If you love quick and flavorful meals, this Vegetable Chow Mein recipe is for you! Packed with colorful veggies, aromatic spices, and perfectly stir-fried noodles, this dish is a great option for weeknight dinners or even meal prepping. Learn how to recreate the taste of your favorite takeout right in your kitchen with this simple recipe.
What is Vegetable Chow Mein?
Chow Mein is a classic Chinese stir-fried noodle dish that’s become a staple in many cuisines worldwide like in Guyanese cooking. The term “Chow Mein” translates to “stir-fried noodles,” and the dish is characterized by its slightly crispy noodles, savory spices and sauces, and a variety of colorful vegetables. Vegetable Chow Mein is a vegetarian twist on this classic recipe, offering a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it based on the ingredients you have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
Why You’ll Love This Vegetable Chow Mein Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with fresh vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage.
- Customizable: Easily make it vegetarian, vegan, or even add protein like tofu, chicken, or shrimp.
- Authentic Flavor: Seasoned with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and five-spice powder for a savory, umami-packed taste.
Types of Vegetables to Use in Chow Mein
One of the best things about Vegetable Chow Mein is its adaptability. While the recipe calls for specific vegetables, you can easily swap or add others to suit your taste or seasonal availability. Here are some fantastic options to consider:
Vegetables Used in this Recipe:
- Carrots: Cut into thin strips, carrots add a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
- Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green bell peppers bring vibrant color and a subtle sweetness.
- Cabbage: Shredded cabbage is a classic choice that adds texture and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Scallions (Green Onions): Finely chopped scallions provide a mild, fresh onion flavor that complements the dish.
Additional Vegetable Options:
- Snow Peas or Sugar Snap Peas: Add a crisp, fresh bite.
- Broccoli: Cut into small florets for a hearty, nutrient-rich addition.
- Mushrooms: Sliced button, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms bring an earthy umami flavor.
- Bean Sprouts: Tossed in at the end, they add a light and crunchy element.
- Zucchini or Yellow Squash: Thinly sliced for a tender, mild flavor.
- Baby Corn: Adds a sweet and crunchy texture.
- Bok Choy: A leafy green option that’s great for added nutrition.
Feel free to mix and match these vegetables to create your perfect Vegetable Chow Mein. Just be mindful of their cooking times—add heartier veggies earlier and delicate ones closer to the end.
Key Ingredients for Vegetable Chow Mein
Each ingredient in Vegetable Chow Mein plays an important role in achieving its signature taste and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:
- Chow Mein Noodles: The star of the dish, these noodles are stir-fried to perfection. Cook them according to package instructions and drain them thoroughly.
- Vegetable Oil: Essential for stir-frying and creating that slight crispiness in the noodles. Canola or any neutral oil works well.
- Crushed Ginger & 1 tsp Crushed Garlic: These aromatics form the flavorful base of the dish, infusing it with bold, zesty notes.
- Carrot, Cut into Thin Strips: Adds color, sweetness, and a satisfying crunch to the stir-fry.
- Bell Pepper, Cut into Strips: Choose your favorite color or mix them up for extra vibrancy.
- Shredded Cabbage: A classic addition that’s tender yet slightly crunchy when stir-fried.
- Five Spice Powder: A unique blend of spices that adds depth and a hint of sweetness to the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Brings a subtle heat to balance the savory and sweet flavors.
- Soy Sauce: A key ingredient for that signature umami taste. Opt for low-sodium if preferred.
- Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweetness and a touch of tanginess, enhancing the flavor profile.
- Chicken Bouillon Powder: Provides an additional savory boost. For a vegetarian option, substitute with vegetable bouillon.
- Scallions, Finely Chopped: Used as both an ingredient and garnish, scallions add freshness and a pop of color.
- Sesame Oil: A finishing touch that delivers a rich, nutty aroma and authentic flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Vegetable Chow Mein
Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, crisp vegetables make a huge difference in flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Keep them slightly crunchy for the best stir-fry experience.
Customize Your Dish: Add mushrooms, broccoli, or bean sprouts for extra variety. You can also swap chicken bouillon powder for vegetable bouillon to make it vegetarian.
Other Asian Inspired Recipes to try
Get the Recipe
Vegetable Chow Mein
This quick and flavorful Vegetable Chow Mein is the perfect stir-fry noodle dish packed with colorful veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage. Tossed in a savory blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and aromatic spices, it’s a delicious and customizable recipe ready in just 20 minutes.
- 12 oz chow mein noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tsp crushed ginger
- 1 tsp crushed garlic
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 tsp five-spice powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp tbsp chicken bouillon powder (or vegetable bouillon for vegetarian version)
- 3 scallions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp sesame oil
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Cook the Noodles: Prepare chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the crushed ginger and garlic. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Cook the Vegetables: Add the julienned carrot and bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, keeping the vegetables crisp yet tender. Next, add the shredded cabbage, five-spice powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for an additional minute.
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Combine Noodles and Sauces: Add the cooked noodles to the wok. Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and chicken bouillon powder. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauces and heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
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Finish with Sesame Oil and Scallions: Remove the wok from heat. Drizzle with 1 tsp sesame oil and sprinkle the chopped scallions on top. Mix well before serving.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken bouillon powder with vegetable bouillon or omit entirely.
- Enhance the flavor with a dash of white pepper before serving.
- Add mushrooms, bean sprouts, or broccoli for extra nutrition and variety.
