5 Delicious Gluten-Free, Sesame-Free Veggie Chow Fun Recipes

Chow fun, a popular dish known for its wide, silky rice noodles, often makes an appearance in various Asian cuisines, particularly in Cantonese cooking. However, for those with gluten intolerance or sesame allergies, finding a satisfying chow fun can be challenging. This blog post will guide you through five scrumptious gluten-free and sesame-free veggie chow fun recipes that cater to dietary restrictions without compromising on flavor or authenticity.

Recipe 1: Classic Veggie Chow Fun with a Twist

Ingredients:

• 250g wide rice noodles, gluten-free
• 2 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• ¹⁄₄ cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (like canola or sunflower oil)
• Salt to taste

Preparation Steps:

1. Soften Noodles: Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions, ensuring they are soft but still firm.
2. Make Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the gluten-free soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
3. Cook Veggies: Heat oil in a large wok or skillet. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add carrots, stir-fry for 2 minutes, then add broccoli and cabbage. Continue stir-frying until veggies are tender-crisp.
4. Combine: Toss in the noodles and the prepared sauce. Stir-fry everything together until well coated and heated through. Fold in the bean sprouts and green onions at the last minute.

📝 Note: Bean sprouts are added at the end to maintain their crunchiness.

Recipe 2: Spicy Mushroom and Zucchini Chow Fun

Ingredients:

• 250g gluten-free rice noodles
• 2 tbsp gluten-free hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 2 small zucchinis, cut into half-moons
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Preparation Steps:

1. Boil Noodles: Cook the noodles as per instructions, making sure they are al dente.
2. Prepare Sauce: Combine hoisin and chili garlic sauce in a bowl. Set aside.
3. Stir-Fry: Heat oil in a wok. Add garlic, mushrooms, and cook until golden. Add zucchini and bell pepper, cooking until slightly softened.
4. Combine: Add the cooked noodles and sauce. Stir to combine and heat through. Garnish with spring onions.

🔥 Note: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce based on your spice tolerance.

Recipe 3: Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Chow Fun

Ingredients:

• 250g wide rice noodles, gluten-free
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 2 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame seed oil (replace with sunflower or pumpkin seed oil if allergic)
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup green peas
• Handful of fresh coriander, chopped

Preparation Steps:

1. Boil Noodles: Prepare noodles as per instructions, ensuring they are tender.
2. Make Sauce: Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and oil in a small bowl.
3. Cook Vegetables: In a hot wok, sauté garlic and onion. Add carrot, peas, and pineapple, stirring until everything is glossy.
4. Mix Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the wok, pour in the sauce, and toss well to combine. Top with fresh coriander.

🍍 Note: Pineapple adds a unique sweetness; ensure it's ripe for best flavor.

Recipe 4: Bok Choy and Shiitake Chow Fun

Ingredients:

• 250g gluten-free rice noodles
• 1 tbsp gluten-free oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 baby bok choy, halved
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, stems removed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Pinch of salt

Preparation Steps:

1. Cook Noodles: Boil noodles until just soft.
2. Prepare Sauce: Combine oyster and soy sauce, set aside.
3. Sauté Ingredients: Heat oil in a wok, add garlic and onion, followed by mushrooms and bok choy. Cook until bok choy is bright green.
4. Combine: Add noodles and sauce, stir-fry until everything is well mixed. Garnish with green onions.

Recipe 5: Peanut and Snow Pea Chow Fun

Ingredients:

• 250g gluten-free rice noodles
• 2 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
• ¹⁄₂ cup roasted peanuts, crushed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• Handful of cilantro

Preparation Steps:

1. Boil Noodles: Cook noodles according to package instructions.
2. Prepare Sauce: Mix soy sauce and vinegar in a bowl.
3. Cook Veggies: In a wok, sauté garlic in oil, then add carrots, snow peas, and bell pepper.
4. Combine: Add noodles, sauce, and most of the peanuts. Stir well. Garnish with remaining peanuts and cilantro.

🥜 Note: For nut allergies, substitute peanuts with toasted sunflower seeds.

In creating these five diverse and flavorful gluten-free, sesame-free veggie chow fun recipes, we've explored the versatility of rice noodles and the rich tapestry of vegetable combinations available. Each dish brings its unique twist while ensuring dietary restrictions are respected, allowing everyone to enjoy this classic dish. By incorporating traditional flavors with modern dietary needs, these recipes not only cater to health-conscious individuals but also celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Asian cuisine. With a balance of spices, colors, and textures, chow fun becomes an accessible and delightful meal option for all.