What is a beef chow mein?

Beef chow mein is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish featuring thinly sliced beef, chow mein noodles, and a variety of colorful vegetables, all tossed together in a savory sauce. It's renowned for its delightful combination of textures and flavors that provide a satisfying meal.

What is the difference between beef lo mein and beef chow mein?

The primary difference lies in the type of noodles and cooking method. Chow mein noodles are typically stir-fried until crispy, while lo mein noodles are boiled and then mixed with the sauce. In essence, chow mein features a delightful crunch, whereas lo mein boasts a softer, chewier consistency.

How to tenderize beef for chow mein?

To tenderize beef for chow mein, slice it thinly against the grain and marinate it if desired. You can use ingredients like soy sauce, cornstarch, or even a touch of baking soda to help break down the protein fibers. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 15-30 minutes for the best results, ensuring a tender bite in your dish.

How to store leftover beef chow mein?

To store leftover beef chow mein, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal freshness. This way, you can enjoy the delicious flavors again!

Can I freeze beef chow mein?

Absolutely! For freezing, portion your beef chow mein into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, then stir-fry it in a hot wok with a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavors.

What dietary considerations should I be aware of?

If you're cooking for someone with food allergies, consider checking for sensitivities to soy sauce or gluten. You can easily swap soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or omit it altogether. Additionally, keep an eye on the vegetables used; some may not be suitable for certain diets. Always ensure to serve a balanced meal that suits everyone’s preferences and dietary needs.

Easy Beef Chow Mein: Quick, Delicious, and Totally Satisfying

Name: Easy Beef Chow Mein: Quick, Delicious, and Totally Satisfying
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 200 grams Dried Chow Mein Noodles; 500 grams Thin Sirloin, Skirt, or Flank Steak; 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 small Small Onion; 2 cloves Garlic; 1 Carrot; 1 Green Bell Pepper; 200 grams Savoy Cabbage; 100 grams Beansprouts; 1 tablespoon Cornflour (Cornstarch); 3 tablespoons Dark Soy Sauce; 1 tablespoon Chinese Rice Wine; 1 tablespoon Kecap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce); 1 tablespoon Hoisin Sauce; 1 cup Beef Stock; 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil; 1/2 teaspoon White Pepper; 2 Chopped Spring Onions (Scallions); 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds; 1/2 teaspoon Chilli Flakes

Description

I still remember the first time I whipped up this Beef Chow Mein recipe in my cozy kitchen, the fragrant aroma swirling around me, instantly transporting me to my favorite local Asian bistro. It was a hectic weeknight, and I found myself yearning for something vibrant, comforting, and utterly satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With just 30 minutes to spare, this stir-fry miracle became my go-to dish!

Tender strips of steak mingle with perfectly cooked chow mein noodles and a colorful medley of crisp vegetables, all enveloped in a savory sauce that's bursting with umami flavor. Not only is this recipe unbelievably quick and easy, but it’s also incredibly versatile—swap in chicken or prawns for a delightful twist! Perfect for busy evenings when you want to elevate your dinner without the hassle, this Beef Chow Mein will quickly become a favorite at your table. Join me in crafting a dish that’s full of flavor and nostalgia; it’s time to make your weeknights deliciously memorable!

Ingredients

Scale

200 grams Dried Chow Mein Noodles
500 grams Thin Sirloin, Skirt, or Flank Steak
1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 small Small Onion
2 cloves Garlic
1 Carrot
1 Green Bell Pepper
200 grams Savoy Cabbage
100 grams Beansprouts
1 tablespoon Cornflour (Cornstarch)
3 tablespoons Dark Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon Chinese Rice Wine
1 tablespoon Kecap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce)
1 tablespoon Hoisin Sauce
1 cup Beef Stock
1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
1/2 teaspoon White Pepper
2 Chopped Spring Onions (Scallions)
1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
1/2 teaspoon Chilli Flakes

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Instructions

Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix the cornflour, dark soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, kecap manis, hoisin sauce, beef stock, sesame oil, and white pepper together until combined. Set aside.
Heat the Wok: Heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. This quick process helps achieve that desired stir-fry quality.
Stir-Fry the Steak: Season the thinly sliced steak with garlic salt and black pepper, then add it to the hot wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just cooked through, then remove and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables: Pour the remaining tablespoon of oil into the wok, then add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and matchstick carrots. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add More Veggies: Toss in the green bell pepper, savoy cabbage, and beansprouts. Continue stir-frying for an additional 2 minutes until they’re vibrant and tender-crisp.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked steak and drained noodles to the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and gently toss everything together until well combined and heated through for about 2-3 minutes.
Serve and Garnish: Spoon your delicious beef chow mein onto plates, and garnish with fresh chopped spring onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and chili flakes for an extra kick if desired.

Notes

Slice Against the Grain: Always slice your steak against the grain for maximum tenderness; this ensures each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Prep Ingredients First: Since this dish cooks quickly, have all ingredients prepped and ready before starting to prevent any overcooking.
Wok Heat is Key: Ensure your wok is hot when adding ingredients; this achieves that beloved stir-fry sear and enhances the flavors wonderfully.
Don’t Overcook the Beef: Remove the steak as soon as it’s no longer pink; it will continue cooking off the heat, ensuring it stays juicy in your Beef Chow Mein.
Customize Away: Feel free to swap out veggies or protein for what you have on hand, making this dish truly adaptable and suited to your family's preferences.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stir-fry
Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5 grams
Sodium: 800 milligrams
Fat: 20 grams
Saturated Fat: 3 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 15 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 50 grams
Fiber: 5 grams
Protein: 25 grams
Cholesterol: 60 milligrams