This delicious vegetable chow mein is loaded with stir-fried vegetables, thick yakisoba noddles, and an easy Asian sauce that takes this dish to the next level.
Be sure to try our chicken chow mein for a meatier version of these Asian noodles, or even our shrimp and rice noodle stir fry for a healthier and gluten-free option.
Vegetable Chow Mein
This Vegetable chow mein recipe is so easy and simple to make! The best part is that you can prep and chop all the veggies in advance (like the day before). So when you stir fry all the noodles, all you need to do is toss all the chow mein ingredients into the wok.
Chow mein ingredients
What is Chow Mein?
Chow mein is the combination of stir-fried noodles (often crispy) along with a variety of vegetables, meats, and sometimes tofu. This Chinese inspired noodle dish has become very popular in the US, therefore, it’s flavors and texture differ from city to state.
What is the difference between chow mein and lo mein
The biggest difference between these two types of noodles is the texture of the noodles and cooking methods used.
- Chow mein noodles are usually deep-fried so the noodles become crispy.
- Lo Mein noodles are stir-fried to a softer more traditional noodle-like texture. This is the more common method and is often called chow mein when cooked with yakisoba noodles.
How to make Chow Mein
- In a large wok, stir fry the vegetables in the order listed in the recipe card below. Keep in mind you don’t want to overcook the vegetables or they will become mushy. So you still want the vegetables to have a slight crunch ton them.
- Once all your vegetables are stir-fried, add in the rice vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, and sugar.
- And lastly, add in the yakisoba noodles and stir to combine with the rest of the ingredients in the wok.
Are chow mein noodles gluten-free?
No, chow mein noodles are not gluten-free since they are made with wheat which contains gluten. Rice noodles, on the other hand, are gluten-free and a great substitute for chow mein.
What to serve with Vegetable Chow Mein
Since this is a meatless recipe you can serve it with many Asian inspired chicken or beef dishes or a simple Chinese salad. Here are a few suggestions:
- Asian chicken salad
- Teriyaki chicken
- Mongolian beef
- crispy sesame chicken
- grilled teriyaki salmon
- Garlic ginger shrimp
Watch a video on how to make this easy vegetable chow mein recipe!
Vegetable Chow Mein
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 3/4 cup celery sliced
- 2 1/2 cups carrot julienned (about 2 medium carrots)
- 2 1/2 cups onion thinly sliced (about 1 medium onion)
- 2 lb Yakisoba noodles
- 1 medium cabbage chopped
- 14 oz fresh broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 2 1/2 cups chopped onions, and sauté them until they become translucent.
- Toss in the julienned carrots & chopped celery and stir until softened. Then add in the chopped cabbage, bell pepper, and 14 oz broccoli Florets and stir for about 4 minutes.
- Pour in 2 tbsp rice vinegar and 3/4 cup low sodium soy sauce and sprinkle 3 tbsp sugar. You may want to add a little more soy sauce depending on how salty you prefer your food.
- Add in 2 lb Yakisoba noodles. The noodles might seem like they won't want to come apart but once they sit in the hot wok for a few minutes they will begin to separate.
- Stir the noodles for about another 3-5 minutes or until they've all separated. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
- Easy Hanami Dango Recipe - April 12, 2021
- Chewy Special K Bars - April 10, 2021
- Italian Sausage Ravioli - April 5, 2021
Nina H says
My first time making this recipe it is very delicious.
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you so much, Nina! I am so happy that you enjoyed this veggie chow mein!
Camille says
Just wondering where to find yakisoba noodles? I really want to try this recipe. 😃
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Camille, it depends on the type of markets you have around. Here in WA, we have a store called Cash & Carry. It’s like a grocery store for food businesses so it sells everything in bulk. We usually get a 5 lb pack of the noodles and share it with family. Some upscale grocery stores might carry yakisoba noodles too. And there are always Asian food markets that you can go to as well. I hope that helps 🙂
Lily says
I LOVED the easy to follow instructions in the video. Very delicious recipe and full of flavor 🙂 Will definitely be making this again
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you for the awesome feedback Lily! We have this chow mein recipe on repeat all the time at home.