VEG NOODLES | HOW TO MAKE VEGETABLE HAKKA NOODLES

In this post, you will learn how to make the best, perfect, and easy restaurant-style veg noodles or vegetable hakka noodles in less than 20 minutes.

You don't need any fancy sauces or spices, and kids will love it and come for second, third servings. This recipe is also perfect for bachelors, beginners or those staying abroad and miss desi street-style veg hakka noodles.

Veg Noodles | How to make Noodles | Hakka Noodles| Vegetarian Chow Mein | Lo Mein | Stir fry Noodles | Making of Restaurant-style Noodles | Chinese Noodles | Indian Noodles Recipe | Indo-Chinese Noodles | Street-style Noodles

What is the difference between noodles, chow mein, and lo mein?

Noodle is a type of food made from dough, whereas chow mein and lo mein are dishes prepared using noodles. In short, all chow mein and lo mein are noodles but not vice versa 🙂

Mein means noodles, so chow mein and lo mein are noodles but cooked differently.

Chow mein or Chao mian means stir-fried noodles. In chow mein, the noodles are first parboiled in boiling water and then stir-fried on high flame with vegetables or sometimes with meat like pork, beef, shrimp, chicken, etc., which completes the final cooking of the noodles. Chow mein is a dry version of noodles, and this version is served in all restaurants in India.

Lo mein or lao mian means mixed or tossed noodles. Here in lo mein, noodles are cooked completely and added with vegetables or meat, sauces, and tossed until combined. Lo mein is a saucy version of noodles.

This recipe is for those who want to make noodles similar to those served in any Indian or Indo-Chinese restaurant. Let me tell you, these are the best noodles you are going to make at home, and it can't be simpler than the recipe given below.

How to make the best traditional restaurant-style vegetable hakka noodles or vegetarian chow mein at home?

• Choice of noodles - Use hakka noodles for the best results. Hakka noodles are readily available in all Indian stores. But if you are not able to find then angel hair pasta or spaghetti can be used as a substitute.
• Cook the noodles until al dente. That is, they should be firm when bitten. Learn how to do it right below.
• The entire cooking process should be done on high flame. This gives that unique smoky flavor to the noodles and avoids them from turning mushy.

• Chop the vegetables into thin slices. My cutting skills are not excellent, but I have done the best possible to chop them into juliennes or thin slices. Cutting vegetables into thin slices helps them to cook faster and at the same time remain crispy. If you are a beginner, don't worry about getting the perfect cut. As you spend more time in the kitchen, you will master these skills.
• Add a little bit of extra oil to get that taste but do not add too much of sauces as your noodles may become soggy. I added a splash of soy sauce and a little bit of vinegar. Any other sauce will only complicate the flavor profile of the dish. But if you want to make the dish spicy, add sliced green chili or a teaspoon of chili oil, or some pepper powder.
• Since making noodles takes less than 10 minutes, I encourage you to keep all ingredients ready—veggies, sauce, wok, and ladle.
• Use best quality soy sauce and vinegar in the recipe. Adjust the salt depending on the saltiness of soy sauce.

How to make vegetable stir fry noodles healthy?

Reduce the amount of oil, and add more veggies and less noodles. But keep in mind not all vegetables taste good with noodles. Some vegetables that are commonly used while preparing noodles include - onion, bell pepper or capsicum (red, green, yellow, or orange), green beans, carrot, cabbage, mushroom, broccoli, celery, spring onions (green onions or scallions), bok choy, corn, baby corn, zucchini, green peas, red cabbage, etc. Add protein like tofu or egg if needed.

Ingredients for Veg Noodles | Vegetable Hakka Noodles | Vegetarian Chow Mein

200 g Noodles (Hakka Noodles is the best for the recipe. Check tips)
2 tbsp  + 1 tablespoon Oil
1 tablespoon Garlic, finely chopped
1 Onion, finely chopped lengthwise
2 tablespoon Spring onion, chopped
5 Mushrooms, chopped lengthwise
1 Carrot, chopped into juliennes
10 Green beans, chopped into juliennes
1 cup Cabbage, chopped into juliennes
1 Capsicum or Green Bell pepper, chopped into juliennes
2 tablespoon Soy Sauce
1 teaspoon Vinegar
Salt, to taste

Making of Restaurant-Style Veg Noodles or Vegetable Hakka Noodles or Vegetarian Chow Mein

How to cook noodles?

Cooking noodles is a very important step. Cook noodles only till al dente to get the perfect texture for your noodles. In a pot, add water and bring it to a boil. Now add salt and noodles and cook just until the noodles are firm when bitten.

Drain the cooked noodles and rinse under cold running water. Running under cold water stops further cooking of the noodles, removes excess starch, and makes it non-sticky. Once you have drained the water completely, drizzle oil and toss. Keep it aside until you are ready to use it.

Check video on making of vegetable noodles

Stir-Frying Noodles

In a pan or wok on high heat, add oil. Once hot, add garlic cloves and saute for few seconds. Add onions, spring onions, and saute for 30 seconds more.

Now add the mushrooms, carrots, beans, and saute for another 30 seconds.

Finally, add cabbage, capsicum, and saute everything together for 1 minute. You have to remember that the vegetables should be cooked but remain crunchy.

Add soy sauce, vinegar, salt to taste and combine.

Finally, add the cooked noodles. Toss everything together on a high flame and switch off the flame. Vegetable Hakka Noodles is ready. Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• Can't find hakka noodles? Use ramen, egg noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti, angel hair pasta, etc. It all works.
• Want that extra kick or heat? Add green chili, chili oil, chili sauce, or red pepper flakes.
• Once again, please do this on high flame so that veggies are cooked but crispy.
• I have used regular soy sauce and vinegar. If you are using dark soy sauce or any other flavored vinegar, then adjust their amounts accordingly.

To make these noodles a complete meal, here are some accompaniments:

• HONEY CHILLI POTATOES
• SOYA MANCHURIAN 
• GOBI CHILLI

Video recipe on How to make vegetable hakka noodles or vegetarian restaurant-style noodles

Detailed recipe for veg noodles, vegetarian hakka noodles, chow mein, stir fry vegetable noodles

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