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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve immediately: Remove from heat and serve the Vegetarian Chow Mein hot for the best taste and texture.
- 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
