Beef Chow Mein

Beef Chow Mein – Great Beef Mince Noodle Recipe!

Introduction

Beef Chow Mein is a popular dish that combines tender beef mince with crunchy vegetables and delicious noodles. This dish is quick to make, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for the whole family, Beef Chow Mein is sure to please everyone’s taste buds.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Beef Chow Mein is a fantastic choice for many reasons. First, it’s a quick meal that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. You can easily customize this dish with your favorite vegetables or sauces. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge. This recipe is not only hearty and satisfying but also a healthy option packed with protein and vegetables.

How to Make Beef Chow Mein

Ingredients:

200g / 7 oz chow mein noodles (or other thin yellow egg noodles or 3 ramen cakes)
1 1/2 tbsp canola oil
2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
200g / 7 oz beef mince / ground beef (any fat %)
3 green onion stems (cut into 5cm / 2" lengths, white and green parts separated)
1 egg
2 cups green cabbage (finely sliced or Chinese cabbage)
1 carrot (peeled and cut into thin batons)
1 heaped cup bean sprouts (~ 75g / 2 1/2 oz)
1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce
1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing)
1 1/2 tsp white sugar
Pinch white pepper
1 1/2 tsp cornflour / cornstarch
3 tbsp water

Directions:

Prepare Sauce: Mix the soy sauces, oyster sauce, cooking wine, white sugar, and white pepper in a small bowl. Set it aside. Some sauce will flavor the beef, and the rest will be used for the noodles.
Make Cornflour Slurry: In another bowl, mix cornflour/cornstarch and water. Set this aside for later.
Cook Noodles: Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package directions and then drain them.
Cook Beef: In a large non-stick pan, heat the canola oil over high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 10 seconds. Then add the beef and cook until it’s browned. Mix in 1 1/2 tablespoons of sauce and the white part of the green onions. Cook for another 2 minutes until caramelized.
Finish Sauce: Stir the cornflour slurry into the remaining sauce and mix well.
Add Egg: Crack an egg into the pan and mix with the beef, allowing it to scramble and stick to the meat.
Add Vegetables: Once the egg is nearly cooked, add the carrot and cabbage. Cook for about a minute until the cabbage wilts.
Combine Noodles and Sauce: Mix the sauce again and pour it into the pan along with the bean sprouts and noodles. Toss everything together well for about a minute until the sauce coats the noodles. Add the green part of the green onions and toss again for another minute.
Serve: Divide the Beef Chow Mein between bowls and serve hot.

How to Serve Beef Chow Mein

Beef Chow Mein is best served hot right after cooking. You can enjoy it by itself, or serve it with a side of spring rolls or steamed dumplings for a full meal. Don’t forget to garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds for a beautiful touch!

How to Store Beef Chow Mein

If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in the microwave or in a pan over medium heat.

Tips to Make Beef Chow Mein

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Make sure to cook the noodles just until al dente, as they will cook further when you combine them with the beef and vegetables.
Adjust Spiciness: Add some chili flakes or fresh chilies if you like a little heat.

Variation

Feel free to swap out the beef for chicken or shrimp if desired. You can also add different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas based on your preference.

FAQs

Can I use other noodles?
Yes, you can substitute chow mein noodles with any thin noodles, such as spaghetti or ramen.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the noodles do not contain gluten.
Can I prepare this in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time on cooking day.

Making Beef Chow Mein at home is sure to delight your family and friends, offering a taste of classic takeout flavor without leaving your kitchen! Enjoy cooking!