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
- 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
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