Vegetable Chow Mein

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegetable Chow Mein is not only packed with colorful vegetables, but it’s also quick and easy to make. The chow mein noodles are stir-fried with fresh ingredients like crisp carrots, bok choy, and mushrooms, all coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just craving a lighter noodle dish, this recipe provides a perfect balance of texture and taste. Plus, the dish can be made in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces chow mein noodles
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
• 3 heads bok choy, cut into quarters
• 2 tsp ginger, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• Green onions for serving, if desired
• Sesame seeds for serving, if desired

Chow Mein Sauce:

• 5 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and rice wine vinegar to make the chow mein sauce. Set aside.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add the sliced red onion, yellow bell pepper, and carrots to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
5. Add the bok choy, garlic, and ginger to the skillet and stir-fry for another 2 minutes, until the bok choy starts to wilt.
6. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they release their moisture and start to brown.
7. Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
8. Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the skillet and stir everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and heated through.
9. Serve the Vegetable Chow Mein immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 25-30 minutes to prepare and cook.

Variations

• Add Protein: Add tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein for a more filling dish, or include chicken, shrimp, or beef for a non-vegetarian version.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like snow peas, broccoli, or baby corn to the dish for added crunch and nutrition.
• Spicy Version: If you like heat, add chili paste or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Vegetable Chow Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or soy sauce to loosen up the noodles, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of chow mein noodles?

While chow mein noodles provide the best texture for this dish, you can use any type of noodle you have on hand, such as spaghetti or egg noodles. Just cook them according to the package instructions.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the skillet, as they may release excess moisture.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chow mein sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check that the chow mein noodles are gluten-free or substitute with rice noodles.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

If you don’t have rice wine vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I add meat to this dish?

Yes, you can add cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp to make the dish more hearty. Just add the protein after cooking the vegetables and before adding the noodles and sauce.

How can I make the dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or fresh chopped chilies to the sauce or stir-fry mixture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time to make the cooking process quicker.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

To prevent the noodles from sticking, make sure to toss them with a bit of oil after draining, or add them directly to the hot skillet with the sauce and vegetables.

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, snap peas, or green beans.

Conclusion

This Vegetable Chow Mein is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal. With a savory sauce and a variety of fresh, crisp vegetables, it’s a delicious, lighter alternative to takeout. It’s also easy to customize, making it the perfect go-to meal for busy nights or when you want to get creative with your veggies. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a protein, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table!

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