Name: Mushroom Chow Mein Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 200 g (7 oz) dried chow mein noodles; 400 g (14 oz) chestnut (cremini) mushrooms, sliced; 1 onion, peeled and sliced; 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced; 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced into matchsticks; 1 red (bell) pepper, deseeded and sliced; 1/2 savoy cabbage, thinly sliced; 200 g (7 oz) beansprouts (mung bean sprouts); 10 spring onions (scallions), cut into 5cm (2in) lengths; 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch); 2 tbsp dark soy sauce; 1 tbsp Chinese rice wine; 2 tbsp kecap manis (sweet soy sauce); 2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 90 ml (1/3 cup) vegetable stock; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1/4 tsp white pepper; 3 tbsp oil (for stir-frying); 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; spring onions (scallions), for topping; sesame seeds, for topping; chilli (red pepper) flakes, for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 61 reviews

If you are craving a vibrant, comforting dish that bursts with layers of flavor and delightful textures, then this Mushroom Chow Mein Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining perfectly chewy chow mein noodles with tender chestnut mushrooms and a colorful medley of fresh veggies, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering Asian-inspired meal that’s both nourishing and incredibly satisfying. The harmonious blend of savory sauces, fragrant spices, and crunchy vegetables makes this dish an absolute winner, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with home-cooked flavor.

Ingredients You'll Need

A top view of fresh cooking ingredients arranged on a wooden board with a white marbled background. In the center-left is a white bowl filled with light green chopped cabbage. To its top right, a white bowl holds long, pale bean sprouts. To the right of this, a white bowl is full of sliced brown mushrooms. Below the mushrooms are yellow dried noodles grouped in three portions, placed in a white bowl. A bright orange carrot lies horizontally near the center. To the bottom, a bunch of green spring onions is neatly aligned. Above the carrot is a whole red pepper, and to the left are two small containers, one filled with salt and the other with black pepper. A whole yellow onion sits near the top left next to a small glass bottle of light yellow cooking oil. The colors are natural with textures like crisp cabbage leaves, smooth spring onions, and rough mushroom surfaces all visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this Mushroom Chow Mein Recipe manages to pack in an explosion of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a crucial role: from the chewy noodles that soak up the savory sauce to the fresh vegetables that provide crunch and brightness.

200 g dried chow mein noodles: These noodles have the perfect springy texture that pairs wonderfully with the sauce and veggies.

3 tablespoon oil: Essential for stir-frying ingredients while keeping them crisp and glossy.
400 g chestnut (cremini) mushrooms (sliced): These give the dish a hearty, earthy flavor and meaty consistency.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.

½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth.
1 onion (sliced): Brings sweetness and a lovely caramelized edge when stir-fried.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with an aromatic kick.

1 large carrot (matchstick sliced): Offers a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
1 red bell pepper (sliced): Adds juicy sweetness and a pop of red.
½ savoy cabbage (thinly sliced): Gives a tender yet crisp texture that complements the softer noodles.

200 g beansprouts: Introduce freshness and a delightful snap.
10 spring onions (cut into 5cm lengths): Brighten the dish and add mild onion flavor throughout.
1 tablespoon cornflour: Key to thickening the flavorful sauce perfectly.
2 tablespoon dark soy sauce: Deep umami notes that are essential to authentic chow mein flavor.

1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine: Adds complexity and balances the sauce’s sweetness.
2 tablespoon kecap manis (sweet soy sauce): Brings a luscious caramel sweetness that enriches the sauce beautifully.
2 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Puts a savory, slightly tangy finish on the sauce blend.

90 ml vegetable stock: Helps meld all the sauce ingredients together with a bit of depth.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses the dish with that unmistakable nutty aroma and authentic flair.
¼ teaspoon white pepper: Gentle heat that complements the black pepper and spices.

Spring onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes (for garnish): These final touches elevate the dish with flavor, texture, and a hint of heat.

How to Make Mushroom Chow Mein Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by whisking together the cornflour, dark soy sauce, and Chinese rice wine in a small bowl until the cornflour completely dissolves. Then, stir in the kecap manis, hoisin sauce, vegetable stock, sesame oil, and white pepper. This rich, balanced sauce is the heart of the dish, tying together all the vibrant flavors in each mouthful. Set it aside as you prep the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil the chow mein noodles according to the packet instructions until they are tender but still have a little bite to them. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to prevent them from sticking together. This step ensures your noodles stay separate and springy when tossed in the wok later.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms soften and release their earthy juices. This step not only cooks the mushrooms to tender perfection but also builds a flavorful base for the rest of your chow mein.

Step 4: Add Aromatics and Crunchy Veggies

Next, toss in the sliced onion, minced garlic, and carrot matchsticks. Stir-fry for another 3 minutes, keeping the ingredients moving to prevent burning and to encourage caramelization. Then, add the red bell pepper, shredded cabbage, beansprouts, and spring onion pieces. Stir-fry for a further 2 minutes to soften the cabbage slightly while maintaining its crispness.

Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked noodles to the wok, then pour the prepared sauce over the top. Using tongs or a spatula, toss everything continuously for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated and heated through. This step lets the noodles soak up all those delicious flavors, creating a perfect harmony in every bite.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the noodles are piping hot and the sauce has thickened beautifully, transfer the chow mein to serving plates. Garnish generously with extra spring onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch, and red chili flakes for a subtle spicy kick. These garnishes provide contrasting textures and visual appeal that make the dish irresistible.

How to Serve Mushroom Chow Mein Recipe

A white bowl filled with stir-fried noodles as the base layer, showing a light brown color and thin texture, mixed with green spring onion slices and light yellow shredded cabbage spread throughout. On top rest several thin, soft slices of brown mushrooms. Some red chili flakes are scattered, adding red specks. A pair of wooden chopsticks held by a woman's hand lifts a bundle of noodles, with a mushroom slice caught among the noodles at the top, highlighted against a dark background and a white marbled surface below the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh spring onions sliced thinly across the top lend a mild onion flavor that complements the savory mushrooms perfectly. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, while chili flakes give that slight heat contrast, making each bite lively and exciting.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar to balance the meal. If you want to explore further, pair this delightful chow mein with some crispy spring rolls or a fragrant miso soup for a complete Asian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Mushroom Chow Mein Recipe in individual bowls for a cozy, casual meal or family-style on a large platter for a vibrant communal dining experience. You can even stuff it into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on twist that makes every bite fresh and refreshing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The chow mein will keep well for up to 3 days without losing its texture or flavor, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners.

Freezing

While chow mein is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Be mindful that the texture of some vegetables, like cabbage and beansprouts, might change slightly upon thawing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your Mushroom Chow Mein Recipe in a wok or skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable stock to bring back moisture. Stir frequently until heated through to preserve that fantastic combination of tender noodles and crisp veggies.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of dried?

Absolutely! This recipe calls for fresh chestnut or cremini mushrooms, which provide the hearty texture and earthy flavor essential to the chow mein. The dried noodles referenced are separate and should be cooked fresh before stir-frying.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this Mushroom Chow Mein Recipe is naturally vegan, using plant-based oils and sauces. Just double-check your hoisin sauce brand to ensure it contains no animal products.

Can I substitute the noodles?

If you can’t find chow mein noodles, thin egg noodles or even spaghetti can work in a pinch. Just be sure to cook and rinse them as instructed to maintain the right texture.

How spicy is this dish?

The base recipe is mild, with heat coming only from optional chili flakes for garnish. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more flakes or a dash of chili oil when cooking.

What can I add to make it more filling?

To bulk up this chow mein, toss in tofu cubes, tempeh, or even cooked shredded chicken or shrimp. These proteins will soak up the sauce beautifully and add extra substance to the dish.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like diving into a bowl of homemade Mushroom Chow Mein Recipe that balances fresh vegetables, tender mushrooms, and savory noodles cooked in a rich sauce bursting with flavor. It's a recipe that brings comfort and excitement to the table with every bite. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or looking for a delicious, quick meal that feels special, give this recipe a try—it might just become your new favorite go-to!

Mushroom Chow Mein Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need