20-Minute Delicious Chow Mein Dish

This 20-Minute Delicious Chow Mein Dish is your go-to for a quick and satisfying meal! Packed with flavor and ready in no time, it’s perfect for busy nights.

Close Up View of Delicious Chow Mein in a Bowl

I have days where I intensely miss California, especially the chow mein. Usually, it means I’m missing my family, but other times I crave the food. What I wouldn’t give for an In N Out burger or a 007 sushi roll from Miyako! I really miss authentic fish tacos and spicy Asian food. But necessity is the mother of invention, so I have come up with a few recipes that taste enough like my favorite restaurants back home that I can quiet my palate a bit longer.

A Loaded Vegetable Chow Mein Recipe

Whenever I crave going to my favorite Chinese take-out restaurant, I make this loaded vegetable chow mein. It’s surprisingly easy to make and fairly healthy. Sometimes I use it as a side dish, but it is hearty enough to be a great vegetarian dinner option.

Step 1: Prepare the Wok

Start with a deep wok and some sesame oil. Pour in about 1 tablespoon.

Sesame Seed Oil for Chow Mein

Throw in a medium-sized onion that is cut into slivers. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes or until softened.

Cooking White Onion Slivers in a Wok with Wooden Spoons

Step 2: Vegetable Prep

Now add some broccoli. Trim the heads down into bite-sized pieces. I usually add about 1 1/2 cups, or whatever a medium-sized broccoli head yields. Stir regularly and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Cooking Raw Onion and Broccoli Together in a Wok

Add a cup of shredded carrots. Save yourself a lot of prep time and just buy the bag that is already shredded for you. Mix it again and cook for a minute or two.

Adding Carrot Slices to Vegetables for Chow Mein Recipe

Dice 3 green onions. Put in 2 of the green onions and save the rest to top the dish at the end. Stir and cook another minute. You may need to drizzle in another tablespoon of sesame oil if you notice your vegetables charring.

Adding Green Onions to Chow Mein Vegetables

Now for another difficult step…just kidding…open up a bag of pre-shredded cole slaw. You can also chop up a head of napa cabbage if your grocery store doesn’t have the pre-made bags.

Bag of Pre Shredded Cole Slaw

Step 3: Season the Veggies

Pour in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of lower sodium soy sauce. Mix it up as you watch the cabbage wilt, probably a minute or two.

Adding Soy Sauce to Cabbage for Chow Mein

Now add a tablespoon of Hoisin sauce. This can be found in the international section of the market or online.

Adding Hoison Sauce to Chow Mein Vegetables in a Black Wok

It is very salty, so start with 1 tablespoon and taste as you mix. If you want more of a punch, add some more.

Mixing in the Hoison Sauce to the Chow Mein in a Black Wok

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

These stir-fry noodles are my best friend. I can rip open the bag and add as much as I want. If your market doesn’t have this brand, you can use rice noodles or udon noodles as well. The only issue is that you may have to cook the noodles to package instructions ahead of time.

Adding Stir Fry Noodles to Chow Mein Vegetables

Step 5: Spice It Up

Here’s where it gets spicy! Sriracha sauce is absolutely necessary in this dish! Even if you are not a spice fan, just add a dab for flavor. Me? I pour that stuff on! You’ll find it right next to the stir-fry noodles and Hoisin sauce. But for the kids, I add a tablespoon and then add more to my personal plate after I serve them.

Adding Sriracha Sauce to Chow Mein Recipe in a Black Wok

Step 6: Serve

When it is all served up, I top the dish with a few more green onions. I guarantee you will love this! If you have a holiday gathering, church function, or office party coming up, consider taking this. You will save a lot of time and really spice up the snack table.

Close Up View of Delicious Chow Mein in a Bowl

I still get cravings for my hometown chow mein noodles, but these suffice until I can make a trip home to SoCal. Most of the time, I serve the chow mein as a hearty vegetarian main course, but it’s a great accompaniment to my 5 Ingredient Crockpot Orange Chicken or Ginger Chicken Stir-fry with Asparagus.

Loaded Vegetable Chow Mein Pin

Final Thoughts

I pack my recipe full of veggies and spice it up or down depending on whom I’m serving. It also makes for great leftovers! For more easy dinner ideas, visit my Blog or follow me on Pinterest! Happy cooking y’all!

Heidi Davison

Head Baker & Owner

Hi, I'm Heidi, Head Baker and Owner of Heidi's Bakery in Knoxville, TN.

What began as a blog to share family recipes has become a thriving bakery, thanks to community support.
Many recipes here are from my family’s cookbook. Give them a try and leave a comment below!

Heidi Davison the Owner of Heidis Bakery

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