Mushroom Chow Mein Recipe: A Flavorful Vegetarian Delight for Every Food Lover

If you’re looking to whip up a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that brings the taste of Asian street food to your kitchen, this Mushroom Chow Mein recipe is just what you need. Bursting with umami flavors, fresh vegetables, and perfectly stir-fried noodles, it’s the ultimate comfort food—vegan-friendly, easy to make, and ready in under 30 minutes!

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the ingredients, step-by-step preparation, tips for getting the perfect texture, and even some healthy customizations. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner looking to explore Asian cuisine, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

What is Chow Mein?

Chow Mein is a popular Chinese dish made with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and a savory sauce. The word "chow" means “stir-fried” and "mein" means “noodles” in Chinese. There are many variations, including meat-based versions like chicken chow mein, but our star today is Mushroom Chow Mein—a meatless marvel that doesn't compromise on taste.

Mushrooms bring an earthy, umami-rich depth to the dish, making them the perfect substitute for meat. Combined with crispy vegetables and flavorful sauces, they turn a simple plate of noodles into a gourmet experience.

Why You'll Love This Mushroom Chow Mein

Quick & Easy – Ready in 25 minutes or less!

Flavor-Packed – Loaded with soy, garlic, ginger, and sesame.

Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables or protein.

Vegan & Dairy-Free – Naturally plant-based and wholesome.

Better than Takeout – Fresher ingredients and healthier prep.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need for a classic, restaurant-style mushroom chow mein:

Noodles:

200g Chow Mein noodles (or any stir-fry noodles)

Water for boiling

Salt (a pinch)

Vegetables & Mushrooms:

200g button or shiitake mushrooms (sliced)

1 bell pepper (thinly sliced)

1 carrot (julienned)

1 small onion (sliced)

1 cup cabbage (shredded)

2 spring onions (chopped for garnish)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1-inch ginger (grated)

Sauce:

2 tbsp soy sauce (dark or light)

1 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for vegan version)

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tbsp chili sauce or sriracha (optional for heat)

1 tsp rice vinegar or lemon juice

1 tsp sugar

Oil:

2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil for stir-frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles

Start by boiling your noodles as per the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking. Set them aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, oyster/hoisin sauce, sesame oil, chili sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Stir well and keep it ready.

3. Stir-Fry the Veggies

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

Now add sliced onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, then add mushrooms and cabbage. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and veggies are slightly crisp.

4. Combine Everything

Add the cooked noodles to the wok and toss well with the veggies. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and stir-fry everything together for 2–3 minutes, ensuring the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients.

5. Garnish & Serve

Top with chopped spring onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve hot with chopsticks or a fork—it’s equally enjoyable either way!

Pro Tips for Perfect Chow Mein

Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires quick cooking over high heat. Make sure your wok is hot before adding anything.

Don’t Overcook Veggies: Keep them slightly crunchy for a great texture contrast.

Customize Your Mix: Feel free to add tofu, baby corn, broccoli, or snap peas.

Use Fresh Noodles if available—they give the best texture compared to dried ones.

Nutritional Benefits

Mushroom Chow Mein isn’t just tasty; it's also packed with nutrients:

Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants.

Bell peppers and carrots provide a healthy dose of vitamins A and C.

The dish is low in saturated fat and high in fiber, especially if you use whole grain or eggless noodles.

For an even healthier twist, use low-sodium soy sauce, skip the sugar, or use coconut aminos as a sauce base.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with:

A side of vegetable spring rolls

Hot and sour soup or miso soup

Jasmine rice or stir-fried tofu on the side

For drinks, green tea or a refreshing lime soda complements the flavors perfectly.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Meal Prep Friendly: You can prep the veggies and sauce in advance.

Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if it feels dry.

Final Thoughts

Mushroom Chow Mein is more than just a noodle dish—it's a celebration of textures, flavors, and wholesome ingredients. Whether you're looking to impress guests, make a weeknight dinner exciting, or indulge in your favorite takeout-style meal at home, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Try it once, and it will become your go-to comfort food.

Love Asian-Inspired Recipes?

Check out more of our popular dishes:

Vegetable Fried Rice

Thai Basil Tofu

Sweet and Sour Cauliflower

Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us! Let’s make cooking delicious and fun—one bowl at a time.