Delicious Vegetarian Chow Mein Recipe for a Healthy Meal
Welcome, my fellow food lovers! I am excited to share with you my recipe for a delicious Vegetarian Chow Mein that is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. This dish combines the richness of noodles with the crunchiness of vegetables and the savoriness of Asian sauces, thus delivering an explosion of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Being vegan myself, I am constantly on the lookout for recipes that are both healthy and delicious. So, whether you are a vegan or simply enjoy plant-based meals from time to time, this vegetarian chow mein recipe is definitely worth trying. Not only that, but this recipe is also quick and easy to make, making it perfect for any busy weeknight.
This Vegetarian Chow Mein Recipe is packed with fresh veggies such as bamboo shoots, celery, bell peppers, bok choy, and bean sprouts; seasoned with ginger, garlic, and onion; and topped with a delectable chow mein sauce made from brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil and other ingredients. Trust me when I say this – The aroma coming from your kitchen will have everyone’s taste buds drooling in anticipation.
So why not give this veggie chow mein recipe a try and add it to your weekly meal routine? It’s simple to make yet wonderfully flavorful. Your loved ones will be thanking you for this savory dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you love the incredible taste and texture of chow mein but are looking for a vegetarian or vegan option? Look no further than this vegetarian chow mein recipe!
Not only is this dish incredibly flavorful and satisfying, it also packs in a variety of vegetables, making it a healthy meal option. With ingredients like bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, celery, and bok choy, you’ll be getting plenty of vitamins and minerals in every bite.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can switch out ingredients to include your favorite veggies or add protein options like tofu or seitan to turn this into a heartier meal. Plus, the chow mein noodles can be substituted with any other noodle of your choice.
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, you’re sure to love the combination of ginger, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce that give this dish its signature taste. The recipe is also very easy to make and can be thrown together in no time for those busy weeknight meals.
So whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or just looking for ways to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this vegetarian chow mein recipe is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Ingredient List
Here is everything you need to make Vegetarian Chow Mein recipe:
Vegetables:
- 1 Onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 Garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 Bok choy (thinly sliced)
- ½ Bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 inch piece of Fresh ginger (minced)
Noodles:
- 1 pack of Chow mein noodles
Chow Mein Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 2 tsp Sesame oil
- ¼ cup Water
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup Bean sprouts
- 4 Bamboo shoots (sliced thin)
- 2 stalks of Celery (thinly sliced)
Don’t worry if some of these ingredients seem unfamiliar to you. This recipe is easy and super flavourful, so you won’t be disappointed with the results.
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make my delicious Vegetarian Chow Mein:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. Chow Mein Noodles
- 2 tbsp. Vegetable Oil, divided
- 3 cloves of Garlic, minced
- 1 medium-sized Onion, thinly sliced
- 1 inch piece of Fresh Ginger, finely chopped
- 1 cup of Bean Sprouts
- 1 small can of Bamboo Shoots
- 2 stalks of Celery, thinly sliced
- 1 medium-sized Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 Baby Bok Choy, leaves separated
Chow Mein Sauce:
- 2 tbsp. Dark Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp. Light Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp. Hoisin Sauce
- 1 tbsp. Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp. Sesame Oil
- 1/4 cup of water
Cooking the Chow Mein:
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Firstly, cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking together.
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In a large wok or frying pan, heat up one tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped fresh ginger and fry for approximately thirty seconds until fragrant.
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Next, add the sliced onion and celery to the wok and stir-fry them for another two to three minutes until they soften slightly.
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Then, add the bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, bell pepper, and baby bok choy leaves to the wok and stir-fry them for an additional two minutes until they are cooked through but still maintain their crunchiness.
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Remove all the vegetables from the wok and set them aside on a plate.
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For the chow mein sauce, combine dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and water in a separate bowl.
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Wipe the wok clean with a paper towel and heat up one tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat.
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Once hot, add in the cooked chow mein noodles into the wok and start stirring using kitchen tongs. Add in half of the chow mein sauce then continue stirring for another minute or so.
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After a minute of cooking time passes, add in all of your stir-fried veggies mix it with your noodles evenly.
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Lastly, pour in the remaining chow mein sauce into your dish and stir-fry everything together for another one to two minutes until everything is well combined.
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Garnish with fried noodles or green onions if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Vegetarian Chow Mein!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this vegetarian chow mein recipe is that it is very flexible and easy to customize according to your preferences. For instance, if you’re not a big fan of bean sprouts, you can swap them for sliced bell peppers or thinly sliced carrots to add a splash of color to the dish. Similarly, you can replace bamboo shoots with water chestnuts or bok choy for a more varied texture.
If you don’t have chow mein noodles at hand, feel free to use any other type of noodles that you have in your pantry, like rice noodles or egg noodles. You can also use spaghetti or linguine instead of chow mein noodles. Just cook them according to package instructions and add them to the wok after the vegetables are done cooking.
For a spicier version, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to the dish. If you want to make it sweeter and richer, add some pineapple chunks or cashews for extra crunch and sweetness.
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce, and skip hoisin sauce altogether or make sure it also doesn’t contain gluten. Additionally, if you’re looking for a vegan or vegetarian chow mein recipe, just skip oyster sauce as it contains animal products and substitute it with more soy sauce.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to make this versatile vegetable chow mein recipe. Just experiment and have fun with different combinations and flavors until you find your perfect match!
Serving and Pairing
Once your vegan chow mein is ready and hot, it’s time to taste its magic! Its delicious, umami flavor pairs well with a variety of side dishes, salad, or toppings. I like to prepare a simple green salad with crisp greens or a cucumber salad with sesame dressing.
For a complete meal, you can serve the vegetable chow mein with steamed rice or quinoa. Allow the noodles to be the showstopper and let the simplicity of the side dishes elevate their flavors without overpowering them. You may also opt for some fried rice or lo mein if you’re up for something heartier.
If you’re looking for something crunchier, add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds on top of the noodles. They add unique flavor and delightful texture that complements the zestiness of the soy sauce. Additionally, don’t shy away from adding extra veggies such as snow peas, carrots, or even some edamame.
You can serve the vegetarian chow mein garnished with fresh scallions or cilantro to complement its savory taste. It’s also an excellent dish to bring to potlucks or parties since it’s so easy to make and always crowd-pleasing!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy vegan, you’ll love knowing that this Vegetarian Chow Mein Recipe can be made ahead of time and stored easily. Here are some tips and tricks for meal-prepping this flavorful dish.
Make-ahead: You can cook the noodles, chop the veggies, and prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge until ready to cook. This will save you time and effort when you’re ready to whip up a quick weekday dinner.
Storing: If you have leftover chow mein, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend separating the noodles from the vegetables and sauce to prevent sogginess or spoilage. When you’re ready to eat it, reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Reheating: You can reheat chow mein in the microwave, but I find that it becomes too soft and doesn’t retain its texture well. For best results, reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen it up and bring back some moisture.
One more tip: When reheating, try adding a few extra bean sprouts for freshness and crunch. Trust me; this makes all the difference!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking a perfect vegetarian chow mein can seem overwhelming, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some useful tips that will elevate your meal to the next level.
Firstly, it’s essential to use fresh ingredients since they add an unbeatable flavor to the dish. It’s also essential to cut the vegetables into evenly sized pieces to ensure everything cooks evenly. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for this task.
Another important tip is to cook the noodles for the optimum time; otherwise, they might turn out over-cooked and mushy or under-cooked and hard. Generally, chow mein noodles are cooked al dente in boiling water for about 4-6 minutes, depending on their thickness. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packet for the best results.
When stir-frying the vegetables and noodles, it is crucial not to overcrowd the pan; otherwise, they will steam instead of frying, which will change their texture and flavor profile. Cook the veggies in batches if necessary and keep them warm in a low heat oven while you prepare the remaining ingredientes.
Additionally, if you prefer crispy noodles rather than soft ones, you can make fried noodles by deep-frying them at 375°F for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to drain them well before stirring them into your chow mein dish.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions; this is an excellent opportunity to add your spin on things! For instance, you can substitute tofu or seitan for the vegetables or use cashews instead of peanuts for extra crunchiness. Remember that cooking is all about having fun and making dishes unique!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Vegetarian Chow Mein recipe is one that I highly recommend to anyone who loves a flavorful and satisfying meal. With its combination of fresh vegetables and delectable sauce, this dish is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and full.
Not only is this recipe easy to make and customize according to your taste preferences, but it’s also incredibly healthy and nutritious. By using fresh ingredients and avoiding animal products, you can enjoy a hearty and fulfilling meal while also promoting good health.
So go ahead and give this Vegetarian Chow Mein recipe a try – I promise it won’t disappoint! And with the help of my tips, recommendations, and substitutions, you can easily customize it to suit your needs and preferences. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
Vegetarian Chow Mein Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb fresh noodles
- 2 ounces celery
- 2 ounces canned bamboo shoots
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil, for stir-frying
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 small onion, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger
- 3 tablespoons vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 lb bean sprouts
Instructions
- If you are using fresh noodles, blanch them first in a large pot of boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. If you are using the dried noodles, cook in boiling water for 4 to 5 minutes. Drain the noodles, then put them into cold water until required.
- String the celery and slice diagonally. Shred the bamboo shoots.
- Heat a wok or large frying-pan and add the oil. When moderately hot, add the garlic and stir-fry for 10 seconds. Add the onion, celery, and bamboo shoots and stir-fry for about 5 minutes.
- Drain the noodles thoroughly and put into the wok. Continue to stir-fry for 1 minute then add the rest of the ingredients except the bean sprouts. Continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes and then add the bean sprouts. Give the mixture a good stir and turn it onto a serving platter.
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.