Easy Cantonese Chow Mein

I love this Cantonese chow mein recipe for many reasons, but especially because it's loaded with healthy vegetables. Add chow mein noodles and a flavorful Cantonese chow mein sauce and you have the perfect dinner that's naturally vegan. And, you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes.

If you can't tell from my broccoli and cashew stir fry or my vermicelli noodles stir fry , I love vegan Chinese food! Give me rice, noodles and vegetables any day, but make sure they're dressed in a yummy sauce (that's the real secret!)

A rich Cantonese chow mein sauce is the answer to the best vegetable chow mein. And, guess what? Cantonese chow mein in naturally vegan, so there's no awkward ingredient swaps, just totally addictive and slurpable chow mein noodles with veggies.

But first, let's answer some common questions about this recipe:

🙋Is Cantonese Chow Mein Vegan?

No, chow mein sauce is not typically vegan, and depending on the type that you order, many recipes include meat.

When ordering chow mein from a restaurant or buying pre-made chow mein, it's essential to check the ingredients or ask the staff to ensure it's prepared without any animal-based products like meat, eggs, or fish sauce. Making it at home allows you to have full control over the ingredients and customize it to fit your dietary preferences, making it a delicious and vegan-friendly dish.

That's why I've made a recipe for exactly that!

🙋Are Chow Mein Noodles Vegan?

Chow mein noodles can come in various forms, and their vegan-friendliness depends on the ingredients used in their preparation. Generally, chow mein noodles are made from wheat flour, water, and sometimes eggs. It's essential to check the product packaging or label to determine whether the noodles are vegan or not.

1. Dry Chow Mein Noodles:
   • Dry chow mein noodles are typically sold in their uncooked, dried form. These noodles need to be boiled or soaked in hot water to rehydrate and cook before using them in a recipe. Dry chow mein noodles can be vegan if they are made without eggs or any other animal-derived ingredients. Look for packages labeled as "vegan" or check the ingredients list to ensure there are no animal products included.
2. Fresh Chow Mein Noodles (Steamed Chow Mein Noodles):
   • Fresh chow mein noodles, also known as steamed chow mein noodles, are pre-cooked and sold refrigerated or frozen. These noodles are ready to use without further cooking; you can simply stir-fry or heat them up. Some brands of fresh chow mein noodles may contain eggs as part of their ingredients, making them non-vegan. However, there are vegan versions available that do not use eggs, so it's essential to read the label carefully.

🙋Chow Mein Vs Chop Suey ~ What's The Difference?

ow mein and chop suey are two popular Chinese-American dishes, each with its own distinct characteristics. Chow mein is a dish that features stir-fried noodles, which can be either soft or crispy depending on regional variations and cooking methods. The dish typically includes a mix of vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, and onions, along with a choice of meat or seafood. There are also vegan versions available that omit the animal-based ingredients. Chow mein is seasoned with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, or hoisin sauce, which coats the noodles and vegetables, giving it a rich and flavorful taste.

On the other hand, chop suey is a stir-fried dish that revolves around a variety of vegetables like bean sprouts, cabbage, celery, and onions, often combined with meat or tofu. Unlike chow mein, chop suey is not served with noodles as a standard element. Instead, it is typically served with steamed rice. The dish is cooked in a thickened, starchy sauce made from soy sauce, cornstarch, and other seasonings, which gives it a glossy appearance and complements the vegetables and protein.

👨‍🍳Instructions

• Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the noodles with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
• In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup (or agave nectar), cornstarch, and vegetable broth (or water) until well combined. Set the sauce aside.

• Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
• Add the sliced onion, julienned red bell pepper, and carrot to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
• Add the shredded cabbage and bean sprouts to the wok. Continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
• Pour the prepared sauce over the stir-fried vegetables in the wok. Toss everything together until the vegetables are coated evenly with the sauce.
• Gently add the cooked and prepared chow mein noodles to the wok with the vegetables and sauce. Use a pair of tongs to carefully mix and coat the noodles with the sauce and vegetables. Be gentle to avoid breaking the noodles.
• Once the noodles are heated through and well combined with the vegetables and sauce, remove the wok from the heat.
• Serve the Cantonese-style Vegan Chow Mein in individual plates or bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions for added freshness and color.

💡Vegan Chow Mein Recipe Variations

The star of this dish is the sauce, but you can easily swap in different veggies for the one ones in the recipe. Here's a few suggestions:

• Tofu and Broccoli Chow Mein: Create a Tofu and Broccoli Chow Mein by replacing traditional vegetables with broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers. Instead of using meat substitutes, marinate tofu cubes in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before stir-frying to add plant-based protein. Optionally, garnish with roasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for texture and flavor.
• Spicy Szechuan Chow Mein: Give your Chow Mein a spicy twist by adding Szechuan peppercorns, chili flakes, and a dash of chili oil to the sauce. Include vegetables like bok choy, snow peas, and sliced mushrooms for diverse textures and tastes. For protein, incorporate plant-based mock meat or seitan slices marinated in a spicy Szechuan sauce. If you like spicy Chinese dishes, be sure to check out my popular Szechuan Tofu.
• Garlic Ginger Mushroom Chow Mein: Infuse your Chow Mein with fragrant and savory flavors by increasing the minced garlic and grated ginger in the stir-fry. Replace the cabbage with various mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, and cremini, for an earthy and umami-rich twist. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for added brightness and freshness.
• Thai Basil Chow Mein: Add Thai influences to your Chow Mein by including Thai basil leaves, chopped lemongrass, and a bit of coconut milk in the sauce. Opt for colorful vegetables like red bell pepper, baby corn, and snap peas for a vibrant and appetizing presentation. Consider marinating tempeh or crispy tofu cubes with Thai-inspired spices for added protein.
• Mediterranean Chow Mein: Create a fusion version with Mediterranean flavors by adding ingredients like artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Introduce spinach leaves or arugula for extra nutrition and a hint of peppery taste. Sprinkle vegan feta cheese or toasted pine nuts to add a Mediterranean touch.
• These variations offer a range of exciting flavors and ingredients to tailor the Cantonese-style Vegan Chow Mein recipe to your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Enjoy exploring these creative twists to elevate your chow mein experience!

❄️Storage Instructions

1. Refrigeration:
   • If you have leftover the Cantonese chow mein, allow it to cool down to room temperature first.
   • Transfer the chow mein to an airtight container.
   • Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing:
   • To freeze Cantonese chow mein, allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
   • Place the chow mein in a freezer-safe, airtight container or freezer bags.
   • Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness.
   • The frozen chow mein can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
3. Thawing and Reheating:
   • To thaw the frozen chow mein, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
   • Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen, but it may take longer and could result in slight texture changes.
   • To reheat, you can either use a microwave or a stovetop. If using the microwave, cover the container with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. If using the stovetop, place the chow mein in a pan over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through.
   • Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to the pan if the noodles seem dry during reheating.

🙋Frequently Asked Questions

Craving More Easy Vegan Dinner Recipes?

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Simple Dal Tadka

Aloo Vindaloo

Bahn Mi Bowl

Chinese Jackfruit Stir Fry

Baked Sesame Ginger Tofu

Easy Peanut Noodles - Creamy Vegan Noodles

Pasta With Coconut Milk Sauce

📖 Recipe

Easy Cantonese Chow Mein

Keri Bevan

This Cantonese Chow Mein recipe is better (and healthier) than anything you could get at your local Chinese takeaway. Colorful, crunchy veggies mixed with slurpable noodles in a salty, sweet sauce. Perfect!

5 from 6 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course dinner

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

For The Chow Mein Noodles

• 8 ounces dry chow mein noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For The Cantonese Chow Mein Sauce

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ cup vegetable broth or water

For The Stir-Fry

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1- inch piece of fresh ginger grated
• 1 medium onion thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper julienned
• 1 carrot julienned
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the noodles with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
• In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup (or agave nectar), cornstarch, and vegetable broth (or water) until well combined. Set the sauce aside.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
• Add the sliced onion, julienned red bell pepper, and carrot to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
• Add the shredded cabbage and bean sprouts to the wok. Continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
• Pour the prepared sauce over the stir-fried vegetables in the wok. Toss everything together until the vegetables are coated evenly with the sauce.
• Gently add the cooked and prepared chow mein noodles to the wok with the vegetables and sauce. Use a pair of tongs to carefully mix and coat the noodles with the sauce and vegetables. Be gentle to avoid breaking the noodles.
• Once the noodles are heated through and well combined with the vegetables and sauce, remove the wok from the heat.
• Serve the Cantonese-style Vegan Chow Mein in individual plates or bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions for added freshness and color.

Notes

❄️Storage Instructions

1. Refrigeration:
   • If you have leftover the Cantonese chow mein, allow it to cool down to room temperature first.
   • Transfer the chow mein to an airtight container.
   • Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing:
   • To freeze Cantonese chow mein, allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
   • Place the chow mein in a freezer-safe, airtight container or freezer bags.
   • Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness.
   • The frozen chow mein can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
3. Thawing and Reheating:
   • To thaw the frozen chow mein, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
   • Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen, but it may take longer and could result in slight texture changes.
   • To reheat, you can either use a microwave or a stovetop. If using the microwave, cover the container with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. If using the stovetop, place the chow mein in a pan over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through.
   • Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to the pan if the noodles seem dry during reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 12gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 0.2mgSodium: 1258mgPotassium: 292mgFiber: 6gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 3563IUVitamin C: 52mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 3mg

Keyword Cantonese Chow Mein

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