Slurpworthy Vegan Chow Mein
Slurp Worthy Vegan Chow Mein : Your New Takeout Favorite!
Fancy a proper Veggie Chow Mein Recipe tonight? I know, another recipe, right? But honestly, this one is a game changer.
Forget the dodgy takeaway and say hello to this chow mein vegan that's actually good for you. It's dead easy and totally hits the spot.
This Veggie Chow Mein takes inspiration from classic Chinese takeout. We're ditching the meat but keeping all the flavour! This is comfort food, but with a load of good stuff in it.
Seriously, you won't regret making it.
Why This Vegan Chow Mein Recipe Rocks
This recipe is proper easy. It's also pretty quick, about 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll get about 4 servings, enough for a family dinner or leftovers for lunch.
Honestly, the Easy Vegan Chow Mein will soon become a staple.
This Vegan Noodle Stir Fry is packed with veggies! Think carrots, peppers, and cabbage. Each serving is estimated to have 20 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, making it a healthy, fulfilling meal.
It's banging for a quick weeknight dinner!
Quick Vegan Chow Mein : A Flashback
I first tried making something similar when I was a student. Let’s just say the first attempts were…questionable. Undercooked noodles, watery sauce you name it.
It's the best Homemade Vegan Chow Mein ever. But hey, practice makes perfect, yeah? Now, it's a Best Vegan Chow Mein Recipe and it’s the biz.
Time to gather the ingredients!
Right, let's get this show on the road. Below is what you need to make this Vegetable Chow Mein . This is not a recipe with hard rules.
Feel free to add any ingredient that you fancy.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this slurp worthy vegan chow mein happen. I'm telling you, forget the takeout menu! This is tastier, healthier, and frankly, more fun to make.
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's break down the bits and bobs for our homemade vegan chow mein . No crazy hard-to-find stuff, promise!
Main Ingredients
- Noodles: 1 pound (450g) chow mein noodles. Fresh or dried is fine. Just make sure they're vegan ! Check the ingredients for eggs.
- Tofu/Tempeh: 14 ounces (400g) extra firm tofu or 8 ounces (225g) tempeh. Quality tofu holds its shape when you press it.
- Soy Sauce: For both the tofu and the sauce, use low sodium if you can.
- Cornstarch: Used to crisp up the tofu. Essential for a good texture!
- Veggies: We need an onion, garlic, ginger, carrots, celery, bell peppers, mushrooms, and cabbage. Fresh is always best.
Seasoning Notes
We're building flavour here!
- The soy sauce, maple syrup, and rice vinegar combo gives that classic sweet savoury hit. Don't skip the rice vinegar, it's a game changer!
- Sesame oil is essential . That nutty aroma is everything.
- Vegetable broth adds depth. A good quality broth makes a difference.
If you're missing ground ginger, a tiny bit of fresh grated ginger works too. Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.
Equipment Needed
Nothing fancy here.
- A big wok or deep skillet. High heat is our friend.
- A pot for the noodles.
- A chopping board and a knife.
- Tongs.
- A colander.
If you don't have a wok, a large frying pan will do. Just don't overcrowd it, yeah?
Making this easy vegan chow mein is a breeze! Once you have prepped, the whole veggie chow mein recipe comes together super fast.
It's quicker than ordering takeout. And you know exactly what’s in your vegetable chow mein . We will see how to cook the best vegan chow mein recipe and prepare a quick vegan chow mein .
I'm telling you, this vegan noodle stir fry will become a staple.
I honestly can't wait for you to try this Veggie Chow Mein recipe!
Slurp Worthy Vegan Chow Mein: Your New Takeout Favorite!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good chow mein vegan night? But let's be real, takeout can be a bit of a greasy gamble.
That’s where this Vegan Chow Mein Recipe comes in. Forget the delivery apps. Embrace this vibrant, flavor packed bowl of deliciousness! This recipe is proper comfort food, innit?
This Easy vegan chow mein takes inspiration from classic Cantonese chow mein , ditching the meat and eggs for hearty veggies, umami rich tofu (or tempeh!), and a luscious, savory sauce.
It’s quick, easy, and satisfies those takeout cravings without the guilt! Even a complete kitchen newbie can nail this Veggie Chow Mein Recipe , trust me.
The biggest challenge might be chopping the veggies, and honestly, that’s a good skill to learn! We are talking about the best vegan chow mein recipe .
Prep Like a Pro: Your Vegan Chow Mein Mise en Place
Before you even think about firing up the wok, get everything ready. It’s called mise en place , fancy French for "everything in its place.
" It really does make all the difference when you need a quick vegan chow mein . First, press your 14 ounces (400g) extra firm tofu (if using).
Then, slice all your veggies. This means 1 medium yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 inch ginger, 1 cup carrots, 1 cup celery, 1 cup bell peppers, 1 cup mushrooms, and 2 cups cabbage.
Finally, whisk together your sauce. Having all this prepped saves time and prevents frantic searching mid-stir fry.
Chow Mein Vegan step-by-step: From Zero to Hero
Time to bring this Homemade vegan chow mein to life! This Vegetable Chow Mein will be legendary.
- Marinate the Tofu/Tempeh: Toss cubed tofu or sliced tempeh with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. This gives it a lovely crispy texture.
- Cook the Noodles: Cook 1 pound (450g) of vegan chow mein noodles according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook them! Soggy noodles are a no-no. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
- Fry the Tofu/Tempeh: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok. Fry the tofu/tempeh until golden brown. Set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the wok. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Then add carrots, celery, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook until slightly softened.
- Add Cabbage: Toss in shredded cabbage and cook until wilted.
- Combine & Sauce: Return the tofu/tempeh to the wok. Add the cooked noodles. Pour the sauce over everything. Toss to combine. Cook until the sauce thickens and evenly coats everything.
Pro Tips for the Best Chow Mein Vegan Ever
Want to take your vegan noodle stir fry from good to amazing ? Listen up!
First: Don't overcrowd the wok! This lowers the temperature and causes the veggies to steam rather than stir fry. Cook in batches if needed.
Second: Taste and adjust! This Veggie Chow Mein is your canvas. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, maple syrup for sweetness, or rice vinegar for tang.
And Remember that High heat is key for Vegan Chow Mein cooking. A hot wok ensures crispy tofu/tempeh and properly stir fried vegetables.
Don’t be afraid to crank up the heat!
Recipe Notes
Right, so you're ready to whip up some killer chow mein vegan ? Awesome! These little notes are here to help you make it your own .
No need to be a slave to the recipe, you know? It's just a guide, mate. Now, here are some tips and tricks to make your easy vegan chow mein shine.
Serving Like a Pro: Plating and Presentation
Honestly, plating is half the battle, isn't it? Pile that veggie chow mein high on a plate. Garnish with loads of those sliced green onions.
A sprinkle of sesame seeds never hurts. Maybe even a cheeky little wedge of lime? For sides, think something fresh and light.
Steamed broccoli or a crunchy salad are spot on. A cold beer, like a proper lager, works wonders too!
Storage Secrets: Keeping It Fresh
Leftover homemade vegan chow mein ? Lucky you! Once cooled, pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge.
It'll be good for up to three days . Trust me, it's great cold straight from the fridge too. Freezing isn't really recommended, the noodles get a bit sad.
To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave or a toss in a hot wok works a treat.
Remix Time: Variations to Try
Fancy a change? No worries! For a gluten-free version, use rice noodles instead of chow mein noodles. They're easy to find in most supermarkets now.
Got a nut allergy? Just skip the sesame oil. Sunflower oil works perfectly as a substitute. In the summer, courgettes and fresh peas work brilliantly in this vegan noodle stir fry .
Autumn? Try adding squash and sweet potatoes. It's a vegetable chow mein party!
Nutrition Lowdown: Goodness in Every Bite
This best vegan chow mein recipe is packed with veggies, so it's full of vitamins and fiber. The tofu or tempeh adds a good dose of protein to make it hearty and filling.
It's also relatively low in fat, especially if you use low-sodium soy sauce. A good healthy takeaway at home, right? Honestly, you won’t regret making this quick vegan chow mein .
So there you have it! Everything you need to make this veggie chow mein recipe a total success. Don't be afraid to experiment and have some fun.
After all, cooking should be enjoyable, yeah?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegan chow mein gluten-free?
Absolutely! The biggest hurdle is the noodles. Look for gluten-free chow mein noodles or substitute with rice noodles. Also, double check your soy sauce; tamari is a great gluten-free alternative. And remember, the cornstarch is already gluten-free so you are good to go with that ingredient!
What's the best way to store leftover chow mein vegan? Will it still taste good the next day?
Leftover vegan chow mein keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It's best reheated in a wok or skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out, or even in the microwave.
The noodles might be a little softer the next day, but the flavors will meld together even more think of it like a culinary hug the day after!
I can't find chow mein noodles anywhere! What can I use instead in this vegan chow mein recipe?
No worries, mate! If you're having trouble finding chow mein noodles, you can substitute with other types of Asian noodles like lo mein or even spaghetti in a pinch. Rice noodles also work well for a gluten-free option, as mentioned previously.
Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, and you'll still have a delicious and satisfying vegan chow mein.
Can I add other vegetables to this chow mein vegan recipe? I have some leftover veggies in my fridge that I want to use up.
Definitely! This chow mein vegan recipe is super flexible. Feel free to throw in any veggies you have on hand. Broccoli florets, snow peas, bok choy, bean sprouts, or even sliced zucchini would all be great additions. Think of it as your "use it or lose it" veggie extravaganza!
Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed, adding tougher veggies earlier in the cooking process.
Is there anything I can use instead of tofu? I'm not really a fan.
No problem! If you're not keen on tofu, you can easily substitute it with tempeh, which has a nuttier, firmer texture. You could also use edamame or chickpeas for a protein boost. Alternatively, try pan-fried mushrooms for a more savory flavor.
The key is to choose a protein source that you enjoy and that will hold up well during stir frying.
How can I make my vegan chow mein sauce less salty?
Aha, the saltiness factor! If you find the sauce too salty, try using low-sodium soy sauce from the start. You can also add a touch more maple syrup or rice vinegar to balance the flavors. Another trick is to add a little extra vegetable broth to dilute the sauce.
Taste as you go and adjust until it's just right for your palate like Goldilocks and her porridge, innit!
Slurpworthy Vegan Chow Mein
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 5g |
