Chicken Mee Goreng
Global • non_veg
How to Make Vegetarian Mee Goreng (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Vegetarian Mee Goreng is a beloved street food classic with origins in Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine, but it has found popularity across India’s bustling urban centers, especially in cosmopolitan cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru. Traditionally, Mee Goreng is a stir-fried noodle dish bursting with spicy, tangy, and umami flavors, often enjoyed as a quick snack or light meal. The Indian adaptation emphasizes plant-based ingredients, making it a perfectly balanced vegetarian option suitable for health-conscious eaters. This vegetarian version of Mee Goreng replaces chicken with protein-rich paneer and a medley of fresh vegetables, making it lighter and more nutritious while retaining the characteristic flavors. The noodles are tossed in a savory-sweet sauce with Indian spices and soy sauce, resulting in a vibrant dish that is both familiar and exciting for the Indian palate. It’s a great choice for busy weekdays, festive gatherings, or as a flavorful snack to fuel your day, offering a delightful fusion that celebrates global influences with an unmistakable Indian touch.
Ingredients(for 1 bowl (about 250g) of noodles with vegetables and paneer)
- 150g Whole wheat noodles (or soba noodles for extra fiber)
- 100g Paneer (cubed, low-fat preferred)
- 1/2 cup Cabbage (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Carrot (julienned)
- 1/2 cup Green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 small Tomato (chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 teaspoons Tomato ketchup (no added sugar preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Red chili paste (adjust to taste) - optional
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Oil (cold-pressed or olive oil)
- to taste Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons Spring onion greens (for garnish) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Boil the whole wheat noodles in plenty of water with a pinch of salt until just al dente. Drain and toss with a few drops of oil to prevent sticking.
7 minutes
Do not overcook noodles; they should be firm for the best stir-fry texture.
- 2
Heat oil in a large non-stick kadhai or wok on medium-high flame. Add minced garlic and sliced onions, sauté until translucent.
3 minutes
Stir continuously to avoid burning the garlic.
- 3
Add shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper. Stir-fry on high heat until vegetables are crisp-tender.
4 minutes
High heat preserves nutrients and keeps veggies crunchy.
- 4
Toss in chopped tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly soft.
2 minutes
Do not overcook tomatoes; they should retain some structure.
Why This Dish is Healthy
Our version of Mee Goreng is a healthy choice because it uses whole wheat noodles for sustained energy, minimal oil for lower fat content, and a variety of fresh veggies for antioxidants and micronutrients. Using low-fat paneer adds protein without excess calories, making this dish perfect for balanced diets, weight management, and active lifestyles. It is naturally low in added sugars and free from deep-frying, aligning with modern healthy eating trends.
This vegetarian Mee Goreng packs a nutritional punch with complex carbohydrates from whole wheat noodles, lean protein from paneer, and an array of vitamins and minerals from colorful vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and bell pepper. The dish is fiber-rich, supporting gut health and satiety, while the use of cold-pressed oil keeps it heart-healthy. Paneer provides calcium and essential amino acids, making it a wholesome meal option for vegetarians.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Boil noodles just until al dente for perfect stir-fry texture.
- 💡Tip 2: Stir-fry vegetables on high heat to retain crunch and color.
- 💡Tip 3: Use low-fat paneer to keep calories in check.
- 💡Tip 4: Add a dash of lemon juice at the end to brighten up flavors.
- 💡Tip 5: Garnish with fresh spring onion greens for a burst of freshness.
Storage & Serving
Keeps for 6-8 hours at room temperature. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a non-stick pan for best texture.
Best served: Lunch or as an evening snack
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 440.0 kcal |
| Protein | 8.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22.0 g |
| Total Fat | 7.0 g |
| Fiber | 2.0 g |
| Sugars | 2.5 g |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Calcium | 22.0 mg |
| Sodium | 480.0 mg |
| Potassium | 210.0 mg |
| Cholesterol | 32.0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 65.0 IU |
| Vitamin C | 4.0 mg |
| Magnesium | 22.0 mg |
| Zinc | 0.7 mg |
| Phosphorus | 75.0 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 1.4 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.2 µg |
| Folate | 18.0 µg |
