# Vegetable Chow Mein

> Cook 300 g chow mein noodles, rinse and drain. Stir-fry garlic and ginger in a very hot wok, add carrot, cabbage, pepper and mushrooms for 3 minutes, then the noodles and a sauce of soy sauce, dark soy, vegetarian oyster sauce, sesame oil and sugar. Toss for 2 minutes, add bean sprouts and green onions, and serve immediately.

Source: https://www.savourrecipes.com/recipe/vegetable-chow-mein
Author: Cookwithmrdots | Published: Oct 28, 2026 | Updated: Oct 28, 2026
Categories: Easy Dinner Recipes
Collections: Quick Weeknight Dinners
Tags: Vegetarian, 30-Minute Meals, Kid Friendly

Better than takeout and faster than delivery: this chow mein tosses springy egg noodles and crisp vegetables in a glossy, savoury sauce. The secret is a very hot pan and having everything chopped before you start, because once the wok is going, it all comes together in about 5 minutes.

## Key facts

- Prep time: 10 mins
- Cook time: 10 mins
- Total time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
- Method: Stir-frying
- Calories: 390 per serving

## Ingredients

### Sauce

- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, for colour; or use more regular soy
- 2 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce, made from mushrooms
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water
### Noodles

- 300 g fresh or dried chow mein egg noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 carrot, cut into thin matchsticks
- 3 cups shredded green or napa cabbage
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 150 g mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 4 green onions, cut into 4 cm pieces

## Equipment

- Wok or large skillet
- Large pot
- Colander
- Small bowl

## Instructions

1. **Mix the sauce.** Stir the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar and water together in a small bowl.
2. **Cook the noodles.** Cook the noodles according to the package, usually 2-4 minutes, until just tender. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking, and drain very well. Toss with 1 tsp of the vegetable oil to stop them sticking.
3. **Stir-fry the vegetables.** Heat the remaining oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the garlic and ginger for 20 seconds, then the carrot, cabbage, pepper and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until the cabbage wilts but still has some crunch.
4. **Add noodles and sauce.** Add the noodles and pour the sauce over them. Toss with tongs for 2 minutes until the noodles are evenly coated, hot and starting to crisp in spots.
5. **Finish and serve.** Add the bean sprouts and green onions and toss for 30 seconds more. Serve right away.

## Tips

- Drain the noodles very well. Wet noodles steam in the pan and turn soggy instead of slightly crisp.
- If your wok is small, cook the vegetables and noodles in two batches so the pan stays hot.
- Vegetarian oyster sauce is made with mushrooms. Regular oyster sauce contains shellfish, so it is not vegetarian.

## Variations

- Add 300 g sliced chicken breast, stir-fried before the vegetables until it reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Add cubes of pan-fried firm tofu for extra protein.
- Swap the noodles for rice noodles and use tamari to make it gluten-free.

## Storage

- Fridge: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a hot skillet with a splash of water for 2-3 minutes, tossing, or microwave until steaming hot.

## Nutrition per serving (estimate)

| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 390 | 12 g | 62 g | 11 g |

## Frequently asked questions

### What noodles are used for chow mein?

Chow mein uses thin wheat and egg noodles, sold fresh or dried and often labelled chow mein or Hong Kong-style noodles. Thin spaghetti or ramen noodles work in a pinch.

### What is the difference between chow mein and lo mein?

Chow mein noodles are stir-fried until some get slightly crisp, with a lighter sauce. Lo mein noodles are softer and tossed in more sauce.

### Is vegetable chow mein vegetarian?

This recipe is vegetarian because it uses mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce. Egg noodles contain egg, so use eggless wheat noodles for a vegan version.

### How do I keep chow mein from getting soggy?

Rinse and drain the noodles well, use a very hot pan, cook in batches if needed and serve immediately after adding the bean sprouts.