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Vegan Cast-Iron Smoky Chow Mein

This vegan chow mein is cooked entirely in a cast-iron skillet, which imparts a deep, smoky char and caramelized edges to the noodles and vegetables. The dish features crispy tofu, crunchy vegetables, and glossy, flavorful noodles, all brought together with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil for a rich, restaurant-quality finish. Its final appearance is vibrant, slightly charred, and inviting, with a perfect balance of texture and smoky aroma.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz wheat noodles fresh or dried
  • 14 oz firm tofu pressed and cut into small cubes
  • 1 red bell pepper bell peppers thinly sliced
  • 2 carrots carrots julienned
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger minced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce low sodium if preferred
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil toasted
  • 2 green onions green onions chopped, for garnish
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil for stir-frying

Equipment

  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Bowl or plate

Method
 

  1. Start by preparing your ingredients: press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into small cubes. Thinly slice the bell peppers and julienne the carrots. Mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the green onions for later.
  2. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat the cast-iron skillet over high heat until shimmering hot, then add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Carefully place the tofu cubes in the pan in a single layer and let cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy on one side. Flip and cook the other sides for another 2 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  4. Add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sizzle for about 20 seconds until fragrant, with a spicy, aromatic aroma filling the air.
  5. Quickly add the sliced bell peppers and julienned carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are vibrant and slightly tender but still crisp, with a gentle crackle and a colorful sheen.
  6. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, then add the cooked noodles directly to the empty side. Pour the soy sauce over the noodles and toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are coated evenly and start to develop a slight smoky aroma.
  7. Return the crispy tofu to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the top and toss again, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through for another minute.
  8. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, sharp contrast. Serve immediately straight from the skillet, enjoying the smoky, crispy, and flavorful noodles with vibrant vegetables.