Vegetarian Chow Mein Recipe

Introduction

Vegetarian Chow Mein is a quick and satisfying stir-fried noodle dish packed with crispy vegetables and tender tofu. This flavorful recipe is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner that comes together in minutes.

Ingredients

• 6 oz / 180 g fresh chow mein noodles
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups shredded Chinese cabbage
• 1/2 cup carrot, julienned
• 2 scallion or shallot stems, cut into 2″/4cm pieces
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 5 oz / 150 g firm tofu, sliced
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (for tofu marinade)
• 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
• 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp chilli garlic sauce or sriracha (optional)
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup water
• White pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the chow mein noodles according to the packet instructions, usually by soaking them in boiling water until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Combine the sliced tofu with 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce and set aside to marinate for 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the Chinese cooking wine, hoisin sauce, 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce, chilli garlic sauce (if using), sugar, sesame oil, water, and a pinch of white pepper to create the sauce.
4. Step 4: Heat the oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir fry for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Add the marinated tofu and stir fry gently until it starts to caramelize, about 1 minute. Avoid breaking the tofu pieces while stirring.
6. Step 6: Add the shredded Chinese cabbage and julienned carrot to the wok. Stir fry until the cabbage begins to wilt.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked noodles, scallion or shallot pieces, bean sprouts, and the prepared sauce. Stir fry everything together for about 1 minute, making sure the noodles are warmed through and coated evenly with the sauce. The bean sprouts should remain crisp, not wilted.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different protein texture.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of toasted sesame oil before serving.
• If using a homemade Chinese All Purpose Stir Fry Sauce, replace the tofu marinade with 1 tablespoon of the sauce and the stir-fry sauce with 1/4 cup of it plus 1/4 cup water.
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers for more vegetable variety.

Storage

Store any leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a wok or skillet over medium heat to maintain the texture of the noodles and vegetables. Avoid microwaving for best results.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried noodles instead of fresh chow mein noodles?

Yes, dried chow mein noodles can be used. Follow the package instructions for soaking or boiling, then drain well before stir frying.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but you can substitute with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free. Check all labels to ensure other sauces are gluten-free as well.

Vegetarian Chow Mein Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 74 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful and quick Vegetarian Chow Mein recipe featuring fresh chow mein noodles, crisp vegetables, and marinated tofu, all stir-fried to perfection with a savory homemade sauce. This dish is a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying option for anyone craving authentic Chinese-inspired noodles without meat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Noodles

• 6 oz / 180 g fresh chow mein noodles

Vegetables

• 2 cups shredded Chinese cabbage
• 1/2 cup carrot, julienned
• 2 scallion/shallot stems, cut into 2” / 4 cm pieces
• 1 cup bean sprouts

Protein

• 5 oz / 150 g firm tofu, sliced

Marinade

• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
• 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce

Sauce

• 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp chilli garlic sauce or sriracha (optional)
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup water
• White pepper to taste

Other

• 2 tbsp oil (for stir-frying)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

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Instructions

1. Prepare noodles: Soak the fresh chow mein noodles in boiling water according to the packet instructions until they are softened but still have some bite. Drain and set aside.
2. Marinate tofu: Combine the tofu slices with the marinade ingredients—1/2 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine, and 1/2 tablespoon hoisin sauce. Allow the tofu to marinate for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Mix sauce: In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients: 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon chilli garlic sauce or sriracha (optional), 2 teaspoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/4 cup water, and white pepper to taste. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
4. Heat wok and garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok over high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 10 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
5. Cook tofu: Add the marinated tofu slices to the wok and stir-fry gently for about 1 minute until the tofu starts to caramelize. Be careful not to break the tofu while stirring.
6. Stir-fry vegetables: Add the shredded Chinese cabbage and julienned carrot to the wok. Stir-fry until the cabbage starts to wilt, about 1–2 minutes.
7. Add noodles and remaining ingredients: Add the prepared noodles, scallions or shallot pieces, bean sprouts, and the pre-mixed sauce into the wok. Stir-fry everything together for about 1 minute until the noodles are heated through and the sauce evenly coats all ingredients. Ensure the bean sprouts remain crisp and not wilted.
8. Serve immediately: Remove from heat and serve the Vegetarian Chow Mein hot for the best taste and texture.
9. Alternative with Stir Fry Sauce: If using homemade Real Chinese All Purpose Stir Fry Sauce, skip the marinade and sauce preparation. Substitute tofu marinade with 1 tablespoon Stir Fry Sauce and replace the sauce ingredients with 1/4 cup Stir Fry Sauce mixed with 1/4 cup water before stir-frying.

Notes

• Be gentle when stirring tofu to avoid breaking it apart.
• Do not overcook the bean sprouts; they should remain crisp to add texture.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chilli garlic sauce or sriracha.
• Fresh chow mein noodles provide the best texture, but dried noodles can be substituted if cooked properly.
• The recipe can be adapted by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
• Using a wok over high heat is key to achieving the authentic stir-fry flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese

Keywords: vegetarian chow mein, tofu chow mein, Chinese noodles, stir fry noodles, vegetarian Chinese recipe