Vegan Chow Mein Recipe

Vegan noodles: These are the base of the dish, providing a chewy texture and absorbing the flavors of the sauces.

Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and vegetables, adding a subtle richness.

Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Carrot: Provides a slight sweetness and a crunchy texture.

Bell pepper: Adds a burst of color and a mild, sweet flavor.

Cabbage: Contributes a slight bitterness and a satisfying crunch.

Soy sauce: A salty, umami-rich sauce that ties all the flavors together.

Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the dish.

Sesame oil: Provides a nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor.

Green onions: Used as a garnish, adding a fresh, mild onion flavor.

When stir-frying the vegetables, make sure to cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Use a high heat to quickly sear the vegetables and retain their crispness. Adding the garlic first allows it to infuse the oil with its flavor, creating a more aromatic base for the dish.

• vegan noodles - Substitute with rice noodles: Rice noodles are also vegan and provide a similar texture to chow mein noodles.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a plant-based oil that can add a subtle flavor and is suitable for high-heat cooking.

• minced garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available, though it will have a slightly different flavor profile.

• julienned carrot - Substitute with zucchini strips: Zucchini strips can provide a similar texture and nutritional value to carrots.

• sliced bell pepper - Substitute with sliced mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms can add a different but complementary flavor and texture to the dish.

• shredded cabbage - Substitute with shredded kale: Shredded kale can provide a similar texture and nutritional benefits as cabbage.

• low sodium soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a similar flavor profile.

• hoisin sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce can provide a similar sweet and savory flavor to hoisin sauce.

• sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a substitute, though it will have a different flavor; it is also a healthy fat.

• chopped green onions - Substitute with chopped chives: Chopped chives can provide a similar mild onion flavor and vibrant color.

• Allow the vegan chow mein to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the noodles soggy.
• Transfer the cooled chow mein into an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The chow mein will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Portion the chow mein into individual servings before placing them in freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags.
• Label the containers or bags with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
• When ready to eat, thaw the chow mein in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat the chow mein in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable oil or soy sauce to refresh the flavors. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the chow mein in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Avoid reheating multiple times, as this can degrade the texture and flavor of the noodles and vegetables.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of vegetable oil to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover Vegan Chow Mein.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
  5. If the noodles seem dry, add a tablespoon of water or vegetable broth to moisten them.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover Vegan Chow Mein in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to keep the noodles from drying out.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a few holes poked in it.
  4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
  5. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the dish is heated through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Vegan Chow Mein in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to keep the noodles moist.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through, stirring halfway through the cooking time.

• Steaming Method:

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

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Vegan Chow Mein in the air fryer basket.
  3. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If the noodles seem dry, spray them lightly with water or vegetable broth before reheating.

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

• Vegetable peeler: Useful for peeling the carrot before julienning it.

• Knife: Essential for mincing the garlic, julienning the carrot, slicing the bell pepper, and chopping the green onions.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for all the chopping and slicing tasks.

• Tongs: Handy for tossing the noodles and vegetables together in the wok.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the vegetable oil, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.

• Colander: Used for draining the cooked noodles after boiling them.

• Mixing bowl: Useful for holding the drained noodles before they are added to the wok.

• Stove: Provides the heat source for cooking the noodles and stir-frying the vegetables.

• Spatula: Helps in stirring and mixing the ingredients in the wok.

• Serving dish: For presenting the finished vegan chow mein.

Prep vegetables in advance: Chop and julienne the carrot, bell pepper, and cabbage ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-cooked noodles: Opt for pre-cooked vegan noodles to skip the boiling step.

Ready-made sauces: Use store-bought low sodium soy sauce and hoisin sauce to save time on mixing.

One-pan cooking: Cook everything in one wok to minimize cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store leftovers for quick meals later.