Craving a delicious, quick, and healthy meal that’s packed with vibrant vegetables and satisfying noodles? Look no further than this classic Veg Chow Mein recipe!
A staple in Chinese cuisine, chow mein offers a delightful combination of stir-fried noodles, fresh veggies, and a flavorful sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual get-together.
What makes this veg chow mein stand out? It’s not only colorful and nutritious but also versatile.
You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein alternatives, keeping it vegan or vegetarian. Plus, the balance of crunchy veggies and tender noodles coated in a savory sauce makes every bite satisfying.
Ready to bring the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This veg chow mein recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
The mix of fresh vegetables ensures a nutrient-rich meal that’s both filling and flavorful. Plus, it’s highly adaptable—you can swap in whatever veggies you have on hand.
Another great reason to love this chow mein is its balanced taste profile: a perfect harmony of savory soy sauce, a hint of sweetness, and light garlic and ginger notes. The stir-fry method keeps the vegetables crisp and the noodles perfectly tender without becoming soggy.
It’s a perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a homemade Asian-inspired meal without too much hassle.
Ingredients
- 200g chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or sunflower oil works well)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup snap peas or green beans, trimmed
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (use low sodium for a healthier option)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Large wok or skillet
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Colander to drain noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Toss lightly with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper. Set aside for later use.
- Heat the wok: Place your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the sliced onions, julienned carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Add cabbage and snap peas: Toss in the shredded cabbage and snap peas or green beans. Continue stir-frying for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Combine noodles and sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the wok along with the sauce mixture. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated.
- Optional thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens and clings to the noodles.
- Finish with green onions: Stir in the sliced green onions and give the chow mein a final toss.
- Serve hot: Transfer to plates or bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired, and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
“For extra protein, add tofu cubes, tempeh, or cooked shredded chicken. You can also swap in different veggies such as broccoli, mushrooms, or baby corn based on what you have in your fridge.”
Here are some handy tips to make your veg chow mein even better:
- Don’t overcook the noodles: They should be tender but firm to hold their texture when stir-fried.
- High heat is key: Stir-frying on high heat helps lock in flavors and keeps veggies crisp.
- Customize the sauce: Feel free to add a splash of rice vinegar or chili sauce for tang or heat.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles instead of chow mein noodles.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (Serves 3) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 8 g |
Carbohydrates | 55 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sodium | 750 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Veg chow mein is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a range of sides or accompaniments. Serve it alongside steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a full Asian-inspired meal.
A light cucumber salad or simple miso soup can add fresh contrast to the stir-fried noodles.
For a heartier dinner, add a side of Vegetarian Southern Recipes or mix in some crunchy peanuts or cashews on top for an added texture boost. You can also explore other delicious vegetable dishes like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals to keep your menu exciting and nutritious.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty, plant-based meal to impress family and friends, this veg chow mein recipe ticks all the boxes. Its colorful medley of fresh vegetables combined with tender noodles and a savory sauce makes it both delicious and nutritious.
The best part? It’s highly adaptable, so you can always tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or whatever’s in your pantry.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality chow mein in the comfort of your own home. Don’t forget to check out other amazing recipes like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for dessert and sides that complement your chow mein perfectly.
Enjoy your cooking adventure, and happy eating!
📖 Recipe Card: Veg Chow Mein
Description: A quick and flavorful stir-fried noodle dish loaded with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g chow mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Add bean sprouts and cooked noodles to the pan.
- Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil; toss well.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 55 g
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