Veg Chow Mein is a beloved classic of Indo-Chinese cuisine, offering a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and vibrant colors. This authentic veg chow mein recipe brings the essence of street food right to your kitchen, combining crunchy vegetables, tender noodles, and a delightful soy-based sauce.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to add a healthy, flavorful twist to your meals, this recipe is simple to prepare and utterly delicious. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, quick lunches, or even as an impressive dish for guests.
In this post, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, insider tips, and variations to customize your chow mein just the way you like it. Plus, it’s packed with fresh veggies and wholesome ingredients, making it a nutritious choice without compromising on taste.
Ready to create a restaurant-quality dish at home? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow, authentic veg chow mein recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This veg chow mein recipe stands out because it’s:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Loaded with fresh vegetables and no meat, ideal for plant-based diets.
- Customizable: You can swap or add any veggies you like.
- Flavor-packed: The sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and has just the right amount of umami.
- Texturally satisfying: Crisp veggies paired with soft noodles create a delightful mouthfeel.
If you enjoy dishes like this, you might also love our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe or our Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe for more Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 200g chow mein noodles (or any thin eggless noodles)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1-inch piece ginger, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (red and green), thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup snow peas, halved
- 3 spring onions, chopped (separate whites and greens)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tsp vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Large wok or frying pan
- Colander or sieve
- Knife and chopping board
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Boil water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt. Add the chow mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually 3-4 minutes) until just tender but firm (al dente). Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a few drops of oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and pepper. Adjust seasoning according to your taste. Set this aside.
- Heat the wok: Place your wok or large frying pan over high heat. Once hot, add the vegetable oil.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the spring onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add vegetables: Toss in the onion, carrot, cabbage, bell peppers, and snow peas. Stir-fry rapidly for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender but still vibrant.
- Combine noodles and sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly without breaking them. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Finish with spring onions and sesame oil: Add the green parts of the spring onions and drizzle with sesame oil for an authentic aroma. Give a final toss and remove from heat.
- Serve immediately: Transfer your veg chow mein to serving plates and enjoy hot!
Tips & Variations
For the best texture, avoid overcooking your noodles and vegetables. The key to authentic chow mein is a perfect balance of crunch and softness.
- Vegetable swaps: Feel free to add mushrooms, baby corn, bok choy, or bean sprouts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Protein addition: For a non-vegetarian option, toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu cubes.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of Szechuan pepper or extra chili sauce if you like it spicy.
- Gluten-free: Use rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce to make this gluten-free.
- Make it healthier: Use whole wheat or multigrain noodles and reduce oil usage.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 55 g |
Protein | 8 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sodium | 700 mg |
Note: Nutrition facts may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
Veg chow mein pairs wonderfully with simple sides and beverages. Consider serving it with:
- Steamed or fried dumplings for a more elaborate meal.
- A side of hot and sour soup or Half Runner Beans Recipe for a nutritious complement.
- Refreshing iced green tea or a tangy Green Goodness Juice Recipe.
- Finish your meal with a delightful dessert like Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe.
Conclusion
Making authentic veg chow mein at home is easier than you think. With fresh ingredients, a flavorful sauce, and a few simple steps, you can recreate this beloved Indo-Chinese dish quickly and healthily.
This recipe is versatile enough to suit any palate and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this veg chow mein will surely impress with its vibrant colors, delightful textures, and rich flavors.
Remember, the secret lies in using fresh produce, cooking at high heat, and not overdoing the noodles or veggies. Enjoy this dish as a wholesome meal or pair it with other delightful recipes from our collection to make your dining experience even more special.
For other delicious ideas, check out our Glazed Twist Donut Recipe or the savory Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Authentic Veg Chow Mein
Description: A classic Chinese stir-fried noodle dish loaded with fresh vegetables and savory sauce. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for a healthy meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g chow mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup julienned carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms; stir-fry for 4-5 minutes.
- Add cooked noodles to the wok and toss well with vegetables.
- Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper; mix thoroughly.
- Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 45 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Authentic Veg Chow Mein”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A classic Chinese stir-fried noodle dish loaded with fresh vegetables and savory sauce. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for a healthy meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“200g chow mein noodles”, “2 tablespoons vegetable oil”, “1 cup shredded cabbage”, “1/2 cup julienned carrots”, “1/2 cup sliced bell peppers”, “1/2 cup sliced mushrooms”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tablespoon soy sauce”, “1 tablespoon oyster sauce”, “1 teaspoon sesame oil”, “1/2 teaspoon white pepper”, “2 green onions, chopped”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions and drain.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and saut\u00e9 until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms; stir-fry for 4-5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cooked noodles to the wok and toss well with vegetables.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper; mix thoroughly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “8 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “45 g”}}