Laura Smith
Mushroom chow mein is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly Chinese dish that is packed with umami flavour. It is a quick and easy meal to make, perfect for mushroom lovers. The dish is made with egg noodles, mushrooms, and a soy-based stir-fry sauce. It is a versatile dish, and you can use a variety of mushrooms and noodles to create your preferred combination. It is a healthy option, packed with B vitamins and vegetables, and can be served on its own or with a protein source.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Main course |
| Cuisine | Chinese |
| Diet | Vegetarian, Vegan |
| Ingredients | Mushrooms, Egg noodles, Spring onions, Garlic, Onion, Soy sauce, Cornflour, Chinese rice wine, Vegetable stock, Sesame oil, White pepper, Oyster sauce, Hoisin sauce, Vegetable oil |
| Variants | Can be made with chicken, beef, duck, or prawns |
| Time to Cook | 15-20 minutes |
| Recipe Servings | 2 |
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What You'll Learn
Noodles: wheat-based, often with egg, but not always
Noodles are a fundamental component of chow mein, and typically, these noodles are wheat-based and may include egg as a key ingredient. While wheat serves as the primary base, providing structure and body to the noodles, the addition of egg is optional but common. These wheat noodles are a staple in Chinese cuisine and form the backbone of many dishes, including mushroom chow mein.
The wheat-based noodles are created from a dough made with wheat flour, water, and sometimes egg, which is then rolled out and cut into the desired shape and thickness. This dough can be made with varying ratios of wheat flour to egg, which results in different textures and tastes, allowing for customization to suit personal preferences or specific recipes.
The inclusion of egg in the noodle dough adds richness, flavor, and a certain depth to the noodles. It also affects the texture, often making the noodles chewier and more resilient. Egg noodles are typically associated with a softer, smoother mouthfeel, and their color tends to be more yellow due to the egg yolks.
However, it is important to note that not all wheat noodles contain egg. There are variations that are entirely egg-free, catering to those with allergies or dietary restrictions, as well as personal preferences. These egg-free wheat noodles still provide the same foundational element to the dish, offering a slightly different, yet still satisfying, texture and taste experience.
The versatility of wheat-based noodles, whether they include egg or not, lies in their ability to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients they are cooked with, making them a perfect match for the savory goodness of mushroom chow mein. This adaptability is a key reason why wheat noodles are such a popular choice for this dish and many others in Chinese cuisine.
Whether you opt for egg-enriched wheat noodles or their egg-free counterparts, the noodles in mushroom chow mein provide a hearty and satisfying base to carry the umami flavors of the mushrooms and the savory sauce that brings the entire dish together.
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Mushrooms: chestnut, oyster, portobello, shiitake, etc
Mushroom chow mein is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly dish that can be made with a variety of mushrooms, including chestnut, oyster, portobello, shiitake, and more. It is a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in 15 to 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The recipe typically includes egg noodles, although vegan alternatives such as udon noodles can also be used.
For this recipe, it is recommended to use 400 grams of fresh, boiled, or pre-cooked egg noodles and 250 grams of mushrooms. You can use a single variety or a mix of mushrooms, depending on your preference. Cut the mushrooms into half-inch slices and set them aside. Heat a large wok or pan to medium-high heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of oil. Add the mushroom slices and sauté for 2-3 minutes, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and add garlic and onions.
Once the mushrooms are browned and the water has evaporated, add the noodles and sauce. Bring the heat up to high and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce is dried. You can also add spring onions and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes for an extra flavour boost.
The sauce for mushroom chow mein typically includes oyster sauce, soy sauce, rice wine or vinegar, and some form of sweetener. However, to make the dish vegan or vegetarian, oyster sauce can be swapped out for hoisin sauce, and vegetarian stir-fry sauce or mushroom sauce can be used instead.
Mushroom chow mein is a versatile and tasty dish that can be customised to your liking. It is a great option for those who want a quick, healthy, and plant-based meal.
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Sauce: soy, oyster, hoisin, rice wine, sesame oil
A staple of Chinese cuisine, chow mein is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various dietary requirements. The sauce is a key component of chow mein, and while there are many variations, a combination of soy, oyster, hoisin, rice wine, and sesame oil creates a savoury, umami flavour profile that is distinct to this classic dish.
Soy sauce is a staple condiment in Chinese cooking, known for its salty, savoury flavour. Dark soy sauce is often preferred for chow mein as it has a richer, slightly sweeter taste than light soy sauce. Oyster sauce is another classic ingredient in Chinese cooking, adding a savoury, umami flavour to the dish. For vegetarians and vegans, oyster sauce can be replaced with vegetarian stir-fry sauce, mushroom sauce, or hoisin sauce, which has a similar savoury taste. Hoisin sauce is made from soybeans and spices, contributing a sweet and salty flavour to the dish.
Rice wine, also known as mirin, is a sweet and savoury condiment that adds depth of flavour to the chow mein sauce. It is important not to confuse rice wine with rice wine vinegar, as the latter will impart a very different flavour profile. Sesame oil is another essential ingredient in chow mein sauce, adding a distinctive nutty, earthy flavour. Traditionally, sesame oil is used in combination with other cooking oils, as its strong flavour can be overwhelming if used alone.
The combination of these sauces and condiments creates a savoury, slightly sweet, and nutty sauce that is integral to the flavour of mushroom chow mein. This sauce can be prepared in advance and set aside while the noodles and vegetables are cooked, allowing the flavours to meld together.
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Stir-fry: sear mushrooms, add garlic, onions, then noodles and sauce
Mushroom chow mein is a quick, easy, and tasty vegetarian option that is packed with veggies and umami flavour. It is a Chinese dish that typically uses egg noodles, although other types of noodles can be used, and a variety of mushrooms.
To make mushroom chow mein, start by preparing the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients until well combined. Then, set the sauce aside.
Next, cook the noodles according to the packet instructions. Fresh egg noodles are ideal, but dried egg noodles, wheat noodles, udon, wholewheat noodles, pasta, or other types of noodles can also be used. After boiling the noodles, rinse them with cold water to prevent them from sticking together, and toss with vegetable oil.
Now, it's time to stir-fry. Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté for a few minutes until they are browned and the water has evaporated. Then, add the garlic and onions. You can also add other aromatics like ginger or thyme at this stage. Once the mushrooms are nicely seared, add the noodles and pour the sauce over them. Increase the heat to high and stir-fry for another minute or two until the sauce is dried.
Your mushroom chow mein is now ready to be served! It can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a drizzle of oil.
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Vegetarian/vegan: substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce
Mushroom chow mein is a delicious, savoury, and healthy vegetarian and vegan-friendly dish. It is a quick and easy meal packed with B vitamins and veggies. The recipe usually involves stir-frying mushrooms, onions, and garlic, and combining them with noodles and a soy-based sauce.
To make this recipe vegetarian and vegan, it is necessary to substitute oyster sauce, a common ingredient in chow mein sauce, with a vegetarian-friendly alternative. One option is to use hoisin sauce, which can be combined with dark soy sauce and rice wine to create a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavours. Rice wine is typically found in most supermarkets in the world foods aisle and is sometimes labelled as Mirin. It is important not to confuse rice wine with rice wine vinegar.
When preparing the dish, it is recommended to start by making the sauce and cooking the noodles according to the packet instructions. The noodles should then be rinsed in cold water to prevent them from sticking together. For the mushrooms, various types can be used, including shiitake, oyster, chestnut, portobello, and white button mushrooms. It is preferable to cut the mushrooms into half-inch slices before stir-frying them with seasoning.
Once the mushrooms are browned and the water has evaporated, the onions, garlic, and noodles can be added, along with the prepared sauce. The dish should be stir-fried for another 1-2 minutes or until the sauce is dried. It is best served immediately, and any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days.
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