Quick Vegetable Chow Mein Noodles Recipe – Schezwan Style

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Quick Vegetable Chow Mein Noodles Recipe – Schezwan Style

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a quick, satisfying meal that hits all the right spots. This Vegetable Chow Mein is exactly that – a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. I first made this when I was craving something comforting and a little bit spicy, and it’s been a family favorite ever since! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a quick lunch, or even a casual get-together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Schezwan-style chow mein is seriously addictive. It’s packed with crunchy veggies, tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce, and those noodles… oh, those noodles! It’s a fantastic way to get a good serving of vegetables, and it’s easily customizable to your liking. Plus, it’s a breeze to make, even if you’re not a seasoned chef.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious chow mein:

• 200g noodles (chow mein noodles)
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 medium-sized onion, sliced
• 1 large red or green bell pepper, cut into ½-inch strips
• ½ cup cabbage, sliced
• 1 medium-sized carrot, cut into strips
• 4 tablespoons spring onion greens
• 1 teaspoon soya sauce
• 1 ¼ teaspoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon schezwan sauce
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference:

• Chow Mein Noodles: These are the classic choice, but you can experiment! Look for noodles specifically labeled “chow mein” – they have a great chew.
• Schezwan Sauce: This is where the magic happens! Schezwan sauce varies a lot in spice level depending on the brand. Some are mild, others are fiery. I like to start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. You can find good quality Schezwan sauce at most Indian grocery stores or online.
• Soya Sauce: I prefer using a dark soya sauce for a richer color and flavor, but regular light soya sauce works just fine. Kikkoman is a reliable brand, but feel free to use your favorite.
• Oil: For stir-frying, a neutral oil with a high smoke point is best. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all great choices. I personally like using peanut oil for that extra bit of flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil in a pan with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Add the 200g of chow mein noodles and cook until they’re tender, usually about 5-7 minutes.
2. Once cooked, drain the noodles immediately and drizzle with 1 teaspoon of oil. Toss to prevent sticking and set aside. This is a key step – nobody likes sticky noodles!
3. Now, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan or wok over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of crushed ginger-garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced onion, carrots, bell pepper, and cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crunchy. We want a bit of bite!
5. Pour in 1 teaspoon of soya sauce, 1 ¼ teaspoons of white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of Schezwan sauce. Stir well to coat all the vegetables evenly.
6. Add the boiled noodles, 4 tablespoons of spring onion greens, ground black pepper, and salt to taste. Toss everything together until everything is well combined and heated through.
7. Finally, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and serve hot!

Expert Tips

• High Heat is Key: Stir-frying is all about speed and high heat. This helps the vegetables stay crisp and prevents them from getting soggy.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Slightly undercooked noodles are better than overcooked ones. They’ll continue to cook a bit in the sauce.
• Prep Everything First: Before you start cooking, have all your ingredients chopped and measured out. Stir-frying moves quickly, so you won’t have time to stop and prep mid-way.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already pretty close to vegan! Just double-check that your Schezwan sauce doesn’t contain any fish sauce or other animal products.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you like it extra spicy, add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. My friend, Priya, always adds a little extra chili garlic sauce!
• Protein Additions: Feel free to add some protein! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or paneer (Indian cheese) would all be delicious additions. My family loves adding some leftover roast chicken.
• Festival Adaptations – Chinese New Year: This dish is often served during Chinese New Year celebrations. You can add symbolic ingredients like mandarin oranges for good luck!

Serving Suggestions

This chow mein is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with other dishes. I love serving it with a side of crispy spring rolls or a refreshing cucumber salad. A simple mango lassi would also be a perfect accompaniment.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave. The noodles may soften a bit upon reheating, but it will still be tasty!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Can I use different types of noodles for this chow mein? Absolutely! You can use ramen noodles, spaghetti, or even udon noodles. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• How can I adjust the spice level of the Schezwan sauce? Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. You can also mix it with a little bit of tomato ketchup to mellow out the spice.
• What is the best way to prevent the noodles from sticking together? Drizzling them with oil after draining is the key! You can also add a tiny splash of oil to the storage container.
• Can I prepare the vegetables ahead of time? Yes, you can chop the vegetables a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free soya sauce and ensure your noodles are also gluten-free. Rice noodles are a great gluten-free option.