Vegetarian Chow Mein Recipe

Introduction

Vegetarian Chow Mein is a quick and flavorful stir-fry packed with fresh vegetables, tender tofu, and perfectly cooked noodles. This dish offers a perfect balance of savory and slightly spicy notes, making it a satisfying meal for any day of the week.

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″ (4 cm) pieces
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 5 oz (150 g) firm tofu, sliced
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (for marinade)
• 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
• 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce)
• 1/2 tbsp chili 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 noodles according to the packet instructions, usually by soaking them in boiling water until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Combine tofu slices with 1/2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine. Let it marinate for 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together hoisin sauce, 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, chili garlic sauce (if using), sugar, sesame oil, and water to make the sauce.
4. Step 4: Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add 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. Be careful not to break the tofu.
6. Step 6: Add shredded cabbage and julienned carrot to the wok. Stir-fry until the cabbage begins to wilt.
7. Step 7: Add the prepared noodles, scallions, bean sprouts, and the sauce mixture. Stir-fry for about 1 minute, just until the noodles are heated through and evenly coated with sauce. Keep the bean sprouts crisp by not overcooking.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• If you have homemade Real Chinese All Purpose Stir Fry Sauce, you can substitute 1 tbsp of it for the tofu marinade and replace the sauce ingredients with 1/4 cup of this sauce plus 1/4 cup water for convenience and added depth of flavor.
• For added protein, try adding shelled edamame or roasted cashews.
• Adjust the chili garlic sauce according to your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder dish.
• Use fresh vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers or snap peas, to customize your chow mein.

Storage

Store leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep vegetables crisp.

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 noodles can be used. Cook them according to the package instructions, then proceed with the recipe as usual.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

This recipe is vegetarian and can be made vegan by ensuring your hoisin sauce and cooking wine do not contain animal products.

Vegetarian Chow Mein Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 55 reviews

This Vegetarian Chow Mein is a flavorful and satisfying stir-fried noodle dish featuring fresh chow mein noodles, crisp vegetables, and firm tofu. Enhanced with a savory blend of soy sauce, hoisin, and optional chili garlic sauce, this recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a wholesome meat-free meal. The tofu is marinated for depth of flavor, and the vegetables retain a delightful crunch, making it a delicious and balanced Asian-inspired dish.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Noodles

• 6 oz / 180 g fresh chow mein noodles

Vegetables & Protein

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups shredded Chinese cabbage
• 1/2 cup carrot, julienned
• 2 scallion/shallot stems, cut into 2“/4cm pieces
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 5 oz / 150 g firm tofu, sliced

Oils & Sauces

• 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (for tofu marinade)
• 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
• 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce)
• 1/2 tbsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional)
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil

Other

• 2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• White pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare noodles: Soak or prepare the fresh chow mein noodles according to the packet instructions, usually by soaking them in boiling water until softened, then drain well.
2. Marinate tofu: Combine the sliced tofu with 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce and set aside to marinate for about 5 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
3. Mix sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine, 1/2 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (optional), 2 teaspoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1/4 cup water to create the stir-fry sauce.
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, being careful not to burn it.
5. Cook tofu: Add the marinated tofu to the wok and stir-fry gently for about 1 minute, until it begins to caramelize. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the tofu pieces.
6. Add vegetables: Add the shredded Chinese cabbage and julienned carrots to the wok. Stir-fry until the cabbage starts to wilt but remains crisp.
7. Combine noodles and sauce: Add the prepared noodles, scallion/shallot pieces, and bean sprouts to the wok. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir-fry everything together for about 1 minute, until the noodles are warmed through and evenly coated with sauce. Be careful not to overcook so that the bean sprouts stay crisp.
8. Finish and serve: Season with white pepper to taste, remove from heat, and serve the chow mein immediately for best texture and flavor.
9. Optional Stir Fry Sauce substitution: If using a homemade Real Chinese All Purpose Stir Fry Sauce, substitute the tofu marinade with 1 tablespoon of this sauce, and replace the sauce mixture with 1/4 cup of the stir fry sauce plus 1/4 cup water for simplified preparation.

Notes

• Use fresh chow mein noodles if possible for best texture; dried noodles can be substituted but require longer soaking.
• Firm tofu holds up best in stir-fries and provides a nice texture contrast.
• Adjust chili garlic sauce according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
• Do not overcook the bean sprouts to keep them crunchy and fresh.
• For vegan compliance, ensure the Chinese cooking wine and hoisin sauce do not contain animal products.
• White pepper adds classic flavor but can be substituted with black pepper if needed.

Keywords: Vegetarian Chow Mein, stir fry noodles, Chinese noodles, tofu stir fry, vegetarian Asian recipe