Start by slicing the mushrooms and trimming the bok choy, ensuring a colorful array of vegetables for your Vegetarian Chow Mein. Mince a few cloves of garlic to release their aromatic flavors and assemble all your ingredients, so they're ready for quick access as stir-frying happens fast.

In a large skillet or wok, pour in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat for about 1–2 minutes until the oil shimmers slightly.

Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the hot oil, stirring continuously for about 2–3 minutes until the mushrooms soften and the garlic turns fragrant.

Introduce the chow mein noodles, soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper into the skillet, stirring for about 2–3 minutes until the noodles are coated in the sauce.

Add in your chopped bok choy and bean sprouts, stirring them into the noodle mixture for another 2–3 minutes until the bok choy is wilted but vibrant.

If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add 1–2 tablespoons of water while stirring to reach the desired consistency.

Drizzle about a teaspoon of sesame oil over the stir-fry and toss everything together for another minute to lock in flavor.

Spoon the finished Vegetarian Chow Mein onto plates or in bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of white sesame seeds. Serve hot.