Veg Chowmein
A classic Indo-Chinese street food favorite, this dish features stir-fried noodles tossed with crunchy vegetables and a savory, tangy sauce. It's a quick and satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
Boil and Prepare the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt.
- Add the hakka noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 3-4 minutes). Be careful not to overcook them.
- Drain the noodles immediately in a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
- Toss the drained noodles with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. This is a crucial step to prevent them from clumping together. Set aside.
Prepare the Stir-Fry Base
- Place a wok or a large, heavy-bottomed pan over high heat. Add the remaining vegetable oil and let it get very hot until it shimmers.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until they are fragrant.
- Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 1 minute until they turn translucent.
- Add the julienned carrots and capsicum. Continue to stir-fry on high heat for 2 minutes. The vegetables should be tender yet crisp.
Combine and Finish the Chowmein
- Add the shredded cabbage to the wok and stir-fry for another minute.
- Now, add the cooked noodles to the wok along with the vegetables.
- Pour the light soy sauce, red chili sauce, green chili sauce, and white vinegar over the noodles.
- Sprinkle the salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Using two spatulas or tongs, toss everything together vigorously for 1-2 minutes on high heat. Ensure the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauces.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness or vinegar for tang.
Garnish and Serve
- Turn off the heat. Garnish generously with chopped spring onion greens.
- Serve the Veg Chowmein hot, straight from the wok.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For authentic street-style flavor, cook on the highest heat possible. This chars the vegetables slightly and gives a smoky flavor.
- 2Prep is key! Have all your vegetables chopped and sauces measured before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a very fast process.
- 3Do not overcrowd the wok. If making a larger batch, cook in two separate batches to ensure everything stir-fries properly instead of steaming.
- 4Rinsing noodles in cold water is essential to stop the cooking process and keep them from becoming mushy.
- 5Feel free to adjust the sauces to your taste. Add more chili sauce for extra heat or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein-Packed
Add 150g of pan-fried paneer cubes, scrambled eggs, or firm tofu along with the vegetables for a protein boost.
Mushroom ChowmeinMushroom Chowmein
Add 1 cup of sliced button mushrooms along with the onions and stir-fry until they are browned.
Schezwan ChowmeinSchezwan Chowmein
Replace the red and green chili sauces with 2 tablespoons of Schezwan sauce for a spicier, garlicky flavor.
Vegetable MedleyVegetable Medley
Incorporate other vegetables like julienned bell peppers of different colors, broccoli florets, or baby corn.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vegetables
Loaded with cabbage, carrots, and capsicum, this dish provides a good dose of essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which aids digestion.
Provides Quick Energy
The noodles are a primary source of carbohydrates, which the body uses for quick energy, making it a fulfilling and satisfying meal.
Contains Antioxidants
Garlic, ginger, and the variety of colorful vegetables contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Veg Chowmein (around 285g or 1.5 cups) contains approximately 350-450 calories. The exact count can vary based on the amount of oil and sauces used.