Vegan Chow Mein Recipe

Vegan noodles: These are the base of the dish, providing a chewy texture that soaks up the flavors of the sauce and vegetables.

Low sodium soy sauce: This adds a savory umami flavor without too much salt, making the dish healthier.

Sesame oil: A key ingredient that imparts a rich, nutty flavor to the chow mein.

Carrots: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the dish.

Bell peppers: Provides a fresh, slightly sweet flavor and a pop of color.

Snap peas: Adds a crisp texture and a mild sweetness.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its pungent, aromatic qualities.

Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the other ingredients.

Green onions: Used as a garnish, they add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a touch of color.

When stir-frying the mixed vegetables, ensure they are cut into uniform sizes to promote even cooking. This will help achieve a consistent tender-crisp texture. Additionally, to enhance the flavor, allow the garlic and ginger to slightly brown before adding the vegetables, but be careful not to burn them.

• vegan noodles chow mein noodles - Substitute with rice noodles: Rice noodles are gluten-free and have a similar texture, making them a great alternative for those avoiding gluten.

• low sodium soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce that has a richer flavor and is also lower in sodium.

• sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a versatile oil that can be used in place of sesame oil, though it will have a different flavor profile.

• carrots, bell peppers, snap peas mixed vegetables - Substitute with broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms mixed vegetables: These vegetables provide a similar crunch and nutritional profile, adding variety to the dish.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it will have a slightly different intensity and flavor.

• minced ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger, though it is more concentrated, so use less.

• chopped green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish or mixed into the dish.

• Allow the vegan chow mein to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the noodles soggy.
• Transfer the chow mein to an airtight container. Make sure the container is large enough to avoid squishing the mixed vegetables and noodles.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The chow mein will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• For freezing, portion the chow mein into individual servings. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the containers or bags with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the chow mein has been stored.
• When ready to eat, thaw the chow mein in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even thawing and maintains the texture of the vegetables.
• Reheat the chow mein in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to refresh the flavors.
• Stir-fry until heated through, making sure the noodles and vegetables are evenly warmed.
• Garnish with fresh green onions before serving to add a burst of freshness.

• For the stovetop method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of sesame oil or vegetable broth to prevent sticking.
  3. Add the leftover Vegan Chow Mein and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
  4. If the noodles seem dry, add a small amount of soy sauce or water to moisten them.

• For the microwave method:

  1. Place the Vegan Chow Mein in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir the noodles.
  4. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the dish is heated through.

• For the oven method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Vegan Chow Mein in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  3. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the noodles are hot and evenly heated.

• For the steamer method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water.
  2. Place the Vegan Chow Mein in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.

• Wok: A large, round-bottomed cooking vessel ideal for stir-frying the mixed vegetables and noodles.

• Pot: Used to cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions.

• Colander: Essential for draining the cooked noodles.

• Knife: Necessary for chopping the green onions and mincing the garlic and ginger.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and mincing garlic and ginger.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring and tossing the vegetables and noodles in the wok.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of sesame oil, soy sauce, and other ingredients.

• Mixing bowl: Handy for holding the mixed vegetables before adding them to the wok.

Pre-chop vegetables: Prepare and chop all carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas in advance to save time during cooking.

Use pre-cooked noodles: Opt for pre-cooked chow mein noodles to skip the boiling step and reduce overall cooking time.

Batch cook: Make a larger batch of vegan chow mein and store portions in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.

Ready-made sauces: Use store-bought low sodium soy sauce and sesame oil to cut down on preparation time.

Minced garlic and ginger: Purchase pre-minced garlic and ginger to avoid the hassle of chopping them yourself.