or baby corn—whatever you have on hand.
- Gluten-free option: Use rice noodles or gluten-free chow mein noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Make it soy-free: Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce to keep it soy-free but still flavorful.
For more creative vegan meals with bold flavors, explore our Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor or our Vegan Soul Food Recipe Book: Delicious Plant-Based Meal.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 8 g |
Carbohydrates | 55 g |
Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
Sodium | 850 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients used and portion size.
Serving Suggestions
This vegan chow mein is perfect as a standalone meal, but you can also pair it with other dishes for a fuller spread. Try serving it alongside steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
For a lighter side, steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt works beautifully. If you want a heartier meal, add a bowl of High Protein Vegan Soup Recipes for Healthy Meals or some crispy baked tofu bites.
Don’t forget to finish your meal with a sweet treat such as the Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests or sip on a comforting glass of Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide.
Conclusion
Making delicious vegan meals doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This vegan chow mein recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of a classic Asian dish while keeping it plant-based and nutritious.
Its vibrant vegetables, perfectly cooked noodles, and savory sauce make it a crowd-pleaser for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this chow mein is sure to impress. Plus, it’s highly adaptable, so you can customize it to include your favorite veggies or proteins.
Give this recipe a try and you might just find your new go-to weeknight dinner! For more tasty and easy vegan recipes, don’t miss our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious for a flavorful twist on plant-based cooking.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Chow Mein
Description: A quick and flavorful vegan chow mein packed with fresh vegetables and tender noodles. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz chow mein noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in cooked noodles, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
- Cook for another 3-4 minutes, tossing to combine and heat through.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 52 g
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