Veg Chowmein: A Beginner’s Stir-Fry Journey
Veg chowmein, simple stir-fried noodles, is a mixture of textures and flavors. Perfectly cooked noodles and crunchy vegetables along with simple savory sauces blend in harmoniously in this tasty dish. Whether you are an experienced chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will help you create restaurant-style Veg Chowmein at home.
Gathering the Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
- Noodles (150 gms): Choose Hakka noodles, egg noodles, or chow mein noodles for an authentic texture.
- Vegetables (2 cups):
- ½ cup chopped carrots
- ½ cup shredded cabbage (green or purple)
- ¾ cup sliced button mushrooms
- ¼ cup finely chopped French beans
- ¾ cup grated carrots
- ¼ cup thinly sliced green/yellow/red bell peppers (You can use only one if you want but a combination of all three looks appealing when served)
- 1 teaspoon finely spring onions
- Aromatics (2 tbsp):
- 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
- 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
- Other Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable, peanut, or canola)
- ½ cup finely chopped onions
- 2 tbsp soy sauce – Ching’s Dark Soya sauce adds extra flavor.
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tbsp chopped spring onions (for garnish)
- Optional Add-Ins:
- Paneer (cubed and pan-fried)
- Red chili flakes (for a spicy kick)
Step-by-Step Guide to Veg Chowmein Finale:
- Prep is Key: Wash and chop all your vegetables. Grate the carrots and finely chop ginger, garlic, and onions. If you are using paneer, pan-fry it until golden brown and set aside.
- Cooking the Noodles: Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and the noodles. Cook as per the package instructions, typically 3-4 minutes for al dente noodles. Drain the noodles right away using a colander and rinse under cold water to stop them from cooking further. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil on the cooked noodles and mix well together to prevent them from sticking. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry Science: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ginger and garlic. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, until they become fragrant.
- Introducing the Onions: Add the chopped onions (or spring onion whites) and saute them for a minute until softened. Quick note, add a pinch of salt to help fasten the process of cooking the onions.
- Vegetable Bonanza: Add the chopped mushrooms, french beans, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms are lightly browned and the vegetables are crisp-tender. You can pinch MSG to maintain the crispiness of vegetables.
- Carrot Time: Increase the heat to high and add the grated carrots and shredded cabbage. Stir-fry for an additional minute, ensuring the vegetables retain their crunch.
- Flavor Fiesta: Push the stir-fried vegetables to the side of the pan. Add the soy sauce, tomato ketchup, rice vinegar, and black pepper to the pan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- The Cornstarch Thickening: In a small bowl, form a slurry of cornstarch and water by whisking it together. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Adding the Noodles: Add the cooked noodles back into the pan with the sauce and vegetables. Toss gently to mix the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Finishing Touches: Garnish with chopped spring onions and make sure to serve hot. For a protein boost, you can add the pan-fried paneer at this stage.
Tips and Tricks for Veg Chowmein Mastery
- Art of Cooking with High Heat: Maintaining high heat during stir-frying ensures the vegetables cook quickly while retaining their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Al dente noodles are ideal for chow mein. Overcooked noodles become mushy and lose their delightful springiness.
- Customize Your Spice Level: This recipe offers a mild base. Feel free to add red chili flakes or chopped chilies for a spicier version.
- Leftovers Reimagined: Leftover veg chowmein can be transformed into a delicious lunch or a quick dinner. Add scrambled eggs or shredded cooked chicken for a protein punch.
Veg chowmein is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your preferences. You can check out more similar quick and easy recipes here.