Step 1

Cook noodles according to the package instructions. The noodles don't need to be cooked till al dente. Since towards the end we will be just tossing the noodles with the stir fried veggies. But if you prefer you can cook them until al dente.

Step 2

Drain the water from the cooked noodles in a colander. Rinse noodles in running water very well. This method stops the cooking process.

Step 3

Add toasted sesame oil to the noodles. Toss them well, so that the oil gets coated evenly on the noodles. This method gets rid of stickiness from the noodles. Cover and keep the noodles aside.

Step 4

When the noodles are cooking, you can chop and grate the veggies.

Step 5

Prepare corn starch slurry or paste with the cornstarch and water. Keep aside.

Step 6

Heat oil in a pan or wok. On medium heat, first saute the green chilies, ginger and garlic for about 30 seconds. Green chilies add quite some heat in the dish. Skip if you do not prefer them or if making for kids.

Step 7

Add chopped onions or spring onions. Saute for a minute.

Step 8

Add sliced mushrooms and finely chopped french beans.

Step 9

Stir and saute on a medium heat till the edges of the mushroom get lightly browned.

Step 10

Add grated carrots, shredded cabbage and sliced bell pepper (capsicum).

Step 11

Stir and increase the heat to a high. Stir fry everything on a high heat for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 12

Add soy sauce. At this step you can also add tomato sauce or red chili sauce or green chili sauce. Since I have already added green chilies, I have not added the chili sauce.

Step 13

Season with ground black pepper or white pepper and salt as required. Mix well. At this step you can opt to add sprouts or tofu. Add them and stir fry for a minute.

Step 14

Lower the heat and add the cornstarch paste. Stir the cornstarch paste in the bowl very well before adding to the stir fried vegetables.

Step 15

Mix and sauté for a minute on medium-low heat.

Step 16

Add the cooked noodles. Increase the heat to high. Mix and toss the noodles with the stir fried veggies.

Step 17

Lastly add vinegar and give a final mix to chowmein. Switch off the heat.

Step 18

Serve chow mein steaming hot in serving bowls.

Step 19

You can also garnish chowmein with about 1 to 2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds and some chopped spring onion greens.