Vegan Chow Mein Fun

There’s just something comforting about a big bowl of noodles, right? Whether it’s a cold day, a long week, or you just want something warm and tasty, noodles always seem to be the answer. That’s where Vegan Chow Mein Fun comes in. It’s light, full of flavor, and comes together in no time. The noodles are soft but slightly chewy, the veggies bring the crunch, and the sauce? Oh, it’s savory, a little sweet, a little salty—basically, it makes your taste buds do a happy dance.

This dish is inspired by the classic chow mein you might get from your favorite takeout place. But this version is homemade, meat-free, and super easy. You don’t need anything fancy—just some thin rice noodles (the “fun” part in Chow Mein Fun), a mix of colorful veggies, and a few pantry staples for the sauce. It’s the kind of meal that looks fancy but is secretly simple. The best part? It’s totally plant-based, but even meat-eaters will want seconds.

The first time I made Vegan Chow Mein Fun, I honestly wasn’t sure how it would turn out. I had some leftover rice noodles from another dish and didn’t feel like going to the store. So I opened the fridge, grabbed whatever veggies I had—carrots, bell peppers, some old cabbage—and just went for it.

I threw it all in a big pan with garlic, soy sauce, and a little sesame oil. The smell that filled the kitchen was amazing. And when I took that first bite? I knew this one was going in the weekly rotation. It tasted like something from a good restaurant, but even better because I made it myself. Since then, I’ve made Vegan Chow Mein Fun for lunch, dinner, even packed it up cold for road trips. It’s that kind of dish—simple, flexible, and always satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, start to finish.
• Flavor-Packed – Savory sauce, fresh garlic, and a nice little kick if you want it spicy.
• Totally Vegan – No meat, no dairy, just real food that tastes amazing.
• Custom-Friendly – Use whatever veggies you’ve got. Add tofu if you like!
• Great for Leftovers – It tastes just as good the next day, hot or cold.

Health Benefits of Vegan Chow Mein Fun

Even though it tastes like comfort food, Vegan Chow Mein Fun actually brings some great health perks too:

• Loaded with Veggies – Bell peppers, cabbage, carrots—each one adds vitamins, fiber, and crunch.
• Low in Fat – No heavy oils or meat here. Just enough oil to get things cooking and tasty.
• Dairy-Free and Egg-Free – Perfect for folks with allergies or dietary needs.
• Rice Noodles are Gluten-Free – If you’re gluten-sensitive, just check the label to be sure.
• Balanced and Light – You get carbs for energy, fiber for fullness, and veggies for nutrition.

When to Make Vegan Chow Mein Fun

This noodle dish is super versatile, so you can make it for all sorts of times:

• Busy Weeknights – When you need dinner fast but still want it to taste good.
• Meatless Mondays – A fun and easy way to enjoy a plant-based meal.
• Lunch Prep – Make a big batch and pack it up for the week.
• Potlucks or Gatherings – It’s colorful, tasty, and everyone loves noodles.
• Movie Nights or Lazy Weekends – Curl up with a bowl and your favorite show.

Chef’s Notes – Vegan Chow Mein Fun

• Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking to ensure a smooth stir-frying process
• Ensure your wok or pan is very hot before adding ingredients to achieve the best texture and flavor
• If using fresh rice noodles, reduce the soaking time accordingly
• Keep stirring and tossing the ingredients continuously to ensure even cooking and prevent burning
• Pair the Vegan Chow Mein Fun with a side of Quick Garlic Yu Choy or a light soup to complete the meal
• Mix in some of our Simplified Traditional Sichuan Chili Oil for a spicy kick
• Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable or avocado oil for stir-frying to avoid burning

Delicious Vegan Mein Fun Noodles with Fresh Veggies

5.0 from 1 vote

Dive into the delightful world of Vegan Mei Fun! This easy-to-make, versatile Chinese rice noodle dish is perfect for any meal. Packed with fresh vegetables and bursting with flavor, it’s a healthy, affordable, and customizable recipe that will leave you craving more. Inspired by home-style cooking, this dish is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a quick and delicious vegan meal.

Course: Main CourseCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy

Print

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

Total time

40

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• Rice Noodles

• 7 ounces thin rice vermicelli noodles (dried)

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

• 1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce

• Vegetables

• 2 slices fresh ginger (julienned)

• 4-5 small shallots (thinly sliced)

• 1 medium carrot (julienned)

• 5 ounces cabbage (shredded)

• 3 scallions (cut into 2-inch pieces)

• Seasoning

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce

• 1/2 te (optional) sesame oil

• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

• Salt

• 2 tablespoons water (optional)

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Rice Noodles: Substitute with any thin rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.

• Vegetable Oil: Use olive oil or avocado oil.

• Dark Soy Sauce: Replace with tamari for a gluten-free option.

• Ginger: Ground ginger can be used in a pinch.

• Shallots: Substitute with red onions.

• Carrot: Use bell peppers or zucchini.

• Cabbage: Replace with bok choy or spinach.

• Scallions: Use chives or leeks.

Directions

• Soak the dried rice noodles according to the package instructions until they are soft but not mushy. Drain well and toss with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and 1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce to prevent sticking. Set aside.
• While the noodles soak, julienne the ginger and carrot, thinly slice the shallots, shred the cabbage, and cut the scallions into 2-inch pieces. Have all ingredients ready before you start cooking.
• Heat a wok over high heat and add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the julienned ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the thinly sliced shallots to the wok and stir-fry for another 10 seconds. Then add the shredded cabbage and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until the vegetables start to soften.
• Season the vegetables with 1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
• Add the prepared rice noodles and scallions to the wok. Reduce the heat to medium and stir-fry everything together for about 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and well mixed with the vegetables.
• If you prefer softer noodles, add 2 tablespoons of water to the wok, cover it with a lid, and cook on low heat for an additional minute before serving.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• wok
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Potassium: 300mg
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Vitamin A: 120IU
• Vitamin C: 60mg
• Calcium: 8mg
• Iron: 10mg

• 

  Sichuan Chili Oil

  Cooks in 135 minutesDifficulty: Easy

  Dive into the heart of Sichuan cuisine with this authentic Sichuan Chili Oil recipe! Perfect for enhancing your favorite dishes, this chili oil brings the vibrant heat and aroma that’s essential in many Chinese dishes. Whether you’re drizzling it over Mapo Tofu or spicing up a simple stir-fry, this homemade chili oil is a game-changer for any spicy food aficionado.

  4 votes 5.0 Cuisine: Chinese
• 

  Quick Garlic Yu Choy

  Cooks in 10 minutesDifficulty: Easy

  Dive into the delightful flavors of Quick Garlic Yu Choy! This garlicky vegetable side dish is perfect for any meal and comes together in just 10 minutes. It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy your greens. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a versatile side for your favorite dishes. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!

  1 vote 5.0 Cuisine: Chinese

FAQs – Vegan Chow Mein Fun