Vegetable chowmein is a beloved stir-fried noodle dish that hails from Chinese cuisine but has found a special place in Indian street food culture. The name "Chow Mein" means "stir-fried noodles" in Mandarin, and over time, it has become a go-to comfort food in India, especially from roadside vendors who whip it up in smoky woks. With its vibrant flavours, crunchy veggies, and a glossy soy-based sauce, vegetable chowmein strikes a delightful balance of savoury, slightly tangy, and umami notes. It’s often enjoyed solo or paired with a variety of Chinese-style gravies, for a complete meal.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
200 gHakka noodles (or any wheat noodles)
1 tbspOil
for boilingWater
½ tspSalt
2 tbspOil
1Onion, thinly sliced
1Carrot, thinly sliced
1Capsicum (green bell pepper), thinly sliced
½ cupCabbage, shredded
¼ cupBeans, thinly sliced
1 tbspSpring onion greens (for garnish)
2Cloves garlic, finely chopped
1-inchGinger, finely chopped
1½ tbspSoy sauce
1 tbspGreen chilli sauce
1 tbspVinegar
1 tbspTomato ketchup
½ tspBlack pepper powder
to tasteSalt
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Step 1: Boil the Noodles
Fill a big pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and drop in your noodles.
Cook them until they’re soft but slightly firm to bite.
Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with 1 tbsp oil to prevent sticking.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
While the noodles are cooling, wash and slice your vegetables into thin strips (julienne style).
Keep them ready, it makes the stir-frying quick and fun.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Get the Veggies Sizzling
Heat some oil in a large wok over high flame.
Add chopped garlic and ginger; let them sizzle for a few seconds to release that mouthwatering aroma.
Throw in the sliced onion, carrot, beans, capsicum, and cabbage.
Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, just enough to keep them crisp and colourful.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add your boiled noodles straight into the wok.
Pour in the soy sauce, vinegar, chilli sauce, ketchup, salt, and black pepper.
Now the fun part, toss everything quickly so the noodles get evenly coated with those glossy sauces.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Final Touch & Serve
Sprinkle over some fresh spring onion greens.
Give one last toss, turn off the heat, and serve immediately while it’s hot and fragrant.
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Intermediate
Main Course
