There’s nothing quite like a well-executed stir-fry for a quick and nutritious dinner, and this Easy Vegetable Chow Mein truly embodies the spirit of a fantastic stir-fry. It brings together the best elements of a classic Asian-inspired meal: tender noodles, an abundance of fresh vegetables, and a rich, aromatic sauce, all prepared in a single pan for minimal cleanup.

Our unique take on chow mein features savory noodles expertly blended with a medley of colorful vegetables and a perfectly balanced stir-fry sauce. This vegetarian version highlights the robust texture and earthy flavor of tempeh, making it an excellent plant-based chow mein. However, the beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility. If tempeh isn’t your preference, you can easily substitute it with tofu for another vegetarian option, or opt for chicken, shrimp, or beef if you prefer a meat-based chow mein.

One of the most appealing aspects of recipes like this vegetable chow mein is its incredible versatility. It’s a fantastic opportunity to utilize any vegetables you happen to have on hand in your refrigerator, minimizing food waste and encouraging creativity in the kitchen. Whether it’s leftover bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli, almost any veggie can find a happy home in this flavorful stir-fry.

This recipe is not just about convenience; it’s about delivering a satisfying, wholesome meal to your table in record time. Chow mein is renowned as an easy weeknight dinner, and our recipe certainly lives up to that reputation. Many of the core ingredients, such as soy sauce and Hoisin sauce, are readily available at your local grocery store or Asian market, making preparation even simpler. Imagine having a delicious, homemade chow mein ready to serve in under 30 minutes – it’s an unbeatable proposition for busy evenings!

For those who love noodle dishes and stir-fries, this Easy Vegetable Chow Mein will fit right into your rotation alongside other favorites such as Easy Chicken Ramen Noodle Stir Fry, Easy Thai Pork Stir-Fry, Asian Shrimp Edamame Stir-fry, Easy Korean Noodles, Egg Roll in a Bowl, or Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry.

Essential Ingredients for Our Vegetable Chow Mein

Crafting this simple yet flavorful Vegetable Chow Mein requires a few key components that work in harmony to create a truly delicious dish. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the main ingredients you’ll need, along with tips for selection and preparation. For precise measurements and detailed cooking instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.

• Garlic: A cornerstone of Asian cuisine, fresh garlic adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the stir-fry. While fresh cloves, finely minced or pressed, offer the best flavor, a good quality garlic powder can be used in a pinch if time is short. Aim for at least two cloves to ensure that signature aroma permeates the dish.
• Tempeh: We utilize an 8-ounce package of tempeh, crumbled into bite-sized pieces. Tempeh, a fermented soybean product, is an excellent source of plant-based protein and lends a hearty, slightly nutty flavor and firm texture to our vegetarian chow mein. Crushing it allows it to absorb the sauce wonderfully and blend seamlessly with the noodles and vegetables.
• Slaw Mix: To keep this recipe truly “easy,” we employ a pre-packaged bag of coleslaw mix. This convenient shortcut typically includes shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and sometimes carrots, saving you valuable prep time. Alternatively, you can shred a small head of green or napa cabbage yourself for an equally delicious result.
• Bean Sprouts: These add a wonderful crunch and a touch of freshness to the chow mein. Mung bean sprouts are most common and highly recommended. Always remember to rinse your bean sprouts thoroughly under cold water before incorporating them into your stir-fry to ensure cleanliness and crispness.
• Chow Mein Noodles: The star of any chow mein, this recipe calls for 8 ounces of chow mein noodles, prepared according to their package instructions. The type of noodles can vary, but typically they are wheat-based. For a gluten-free option, we successfully use brown rice chow mein noodles, which provide a similar texture and absorb the sauce beautifully. Make sure they are al dente as they will continue to cook slightly in the pan.
• Stir-Fry Sauce: While a good quality store-bought stir-fry sauce can expedite the cooking process, preparing your own homemade sauce allows for complete control over the flavor profile and ingredients. Our preferred homemade stir-fry sauce is a delightful blend of water, rich soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free alternative), sweet and savory Hoisin sauce, tangy rice wine vinegar, a touch of light agave nectar for sweetness, a dash of black pepper, and fragrant sesame oil. This combination creates a complex, umami-rich sauce that perfectly coats every element of the chow mein.

Crafting Your Easy Chow Mein with Coleslaw Mix: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this delicious Vegetable Chow Mein is surprisingly straightforward, thanks in part to the convenience of pre-packaged coleslaw mix. Follow these simple steps to bring this vibrant dish to life in your kitchen:

Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Brown Tempeh. Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the pressed garlic. Cook for approximately 15 seconds, or until it becomes wonderfully fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly. Immediately add the crumbled tempeh to the pan, spreading it out into an even layer. Cook the tempeh for 2-3 minutes per side, allowing it to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This browning adds depth of flavor and a pleasing texture to the tempeh, making it extra satisfying.

Step 2: Incorporate the Coleslaw Mix. Once the tempeh is nicely browned, add the entire bag of coleslaw mix to the skillet. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften and slightly wilt. The high heat helps to quickly tenderize the vegetables while retaining a slight crunch.

Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients and Finish. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the rinsed bean sprouts, thinly sliced green onions, the pre-cooked chow mein noodles, and your prepared stir-fry sauce to the skillet. Use tongs or two spatulas to toss all the ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated in the rich sauce. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cabbage is fully wilted to your desired tenderness and the stir-fry sauce has thickened and reduced slightly, clinging beautifully to all the components.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve. Once the chow mein reaches perfection, remove it from the heat. Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve this flavorful vegetable chow mein immediately, perhaps with an extra drizzle of sauce on the side for those who love an added kick. Enjoy your quick, homemade, and incredibly satisfying meal!

Understanding Chow Mein

Chow Mein is a beloved and iconic dish in Chinese cuisine, literally translating to “stir-fried noodles.” It typically consists of wheat noodles that are stir-fried with a variety of fresh vegetables, and often includes a protein such as meat, tofu, or tempeh, all coated in a savory sauce. The preparation can vary, with some versions featuring crispier, pan-fried noodles, while others opt for softer, boiled noodles that are then stir-fried. Our recipe leans towards the softer, more saucy style of chow mein, making it a comforting and satisfying noodle dish perfect for any day of the week.

Exploring Tempeh: A Plant-Based Powerhouse

Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian food renowned for its nutritional benefits and versatility. It is made from soybeans that have undergone a natural fermentation process, where a beneficial mold binds the soybeans into a firm, compact cake. Unlike tofu, which is made from condensed soy milk, tempeh uses whole soybeans, giving it a higher protein and fiber content, along with a unique texture.

Tempeh boasts a distinctive dry and firm, yet delightfully chewy texture, and carries a subtle, earthy, and slightly nutty taste. This makes it an excellent canvas for absorbing flavors from marinades and sauces. It can be prepared in various ways: steamed, baked, or sautéed, as we do in this chow mein recipe. To truly enhance its flavor profile and ensure it’s not bland, it is highly recommended to marinate tempeh or cook it directly in flavorful sauces, allowing it to soak up all the delicious seasonings.

Exciting Recipe Variations to Customize Your Chow Mein

One of the best things about this Easy Vegetable Chow Mein recipe is its incredible adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences or to use up whatever you have on hand. Here are some fantastic recipe variations to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Add More Vegetables: This stir-fry is a perfect vehicle for a wide array of vegetables. Beyond the coleslaw mix and bean sprouts, consider adding finely sliced carrots for sweetness and color, crisp snow peas, crunchy celery, vibrant red bell pepper for a touch of fruitiness, florets of broccoli, tender green beans, earthy mushrooms, firm zucchini, leafy bok choy, or even cubes of eggplant. Each addition will bring new textures and flavors to the dish.
• Boost with Seeds & Nuts: For an extra layer of crunch and healthy fats, seeds and nuts are a wonderful addition to this stir-fry. Try toasting some sesame seeds (black or white), sunflower seeds, or even chopped cashews, peanuts, or sliced almonds. They add a delightful textural contrast and a rich, nutty aroma.
• Experiment with Sauces: While our homemade stir-fry sauce is truly delicious, you can certainly use your favorite store-bought sauce for convenience. Alternatively, create your own unique blend by incorporating elements like oyster sauce (if not strictly vegetarian), black bean sauce, sriracha for heat, or a touch of tamarind for a tangy twist.
• Fresh Herb Power: Fresh herbs can elevate the entire dish, bringing brightness and aromatic complexity. Beyond cilantro, which is a classic garnish, consider adding fresh parsley for a different green note, or a handful of fragrant Thai basil for a more authentic Southeast Asian flair.
• Spice It Up: Don’t hesitate to play with different spices to match your desired flavor profile. A pinch of Chinese five-spice powder can add a complex, warm, and aromatic depth. Ground ginger (in addition to fresh ginger if you use it) or a dash of cumin can introduce subtle but interesting undertones. For heat, consider red pepper flakes, a touch of chili garlic sauce, or a finely diced jalapeño.
• Alternative Proteins: If tempeh isn’t your preferred protein, diced firm or extra-firm tofu (pressed and pan-fried until crispy), thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs, tender shrimp, or lean strips of beef or pork would all work wonderfully in this chow mein. Adjust cooking times accordingly for different proteins.