Quick & Budget-Friendly Vegan Pan Mee: Homemade Plant-Based Noodles

2 weeks ago

Craving a truly satisfying and flavorful noodle dish that's entirely plant-based and easy on your wallet? Look no further! This homemade Vegan Pan Mee recipe delivers all the comforting taste and texture you love, without any animal products. Whether you're a seasoned vegan, looking for an affordable meat-free meal, or just curious about delicious plant-based alternatives, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat.

Inspired by: @dafnelately

Known for its delightful chewy noodles and savory mince, Pan Mee is a beloved comfort food. This vegan version, championed by dafnelately, uses popular plant-based ingredients to recreate an authentic taste experience. As dafnelately herself puts it, "Omn!Meat has pretty much just become the fakemeat of choice for most restaurants here," highlighting its widespread acceptance and great taste. Plus, opting for a homemade version like this can really "save a lot on the cost of regular omnimeat!"

Vegan Pan Mee with savory Omn!Meat mince, vibrant Okinawan spinach, and perfectly cooked noodles.

What is Vegan Pan Mee?

Vegan Pan Mee is a plant-based take on the traditional Malaysian noodle dish. It features springy noodles, often hand-torn or cut, topped with a savory "mince" (made from plant-based meat substitutes), leafy greens, and often accompanied by a spicy sambal and crispy "egg" bits. This recipe utilizes Omn!Meat for a realistic mince texture and Follow Your Heart's VeganEgg for delicious, cruelty-free egg alternatives.

Ingredients laid out for a flavorful vegan Pan Mee.

Ingredients

For the Noodles & Greens

Pan Mee noodles (enough for one serving, typically packet instructions)
Okinawan spinach or other leafy greens (e.g., bok choy, choy sum)

For the Vegan Mince

200g Omn!Meat or other plant-based mince
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce

For the "Egg" Bits

Follow Your Heart's VeganEgg or another vegan egg substitute (prepared according to package instructions for egg-like consistency)

For Serving

HoBee chilli garlic sambal (or your favorite chilli garlic sauce)

Equipment

Large pot for boiling noodles
Frying pan or wok
Strainer
Large bowl for cold shocking noodles

Instructions

Prepare the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook the Pan Mee noodles according to their packet instructions until al dente. Just before the noodles are done (about 1 minute prior), add the Okinawan spinach to the boiling water to blanch it briefly.
Cold Shock the Noodles: Immediately drain the cooked noodles and spinach. Transfer them to a large bowl filled with ice water to cold shock them. This crucial step prevents the noodles from overcooking and ensures they retain a perfectly al dente, springy texture.
Season the Noodles: Once cold-shocked, drain the noodles and spinach well. Toss them immediately with a drizzle of sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together.
Cook the Vegan Mince: Heat a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the Omn!Meat mince and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, continuing to stir-fry for another minute to combine the flavors.
Make the "Egg" Bits: Prepare the VeganEgg or vegan egg substitute according to its package instructions to create scrambled "egg" bits. Cook them in a separate pan until firm and lightly golden.
Assemble and Serve: Place the seasoned noodles and spinach in a serving bowl. Top generously with the cooked vegan mince, the crispy "egg" bits, and a dollop of HoBee chilli garlic sambal (or your preferred chilli sauce). Toss everything together and enjoy! As dafnelately shared, after making this at home, you might just find you've "outgrown KinKin" – a testament to its homemade deliciousness!

Variations & Adaptations

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chilli garlic sambal to your liking. For extra heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the mince.
Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like shredded carrots, bean sprouts, or sliced mushrooms to the stir-fry or blanch them with the spinach.
Different Mince: If Omn!Meat isn't available, try other plant-based minces, crumbled firm tofu, or even seasoned lentils for the savory topping.
Gluten-Free: Ensure your Pan Mee noodles are gluten-free, and use tamari instead of soy sauce for a completely gluten-free meal.
Aromatic Boost: For an even deeper flavor, sauté a bit of minced garlic and ginger before adding the plant-based mince.

Tips & Hacks for Perfect Vegan Pan Mee

Al Dente Noodles: The cold shock step is key! It stops the cooking process immediately, ensuring your noodles remain perfectly chewy and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Prevent Sticking: Tossing the noodles in sesame oil right after draining is a simple but effective hack to keep them from clumping together.
Cost-Saving: As noted by the original author, making this at home is often more budget-friendly than ordering out, especially with widely available and affordable plant-based mince options.

Ready to whip up this delicious Pan Mee? Share your plant-based creations on abillion and inspire others in the community!