Veg Chowmein Recipe Easy and Delicious Step-by-Step Guide

Updated On: October 4, 2025

If you’re craving a comforting bowl of noodles that’s packed with vibrant vegetables and bold flavors, this veg chowmein recipe is your go-to dish. Originating from Indo-Chinese cuisine, veg chowmein combines the crispness of fresh veggies with soft, stir-fried noodles tossed in a savory sauce.

It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. What makes this recipe so special is the balance of textures and flavors — from the crunchy bell peppers and cabbage to the tender noodles infused with soy and garlic.

Best of all, it’s entirely vegetarian and can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables or protein alternatives.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe is straightforward and comes together in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in a variety of veggies in a delicious and fun way.

You’ll find that this veg chowmein is not only tasty but also a wholesome and nourishing meal for the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This veg chowmein recipe stands out because it’s incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. You can use whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand, making it a great recipe for cleaning out your fridge.

The noodles are stir-fried to perfection, coated with a flavorful sauce that’s subtly sweet, salty, and umami-rich. It’s also a healthier alternative to takeout, with fresh ingredients and minimal oil.

Another reason to love this recipe is how quickly it comes together — from washing the vegetables to serving, it takes less than half an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Plus, it’s a fantastic introduction to Indo-Chinese flavors if you’re looking to explore new cuisines. Once you master this, you might also enjoy trying other exciting recipes like Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals!

Ingredients

  • 200g chowmein noodles (or thin egg noodles)
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp chili sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
  • 1 tsp vinegar
  • 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame oil)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Spring onions, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling noodles
  • Colander or strainer
  • Large wok or frying pan
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions

  1. Boil the noodles: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking. Add the chowmein noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: While the noodles cook, wash and chop all vegetables as mentioned in the ingredients. Keep them ready for quick stir-frying.
  3. Heat the wok: Place the wok or frying pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the onions: Toss in the sliced onions and cook until they turn translucent but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and green beans. Stir-fry on high heat for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking as the crunch is important.
  6. Mix the sauces: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, black pepper, and salt. Adjust salt carefully as soy sauce is salty.
  7. Add noodles and sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over the noodles. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring the noodles and veggies are evenly coated.
  8. Final stir-fry: Cook for an additional 2 minutes on high heat, tossing frequently. This helps the noodles absorb the flavors and stay slightly crisp.
  9. Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped spring onions. Serve hot immediately for the best taste.

Tips & Variations

“For extra crunch, add some toasted cashews or peanuts just before serving.”

Here are some tips to make your veg chowmein even better:

  • Use fresh noodles: Fresh chowmein noodles give the best texture but dried noodles work well too.
  • Don’t overcook veggies: Keep them crunchy for contrast with the soft noodles.
  • Customize your veggies: Try adding broccoli, mushrooms, baby corn, or snap peas based on your preference.
  • Make it spicy: Add extra chili sauce or finely chopped green chilies for heat.
  • Use sesame oil: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end adds authentic aroma and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount (per serving)
Calories 320 kcal
Carbohydrates 55 g
Protein 8 g
Fat 7 g
Fiber 6 g
Sodium 650 mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and quantities used.

Serving Suggestions

Veg chowmein is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with light sides to round out your menu. Consider serving it alongside:

For dessert, why not try a Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious to satisfy your sweet tooth? And if you’d like to bake some fresh bread to accompany your meal, check out this Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Conclusion

This veg chowmein recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful, and quick meal that fits perfectly into any busy lifestyle. The combination of colorful vegetables and perfectly cooked noodles tossed in a tangy, savory sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into your diet without compromising on taste.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is flexible enough to adapt to your preferences and available ingredients. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and again.

For more exciting vegetarian and vegan recipes, don’t forget to explore our other favorites linked above. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Veg Chowmein

Description: A delicious and quick-to-make stir-fried noodle dish loaded with fresh vegetables and flavorful sauces. Perfect for a wholesome vegetarian meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 200g chowmein noodles
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 cup julienned carrots
  • 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup sliced onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Boil chowmein noodles until al dente, drain and set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a wok and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add onions, carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add boiled noodles to the vegetables and toss well.
  5. Pour in soy sauce, chili sauce, salt, and black pepper; mix thoroughly.
  6. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined.
  7. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 55 g

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Marta K

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