Vegetable Chow Mein
If you love Chinese takeout but want something fresher and healthier, this Vegetable Chow Mein is for you! It’s a quick and easy dish made with tender noodles, crisp vegetables, and a savory, flavorful sauce—all ready in under 20 minutes! Plus, you can customize it with your favorite vegetables and even add a protein if you like.
Why You’ll Love This Vegetable Chow Mein Recipe
- Packed with Flavor – A delicious sauce coats every strand of noodle.
- Quick and Easy – Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthier than Takeout – Less oil and fresh ingredients.
- Customizable – Use your favorite veggies or add protein.
Key Ingredients
1. Noodles
Choosing the right noodles makes all the difference. Egg noodles are a great option, but you can also use chow mein noodles, yakisoba, or even ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet). Cook them until just tender, then toss them in oil to prevent sticking.
2. Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce
These two sauces form the backbone of the chow mein flavor. Soy sauce adds a deep umami richness, while oyster sauce brings a hint of sweetness and depth. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap oyster sauce for hoisin sauce or vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce.
3. Vegetables
A mix of crunchy vegetables adds texture and color. Carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, and spring onions work beautifully. You can also include bean sprouts or mushrooms for more variety.
4. Garlic and Ginger
These aromatics are essential in Chinese cooking. Fresh garlic and ginger create a fragrant base that enhances the entire dish.
5. Sesame Oil
A little drizzle of sesame oil at the end gives the dish a nutty, toasted flavor and authentic taste. Be sure to use toasted sesame oil for the best aroma!
How to Make Vegetable Chow Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with a bit of oil to keep them from sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, salt, and vegetable stock. This will be your flavorful chow mein sauce.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat a wok or large pan over high heat and add cooking oil.
- Add chopped garlic and ginger, stir for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add the julienned carrots and sauté for a few seconds.
- Toss in the remaining vegetables and stir-fry for about 30 seconds. The vegetables should stay crisp and not turn mushy.
Step 4: Add the Noodles and Sauce
- Add the cooked noodles to the wok.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until well combined.
- Stir-fry for another minute to ensure the noodles soak up all the flavors.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Garnish with chopped green onions and an extra drizzle of sesame oil if desired. Serve hot!
What vegetables to use in Vegetable Chow Mein
You can use what your heart desire when it comes to vegetables, but it is best to use vegetables with a crunch, like carrots, cabbage, spring onion, bean sprout, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Tips for the Perfect Vegetable Chow Mein
- Prep Ahead – Have all your ingredients chopped and ready because chow mein cooks quickly.
- Use a Hot Wok – Stir-frying on high heat gives you that perfect restaurant-style texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables – Keep them crisp for the best texture.
- Customize It – Add protein like tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef for a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with chili oil or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Pair it with spring rolls or dumplings for a complete meal.
- Enjoy it alongside other Asian dishes like Honey Garlic Chicken or Szechuan Sauce Stir-Fry.
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Final Thoughts
Making homemade vegetable chow mein is incredibly simple, and the results are so much better than takeout. It’s a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let me know what vegetables you love adding to your chow mein!
Easy Vegetable Chow Mein
Ingredients
- 3 oz or 85 gm Noodles I have used egg noodles
- 2 garlic chopped
- 2 teaspoon chopped ginger
- 1 large carrot cut in strips julienne
- ½ green bell pepper cut in julienne
- ½ red bell pepper cut in julienne
- 1 spring onion sliced
- ½ a small cabbage cut in julienne
- 1 ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoon water or vegetable stock
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon cornflour
- 3 tablespoon cooking oil
Instructions
- Cook the noodles as per the instruction on the package. Drain and sprinkle with two teaspoons of oil to avoid the noodles from sticking.
- In a hot wok, Add the cooking oil and when it’s hot, add the ginger and garlic. Stir for two seconds.
- Add the carrot and sauté for a few seconds, then add the rest of the vegetables and sauté for half a minute.
- In a bowl, mix the sesame oil, oyster sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, salt, and water. Keep aside.
- Add the Cooked noodles to the vegetables and mix well. Pour the soy and oyster sauce mixture over the noodles and mix well again.
- Serve the vegetable Chow Mein immediately.
Notes
- Prep Ahead – Have all your ingredients chopped and ready because chow mein cooks quickly.
- Use a Hot Wok – Stir-frying on high heat gives you that perfect restaurant-style texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables – Keep them crisp for the best texture.
- Customize It – Add protein like tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef for a heartier meal.