Easy Vegetable Chow Mein with Tempeh
Quick stir-fried chow mein combining crumbled tempeh, coleslaw mix, mung bean sprouts, and green onions tossed with chow mein noodles in a savory soy-based sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, this vegetarian-friendly dish delivers satisfying texture contrast and umami depth from sesame oil and hoisin.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons light agave nectar
- ½ teaspoon white or black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 8-ounce package tempeh, crumbled into bite-size piecesfirm tofu1:1veganprotein
similar texture and absorbs sauce well
- 1 8-ounce bag coleslaw mix
- 1 ½ cups mung bean sprouts
- 5 green onions, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces chow mein noodles, prepared according to package instructions
- ½ cup prepared stir-fry sauce
- cilantro, for garnish(optional)
- sesame seeds, for garnish(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- 2
Once hot, add pressed garlic and cook for 15 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Add crumbled tempeh and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- 4
Add coleslaw mix to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly wilted.
- 5
Add bean sprouts, green onions, prepared noodles, and stir-fry sauce.
- 6
Toss together and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until cabbage is fully wilted and sauce thickens.
- 7
Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Tips
Prepare all ingredients before cooking to manage the quick cooking time.
Use tamari and gluten-free hoisin and noodles for a fully gluten-free version.
Do not overcrowd the skillet when browning tempeh to ensure even, crispy edges.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Prepare and slice vegetables up to 1 day ahead. Cook tempeh up to 2 days in advance. Cook noodles fresh just before assembly.
Top with cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while warm and sauce is thickened.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip the 15-second garlic bloom to avoid raw garlic flavor.
Do not exceed 3-4 minutes final cooking time to avoid overly soft cabbage.
Do not skip tempeh browning to avoid bland texture.