Quick Beef Chow Mein Recipe – Easy & Delicious in 20 Minutes

If you’re craving a delicious, homemade beef chow mein, look no further! This recipe is designed to replicate the restaurant-style flavors and textures that you love, all within 20 minutes. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, every bite of this dish is packed with savory goodness. Plus, it’s an easy, quick meal that can easily beat your local takeout!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to prepare this mouthwatering dish, from the origin of chow mein to the exact ingredients and step-by-step directions.

What Is Beef Chow Mein?

Beef chow mein is a popular Chinese dish made with stir-fried beef and vegetables tossed with soft or crispy noodles in a flavorful sauce. It’s a fast, savory meal that you can enjoy at home or at any Chinese restaurant. The term “chow mein” literally translates to “stir-fried noodles,” which is exactly what this dish is.

What sets this quick beef chow mein apart from others is the combination of tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pan meal that you can whip up in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or quick weekend meals.

Origin of the Recipe

Chow mein has a rich history and is believed to have originated in China. The dish itself is part of the country’s stir-fry tradition, where ingredients are cooked quickly in a wok over high heat. While chow mein was initially a regional dish, its popularity has spread worldwide, particularly in North America and Europe, where it has been adapted to suit local tastes.

The combination of noodles, meat, and vegetables in a stir-fry style has made it a classic comfort food in Chinese cuisine. Over time, the recipe has evolved with different regions adding their own variations.

Ingredients for Beef Chow Mein

This quick and easy beef chow mein recipe uses a few simple ingredients that you can find in your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Beef:

• 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced

For the Noodles:

• 12 oz fresh chow mein noodles (or 8 oz dried lo mein noodles)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt for pasta water

Vegetables:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 2 cups cabbage, shredded
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 3 green onions, chopped

Lastly for the Chow Mein Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• ¼ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tsp cornstarch

Step-by-Step Directions & Preparation Method

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into making this quick beef chow mein! The entire recipe takes only 20 minutes to prepare, making it a great weeknight dinner. Here’s how to do it:

 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Marinate the Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Toss everything together and let the beef marinate for about 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

 2: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding a pinch of salt.
2. Cook Noodles: Add the chow mein noodles to the boiling water. If you’re using fresh noodles, cook them for about 2-3 minutes; if using dried noodles, cook for 6-8 minutes.
3. Drain and Toss: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them well and toss with 1 tbsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Set them aside for later use.

 3: Make the Chow Mein Sauce

1. Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, chicken broth or water, and cornstarch. Whisk until everything is well incorporated and the cornstarch is dissolved. Set aside.

 4: Stir-Fry Everything

1. Heat the Wok: Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat until it’s smoking hot.
2. Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the wok in a single layer. Allow it to sear for about 1-2 minutes without stirring. Then, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is just cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables: Add 2 tbsp vegetable oil to the same wok. Add the sliced onion and julienned carrots and stir-fry for about 2 minutes. Then, add the shredded cabbage and sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes. Finally, toss in the bean sprouts and cook for 1 minute.
4. Combine: Return the beef to the wok with the vegetables.
5. Add the Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the wok and toss everything together to combine evenly.
6. Pour the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles, beef, and vegetables. Toss everything quickly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats everything evenly.
7. Finish: Add the chopped green onions and toss everything one last time.

 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your quick beef chow mein hot, garnished with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and crispy fried onions if desired. This dish is sure to be a hit with the entire family!

Variations

Feel free to experiment with this recipe by using different ingredients or adding some personal twists. Here are some variations you can try:

Noodle Variations:

• Lo Mein Noodles: A great substitute for chow mein noodles, available in most grocery stores.
• Yakisoba Noodles: A Japanese alternative that works well for this dish.
• Linguine: Use in place of chow mein noodles for a similar texture.
• Rice Noodles: A gluten-free option that still delivers great flavor.

Vegetable Variations:

• Broccoli Florets: A great addition for some extra crunch.
• Snow Peas: Perfect for added texture and sweetness.
• Mushrooms: Shiitake or button mushrooms work well in this dish.
• Bok Choy: Adds a mild, peppery flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
• Zucchini: Sliced into strips for added freshness.

Protein Swaps:

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Replace the beef with chicken for a lighter version.
• Pork Tenderloin: Another alternative to beef.
• Shrimp: A great protein choice, cooks in just 2-3 minutes.
• Tofu: Perfect for a vegetarian version, add it after the vegetables are cooked.

FAQs About Quick Beef Chow Mein

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients in advance and store them separately. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the steps. The dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze beef chow mein?

It’s not recommended to freeze chow mein, as the noodles may become mushy when reheated. It’s best to enjoy it fresh.

What can I serve with chow mein?

You can serve chow mein with side dishes like spring rolls, dumplings, or a bowl of hot and sour soup. Steamed broccoli is another great option to balance out the meal.

Conclusion

This Quick Beef Chow Mein recipe is perfect for busy days when you crave the flavors of restaurant-style chow mein but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. With its savory sauce, tender beef, and crispy vegetables, this dish will surely become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the quick and easy preparation, and feel free to get creative with variations to make it your own!

The beef chow mein is ideal for those who love Asian cuisine and want a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting friends, this recipe will impress everyone at the table.

Don’t forget to follow the pro tips for cooking and storage to ensure your chow mein turns out perfect every time!

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