Vegetarian Chow Mein
A vibrant vegetarian stir-fry featuring crisp vegetables and tofu, seasoned with savory flavors, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or healthy lunches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat canola oil, water, salt, and onion powder.
- Add celery, onions, bean sprouts, mushrooms, tofu, and peas or parsley to the skillet.
- Cook, covered, just until crisp-tender, about 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients (not specified in the original recipe).
- Pour the mixture over the cooked vegetables and tofu, then stir until thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant dish, feel free to add bell peppers or snap peas. If you don’t have canola oil, vegetable oil will work just as well. You can also substitute the tofu with tempeh for a different texture or omit it entirely for a lighter version. Make sure to cut the vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Vegetarian Chow Mein over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Teriyaki Broccoli for a delicious side. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. This dish is perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking, and stir until heated through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetarian Chow Mein contains roughly 114 calories, with 9g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (236% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1769mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
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 make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this chow mein gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring that your tofu is gluten-free. You can also use rice noodles as a substitute for traditional noodles if desired.
What can I use instead of mung bean sprouts?
If mung bean sprouts are not available, you can substitute them with shredded cabbage or broccoli sprouts. Both options will provide a nice crunch and complement the other vegetables in the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Vegetarian Chow Mein, consider including sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili sauce when cooking. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra kick.
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).