Delicious and Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Chow Mein Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen, where I am excited to share my recipe for a delicious gluten-free vegan chow mein dish. Whether you follow a vegan or gluten-free diet or simply enjoy an easy vegan stir fry, this recipe will satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds.
Chinese food lovers, rejoice! This vegan chow mein combines classic Chinese flavors with nutrient-rich rainbow veggies and crisp tofu. Picture a steaming plate of noodles coated in a savory sauce, topped with sesame seeds and fresh green onions. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
But it’s not just the taste that makes this dish irresistible – it’s also the health benefits. By using gluten-free and plant-based ingredients, you can indulge in this Chinese takeout-style meal guilt-free. Plus, the colorful veggies provide important nutrients to keep your body thriving.
Join me in the kitchen as we whip up the best chow mein recipe you’ll ever try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious? Look no further than this Gluten-Free Vegan Chow Mein Recipe! With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become an instant favorite.
But why should you love this recipe? First, it’s completely gluten-free and vegan, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Instead of using wheat-based noodles, we’re using gluten-free chow mein noodles or rice noodles, which are just as satisfying but won’t cause any digestive issues.
Secondly, this recipe is packed with colorful and fresh ingredients like zucchini, carrots, napa cabbage, green onions, garlic cloves, bean sprouts, and extra firm tofu that are sautéed in extra virgin olive oil to perfection. The rainbow veggies not only make this dish visually appealing but also add vital nutrients to your diet.
Thirdly, the savory tamari soy sauce, combined with a touch of pure maple syrup and toasted sesame oil, makes for an irresistible sauce that coats every bite. It’s low-sodium and gluten-free as well!
Finally, aside from its deliciousness and convenience in one pot family meal or takeaway style lunch or dinner. This recipe is versatile enough to suit different preferences and dietary plans where you can switch up some veggies for others (like broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers), swap tofu for crispy chickpeas or another protein source or even use different noodle types like spaghetti noodles or egg noodles.
So what are you waiting for?! Give this gluten-free vegan chow mein recipe a try – your taste buds (and your body) will be thanking you!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a peek at what my gluten-free Vegan Chow Mein recipe entails.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| — | — |
| Mein noodles | 12 oz (gluten-free) |
| Extra firm tofu, sliced into 1-inch cubes | 1 cup |
| Napa cabbage, thinly sliced | 4 cup |
| Rainbow Veggies (carrots, zucchini, broccoli florets), sliced | 2 cups |
| Red onion or green onion, chopped | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Tamari soy sauce | 3 tablespoons (gluten-free) |
| Oyster sauce or pure maple syrup | 2 tablespoons (gluten-free) |
| Extra virgin olive oil or sesame oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Tapioca starch or cornflour | 1-2 tablespoon |
| Bean sprouts (optional) | 1 cup |
For those who are gluten intolerant, look for the phrase “gluten-free” on the package of mein noodles. You can also try rice noodles as a substitute. Use extra firm tofu to prevent it from falling apart during the cooking process.
The recipe calls for napa cabbage, which is mild and slightly sweet, and perfect when paired with stir fry meals like this. Add a touch of color and high amounts of nutrition by including rainbow veggies such as carrots, zucchini, and broccoli florets.
Choose between red onion or green onion based on your preference, but I highly suggest you use fresh garlic cloves as they add so much flavor to the dish. Use tamari soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce if you are looking for a low-sodium gluten-free option. For some sweetness and depth of flavor in your vegan chow mein sauce, you can choose to use either oyster sauce or pure maple syrup.
Feel free to use either extra virgin olive oil or sesame oil depending your preferred taste profile. Lastly, tapioca starch works well in thickening sauces without adding any floury taste. If unable to find any tapioca starch in store, go for cornflour instead as an alternative. Add some extra bean sprouts if you are craving more crunchiness in your meal.
The Recipe How-To
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start preparing your Gluten-Free Vegan Chow Mein.
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles and Vegetables
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil, and then cook 12 oz of gluten-free chow mein noodles according to the package instructions (approximately 7 minutes). Drain the water, rinse with cold water and set aside.
Meanwhile, prep the veggies. Cut 1 cup of zucchini and 1 cup of carrots into thin matchsticks. Shred 1 cup of Napa cabbage, slice 1/2 cup of green onions into small pieces, and rinse 1 cup of bean sprouts under cold water.
Step 2: Make the Tofu
After prepping the vegetables, press dry a block of extra firm tofu, cut into bite-size pieces and season with 2 teaspoons each of tapioca starch and gluten-free tamari soy sauce.
Heat up a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, then add the tofu cubes once hot enough (you should hear the sizzle). Cook until crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes each side.
Step 3: Stir Fry
Heat another large pan or wok over high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil followed by 2 garlic cloves minced. Once fragrant, reduce heat to medium-high.
Add in prepared vegetables (zucchini, carrots, Napa cabbage), stir fry for about 3-4 minutes until they start to brown edges. Follow by adding in cooked noodles and crispy tofu.
Stir the noodle mixture quickly, then add in 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup and 2 tablespoons gluten-free tamari soy sauce.
Keep stirring for an additional minute before removing from heat. Then sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Step 4: Serve
Transfer your vegan chow mein onto serving plates or bowls. This dish pairs well with some fragrant basmati rice or on its own as a tasty vegetarian meal.
Enjoy your delicious Gluten-Free Vegan Chow Mein!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to mix things up or make substitutions in this gluten-free vegan chow mein recipe? No problem, I’ve got some ideas for variations that will leave you with just as tasty of a meal.
First, let’s talk about noodles. Of course, you can stick with traditional chow mein or lo mein noodles, but there are other options out there as well. Rice noodles are gluten-free and make a great substitution, or you could try egg noodles if you’re not vegan. If gluten isn’t an issue for you, go ahead and use wheat-based pasta.
For the veggies, feel free to switch things up based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snow peas would all make great additions. You could also replace some of the veggies with crispy tofu for a heartier dish.
In terms of sauce, tamari soy sauce is a staple in this recipe for its low sodium and gluten-free properties, but you could also use regular soy sauce or even oyster sauce if you’re not vegan. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add more pure maple syrup to the mix.
Lastly, if spicy is your thing, add some sriracha or red pepper flakes to the stir-fry for a little kick. No matter which variation you choose, this easy vegan chow mein recipe is sure to be a hit!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have a delicious plate of gluten-free vegan chow mein in front of you, let’s talk about how to serve and pair it.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that this dish is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it on its own as a satisfying meal or pair it with other Asian-inspired dishes to create a complete spread.
One great pairing option is some steamed brown rice or even quinoa for some added protein. The chow mein is already loaded with veggies, so feel free to add some extra color and flavor with a side of stir-fry vegetables like bok choy or snow peas.
If you’re looking for something heartier, consider serving the chow mein alongside some crispy tofu or vegan spring rolls. Or, if you’re craving some spice, top it off with some red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce.
Another fun way to enjoy the chow mein is to turn it into a takeaway-style dish by serving it in Chinese food takeout containers with chopsticks on the side.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair this dish, one thing is for sure- it will be a crowd-pleaser every time thanks to its delicious combination of textures and flavors.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Preparing meals ahead of time is a smart move, especially on busy days when time is not on your side. Just like most stir-fries, this gluten-free vegan chow mein recipe stores well and reheats perfectly. I find it is great for meal prep, and you can make it ahead of time for the week. It is also a potential leftover mealer, and you can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat your chow mein dish, I recommend doing so on the stove over medium-low heat with a few splashes of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out. If you are using a microwave, add some extra liquid before reheating as well.
If you plan on making the recipe ahead of time, I suggest following the instructions below:
1) Prepare and cook everything until the last step – adding the sauce.
2) Let cool completely at room temperature.
3) Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container.
4) Store in your refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When ready to serve, divide and reheat as desired. You can quickly reheat over medium-low heat until hot throughout. Don’t forget to add toppings like sliced green onions and sesame seeds afterward!
Overall, storing and reheating this gluten-free vegan chow mein dish couldn’t be easier. This recipe makes life simple and stress-free for those who need easy and tasty options throughout their week. I hope you will give this recipe a try soon!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to make sure your gluten-free vegan chow mein recipe turns out just as delicious as you imagined. Here are a few tips for perfect results:
1. Dry the Tofu: Before cooking tofu, the extra water should be pressed out of it. It will help it to become crispy while stir-frying.
2. Use High Heat: Make sure that the pan is hot before adding the oil and veggies. This will ensure that your veggies remain crisp and tender.
3. Cut Vegetables Evenly: Cut vegetables into even shapes and sizes so they cook evenly, have similar textures when finished, and look uniform in your dish.
4. Don’t Overcook Vegetables: Don’t overcook your vegetables or they will lose their vibrant colors and crunchy texture.
5. Use Gluten-Free Soy Sauce: Make sure to use tamari soy sauce (gluten-free) instead of regular soy sauce, as it contains wheat.
6. Add Garlic at the Right Time: Garlic burns easily, so add it towards the end of cooking to avoid scorching.
7. Combine Sauce Ingredients Beforehand : Mixing together soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic and ginger ahead of time makes for quicker assembly once in the wok.
8. Enjoy with Egg-less Noodles: If you’re catering to a gluten-free diet, use rice noodles instead of egg noodles in this recipe.
By following these tips and tricks, we guarantee that your gluten-free vegan chow mein recipe will be a hit!
FAQ
Now that we’ve covered the recipe how-to, substitutions and variations, serving and pairing, make-ahead, storing and reheating, as well as tips for perfect results, it’s time to answer some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about this gluten-free vegan chow mein recipe. These common questions give a clearer understanding of the recipe and how to make it. So, without further ado, let’s get into the FAQs!
Can chow mein be gluten-free?
Chow Mein typically includes wheat noodles, which makes it unlikely to be gluten-free when ordered at a restaurant. Nevertheless, there is a possibility of preparing gluten-free chow mein at home using a specific brand of noodles.
Does chow mein sauce have gluten?
Chow mein recipes typically require a sauce with soy sauce as a key ingredient. However, this poses a challenge for those on a gluten-free diet as traditional Chinese soy sauce and oyster sauce are made with wheat and therefore not safe to consume.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Gluten-Free Vegan Chow Mein Recipe is a must-try for all food lovers and specifically those who are looking for delicious vegan and gluten-free options. Not only does this recipe have all the traditional flavours of a classic chow mein, but it also offers a healthier option for those who want to maintain their fitness goals.
The combination of the rainbow veggies and tofu in this dish not only create a visually appealing meal but also provide a great source of plant-based protein and micronutrients. Moreover, the use of gluten-free noodles in this recipe means that it can be enjoyed by people with celiac disease or other gluten intolerances.
With my detailed instructions, ingredient list, tips, and FAQ section, you can make this dish with ease at home. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to make something quick yet nutritious. So give it a try and let me know about your experience.
Overall, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Chinese food or just wants to try something new. With its crispy tofu and tasty sauce, it will leave you craving more. So don’t hesitate to try it today and enjoy the amazing flavour without compromising your diet or any dietary restrictions.
Gluten-Free Vegan Chow Mein Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup gf tamari soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon tapioca starch
- 12 ounces gluten-free chow mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 16 ounces extra firm tofu, drained and dried with paper towel. Cut into small cubes
- 2 cups thinly sliced napa cabbage
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 1 medium zucchini, julienned
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (spring)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a small bowl whisk together tamari sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, maple syrup and tapioca starch. Set aside.
- Cook noodles per package directions, drain and refresh under cold running water. Set aside.
- Heat a wok over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the tofu and stir-fry for 4 - 5 minutes until crispy. Reduce heat to low and add 1/3 of the sauce. Stir to coat the tofu, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Add remaining olive oil to the wok and heat over medium heat. Add cabbage, carrots and zucchini and stir-fry for 5 minutes. Add noodles and remaining sauce and cook until heated through. Add tofu and bean sprouts and stir fry over low heat for 2 more minutes.
- To serve, top with green onions and sesame seeds.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.