Delicious and Healthy Vegan Chow Mein Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200 grams of Chow Mein noodles
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 200 grams of bok choy, chopped
  • 100 grams of bean sprouts
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, low sodium
  • 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of vegan oyster sauce
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red chili flakes (optional)
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Prepare the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the wok and sauté until fragrant.
  4. Add the thinly sliced bell pepper and julienned carrot to the wok and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
  5. Add the chopped bok choy and bean sprouts to the wok and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
  6. Push the vegetables to the side of the wok and add the cooked noodles.
  7. Pour the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and vegan oyster sauce over the noodles. Stir well to combine the noodles with the vegetables and sauces.
  8. Add the sliced green onions and stir to combine.
  9. Drizzle the sesame oil over the noodle mixture, then add the ground black pepper and optional crushed red chili flakes. Stir well to ensure everything is well coated.
  10. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired, then serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Large wok - A large, deep cooking pan with high sides, ideal for stir-frying noodles and vegetables.
  • Frying pan - A flat-bottomed pan with low sides, used for sautéing the garlic and vegetables.
  • Cooking pot - A pot large enough to cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for mincing garlic, slicing bell peppers, carrots, and green onions.
  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables.
  • Stirring utensil - A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the wok.
  • Strainer - A sieve or strainer to drain the cooked chow mein noodles.
  • Measuring spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, vegan oyster sauce, sesame oil, ground black pepper, and optional crushed red chili flakes.
  • Garnish spoon - A small spoon for sprinkling sesame seeds as a garnish.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute Chow Mein noodles with rice noodles or whole wheat noodles for a different texture.
  • Add your choice of protein such as tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a heartier meal.
  • Include a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, snow peas, or broccoli to customize the dish.
  • Experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki sauce, peanut sauce, or sweet and sour sauce to change the flavor profile.
  • Add some heat by including fresh chili peppers or sriracha sauce.
  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all sauces and ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Create a fusion twist by incorporating ingredients like curry powder, coconut milk, or cilantro.
  • For a more substantial meal, serve the chow mein with a side of steamed brown rice or quinoa.
  • Explore different garnishes like crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges for added freshness and crunch.

Recipe overview

Get ready to indulge in a delicious and healthy Vegan Chow Mein! This recipe will take you on a culinary journey to the heart of Asian cuisine, featuring flavorful and wholesome ingredients. The dish starts with chow mein noodles that are cooked to perfection, then stir-fried with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, bok choy, and bean sprouts, all enveloped in a rich and savory sauce. The sauce is a balanced blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and vegan oyster sauce, which gives the dish a deep and enticing umami flavor. The addition of minced garlic, green onions, and a touch of sesame oil elevates the flavor profile even further. For those who like a bit of heat, there's an option to add crushed red chili flakes. And let's not forget the finishing touch – a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a pleasing crunch. This Vegan Chow Mein dish is not just delightful to the palate, but also nourishing, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week. Whether you're a long-time vegan or just someone who loves trying out new recipes, this one is worth a try. Enjoy the process and the flavors of this wonderful dish!

Common questions

  1. Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
  2. Yes, feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  3. Is there a gluten-free option for the noodles and sauces?
  4. Yes, you can use gluten-free chow mein noodles and look for gluten-free soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and vegan oyster sauce to accommodate a gluten-free diet.
  5. Can I add protein to this dish?
  6. Absolutely! You can add tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a protein boost. Simply cook the protein separately and add it to the chow mein along with the vegetables.
  7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  8. While it's best to enjoy chow mein fresh, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it. Keep in mind that the noodles may become softer upon reheating.
  9. Can I freeze the leftovers?
  10. It's not recommended to freeze the chow mein as the noodles may become mushy after thawing and reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Wok - A large, deep, and round-bottomed cooking pan traditionally used in Asian cuisine for stir-frying.
  • Frying pan - A flat-bottomed pan with shallow sides used for sautéing and stir-frying.
  • Tongs - Useful for tossing and stirring the noodles and vegetables while cooking.
  • Spatula - Helps to gently flip and stir the ingredients without breaking the noodles.
  • Chef's knife - Ideal for chopping and mincing the garlic and vegetables.
  • Cutting board - Provides a sturdy surface for chopping and slicing vegetables.
  • Strainer or colander - Used to drain the cooked noodles.
  • Measuring spoons - Essential for accurately measuring the sauces and spices.
  • Serving platter or bowls - Used to present and serve the chow mein.
  • Garnish tools - Optional tools like tweezers or small spoons can be used to sprinkle sesame seeds as a garnish.

Origin stories

Chow Mein, which translates literally to "stir-fried noodles", is a culinary masterpiece that has its roots deeply embedded in the Cantonese cuisine of Southern China. It swiftly gained popularity and made its global presence felt with the advent of Chinese immigrants, who introduced this delightful dish to the Western world. Traditionally, chow mein is loaded with meats and vegetables, stir-fried in a hot wok with a variety of sauces, and served atop noodles. But as it spread across the globe, the recipe evolved to meet diverse palates, paving the way for variations like our vegan chow mein. This version, devoid of any animal products, not only caters to the growing community of vegans but also offers a healthier alternative for those seeking a balance between indulgence and wellness. Isn't it fascinating how a simple dish can transform and adapt, just like the people who enjoy it?

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.