Back
🍜
ChineseVeg

Veg Chow Mein

Stir-fried noodles with cabbage, carrot and bean sprouts.

18 min2 serveseasy

Veg Chow Mein is a classic vegetarian Chinese recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 2 and comes together in roughly 18 minutes from prep to plate. It is an approachable, beginner-friendly dish — the kind of recipe you can put on the table in about 18 minutes without much fuss. The method leans on shallow- or deep-frying, which is what gives the finished dish its signature texture and depth.

The headline ingredients here are noodles, cabbage and carrot. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them. A few sensible swaps: any similar-shaped noodles works — match the surface area, not just the brand.

Share this recipe

from Cook Max
Gmail Email WhatsApp X / Twitter Facebook

Every share includes a link back to Cook Max so friends can discover more free recipes.

Nutrition · per serving

460

kcal

12g

Protein

72g

Carbs

14g

Fat

vegnoodlequick

Ingredients

  • noodles250 g
  • cabbage2 cups
  • carrot1
  • bean sprouts1 cup
  • soy sauce3 tbsp
  • sesame oil1 tbsp

Method

  1. 1
    Step 1 ~6 min

    Boil noodles, drain, toss with sesame oil.

  2. 2
    Step 2 ~6 min

    Stir-fry vegetables on high heat 3 min.

  3. 3
    Step 3 ~6 min

    Add noodles and soy; toss until coated.

Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 18 minutes.

Pro tips & common mistakes

  • Get the oil properly hot before anything goes in. Cold oil is the single biggest reason fried food turns greasy instead of crisp.
  • Cook hot and fast in small batches. Overcrowding the pan drops the temperature and you end up steaming instead of stir-frying.
  • Salt the pasta water generously and save a mug of the starchy cooking water before you drain — a splash thickens any sauce beautifully.
  • Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.

You may also like

Browse more Chinese recipes or search all recipes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Veg Chow Mein take to cook?
From prep to plate, Veg Chow Mein takes about 18 minutes and yields 2 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
Is Veg Chow Mein vegetarian?
Yes — this version of Veg Chow Mein is fully vegetarian. If you want to make it vegan, swap any dairy or eggs for a plant-based equivalent of the same texture.
What are the key ingredients in Veg Chow Mein?
The headline ingredients are noodles, cabbage, carrot. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 1 serving or double for 4. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
How should I store the leftovers?
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
Can I freeze Veg Chow Mein?
Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
What should I serve with Veg Chow Mein?
Veg Chow Mein pairs naturally with classic chinese sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.