Quick Chow Mein

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: Chinese

Quick and flavorful chow mein with stir-fried vegetables and noodles, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that can be customized with soy sauce and seasonings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. frozen Chinese stir-fry vegetables
  • 1 c. water
  • soy sauce
  • salt
  • cornstarch
  • 1 can chow mein noodles or rice, cooked

Instructions

  1. Let frozen vegetables thaw in a pan and add 1 cup water.
  2. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Add soy sauce to taste.
  4. Add salt to taste.
  5. Thicken the mixture with cornstarch.
  6. Serve over cooked chow mein noodles or rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flavor boost, consider adding a splash of Sharon'S Teriyaki Marinade to the dish along with the soy sauce. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder as a thickener instead. Feel free to mix in some protein like chicken or tofu for a heartier meal, and remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chow mein hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds for added texture. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Will'S Chinese Salad for a refreshing crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside stir-fried protein or steamed dumplings, enhancing the overall experience with complementary flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Quick Chow Mein contains roughly 234 calories, with 2g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

234 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.2g 4% DV
Total Fat 0.2g
Carbs 55.2g 20% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 0.4g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 140.6mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 21.6mg 2% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can enhance the flavor and texture of your chow mein. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time to ensure they are tender yet crisp, usually about 3-4 minutes of cooking after adding water.

What type of soy sauce should I use?

You can use either light or dark soy sauce depending on your preference. Light soy sauce will provide a saltier flavor, while dark soy sauce adds a richer color and slightly sweeter taste. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this chow mein gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Make sure to check the labels on your chow mein noodles or rice to ensure they are gluten-free as well. Enjoy a delicious meal without gluten!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Chinese recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →