Description

This Garlic Mushroom Chow Mein is a vibrant and delicious vegetarian dish that combines tender noodles with sautéed mushrooms and fresh vegetables, all coated in a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that proves vegetarian cooking can be incredibly flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz chow mein noodles
1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, minced
1 cup shredded green cabbage
1 cup julienned carrots
1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (any color)
1 cup sliced onions
1 cup bean sprouts
1/2 cup scallions (green onions), chopped
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 cup vegetable broth
2 tablespoons canola oil (or other neutral oil)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (for finishing)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Everything (Mise en Place is Your Friend!) – Cook chow mein noodles according to package directions for 2-3 minutes until al dente. Drain and toss with a tiny bit of oil. Thinly slice mushrooms, shred cabbage, julienne carrots, slice bell peppers and onions, and mince garlic and ginger. In a small bowl, whisk together light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and vegetable broth. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat the Wok – Place a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of neutral cooking oil and let it get very hot.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms – Add minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil and stir-fry for 15-30 seconds until fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, then stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until browned and tender. Remove from the wok and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables – If the wok seems dry, add another tablespoon of oil. Add sliced onions, carrots, and bell peppers, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes. Then add shredded cabbage and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until slightly wilted.
Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce – Return cooked mushrooms, garlic, and ginger to the wok. Add cooked chow mein noodles and pour the sauce over everything. Toss vigorously to combine and stir-fry for 2-4 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Serve Immediately – Transfer the chow mein to serving plates, garnish with chopped scallions and a drizzle of chili oil if desired. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 400
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Mise en place is key for stir-frying; prep all ingredients before cooking. Don't overcrowd the wok to avoid steaming the vegetables. Customize your veggies based on preference and add extra protein like tofu if desired.