Vegetable Chow Mein

Easy and Healthy Vegetable Chow Mein Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Vegetable Chow Mein is a popular Chinese dish that consists of stir-fried noodles with a variety of vegetables. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a great option for a quick and easy meal.

History

Chow Mein is a Chinese dish that originated in the Cantonese region. The name "Chow Mein" translates to "fried noodles" in Cantonese. It is believed that Chow Mein was introduced to the United States by Chinese immigrants in the 19th century and has since become a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) of fresh egg noodles
1 can of bamboo shoots
1 can of water chestnuts
0.5 red bell pepper
1 cup of fresh snow peas
2 celery stalks
2 slices of ginger
2 tbsp of dark soy sauce
1 tsp of sugar
1 tbsp of Chinese rice vinegar
1 cup of mung bean sprouts
2 tbsp of oil for stir-frying, or as needed

How to prepare

Blanch the noodles in boiling water for 3 – 5 minutes, or cook according to the package instructions.
Prepare the vegetables: Rinse all the vegetables and drain thoroughly. Rinse the bamboo shoots and canned water chestnuts under warm running water for several minutes to remove any metallic taste.
Cut the red bell pepper in half, remove the seeds, and cut into thin strips.
String the snow peas and cut the celery into thin strips on the diagonal. Mince the ginger.
Heat the wok and add 2 tbsp of oil. When the oil is hot, add the minced ginger and stir-fry briefly until aromatic.
Add the water chestnuts. Stir-fry briefly, and add the other vegetables except for the mung bean sprouts. Stir-fry briefly and add the noodles.
Stir in the dark soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir in the bean sprouts. Cook for a few more seconds and serve hot.

Variations

Add protein such as tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef for a heartier meal.
Include additional vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Customize the seasonings by adding garlic, chili paste, or sesame oil for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to blanch the noodles before stir-frying to ensure they are cooked properly.

- Rinse canned vegetables thoroughly to remove any metallic taste.

- Stir-fry the vegetables quickly over high heat to retain their crispness and vibrant colors.

- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Vegetable Chow Mein can be served as a main dish on its own or paired with a protein such as tofu, chicken, or shrimp. It can also be served with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the primary cooking technique used for making Vegetable Chow Mein. It involves quickly cooking ingredients in a hot wok or skillet over high heat to retain their texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use spaghetti or linguine noodles as a substitute for fresh egg noodles.

- Substitute canned bamboo shoots and water chestnuts with fresh vegetables such as baby corn or snap peas.

- Replace dark soy sauce with light soy sauce or tamari for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and noodles ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This can help save time when preparing the dish for a quick meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Vegetable Chow Mein in a large serving bowl or on individual plates garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added color and texture. You can also serve it in a traditional Chinese takeout box for a fun presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Vegetable Chow Mein pairs well with a variety of dishes such as spring rolls, potstickers, or hot and sour soup. It can also be served with a side of steamed dumplings or fried rice for a complete Chinese meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Vegetable Chow Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry the leftovers in a hot wok or skillet until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The number of calories in Vegetable Chow Mein can vary depending on the ingredients used and portion size. On average, a serving of Vegetable Chow Mein contains around 300-400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The main source of carbohydrates in Vegetable Chow Mein comes from the noodles and vegetables. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

The fats in Vegetable Chow Mein come from the oil used for stir-frying. It is important to use a healthy oil, such as olive oil or sesame oil, to ensure the dish is not too greasy.

Proteins

While Vegetable Chow Mein is primarily a vegetable-based dish, you can add protein by including tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

Vegetable Chow Mein is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used in the dish. Vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, and celery are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and folate.

Alergens

Vegetable Chow Mein may contain allergens such as gluten (from the noodles), soy (from the soy sauce), and nuts (if added as a garnish). It is important to check for allergens and adjust the recipe accordingly.

Summary

Vegetable Chow Mein is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Vegetable Chow Mein is a delicious and nutritious Chinese dish that is easy to make at home. With a variety of vegetables and seasonings, this dish is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy Vegetable Chow Mein as a quick and satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Vegetable Chow Mein. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the windows of my small kitchen. I had just finished preparing a traditional Chinese meal for my family, using a recipe that had been passed down through generations. As I sat down to enjoy my meal, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in carrying on our family's culinary traditions.

But as I took my first bite of the savory chow mein, a thought crossed my mind - what if I could put my own twist on this classic dish? What if I could incorporate some of my favorite vegetables and flavors to create something truly unique and delicious?

And so, I set out to experiment with different ingredients, combining the traditional elements of chow mein with my own personal touches. I added an assortment of colorful vegetables - crisp bell peppers, tender mushrooms, and crunchy water chestnuts. I tossed in some fragrant garlic and ginger, along with a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar to enhance the flavors.

As the dish sizzled and the aromas filled the air, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The combination of flavors and textures was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family and friends.

Over the years, I continued to refine and perfect my recipe for Vegetable Chow Mein, drawing inspiration from various sources and people along the way. I learned new techniques from watching cooking shows on television, picked up tips from fellow food enthusiasts at community events, and even exchanged recipes with neighbors and acquaintances.

But the true magic of this recipe lies in the memories and experiences that have shaped it over time. Each time I make Vegetable Chow Mein, I am reminded of the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious from scratch. I remember the laughter and chatter of loved ones gathered around the dinner table, eagerly digging into their plates of steaming noodles and vegetables.

As I pass down this recipe to future generations, I hope that it will continue to bring joy and nourishment to those who savor it. And who knows - perhaps one day, my own grandchildren will add their own unique twist to this timeless dish, creating new memories and traditions of their own.

But for now, I will continue to cherish the moments spent in my kitchen, stirring and sizzling away as I prepare a batch of Vegetable Chow Mein. And as I take that first bite and savor the flavors that have become so familiar and comforting to me, I am filled with gratitude for the journey that has brought me to this place - a place of delicious discovery and endless possibility.