Description
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.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
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1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1 clove garlic, minced
For the Noodles:
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12 oz fresh chow mein noodles (or 8 oz dried lo mein noodles)
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1 tbsp vegetable oil
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Salt for pasta water
For the Vegetables:
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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1 large onion, sliced
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2 carrots, julienned
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2 cups cabbage, shredded
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1 bell pepper, sliced
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2 cups bean sprouts
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3 green onions, chopped
For the Chow Mein Sauce:
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3 tbsp soy sauce
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2 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color)
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1 tsp sugar
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
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¼ cup chicken broth or water
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1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Marinate beef: In a bowl, combine sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Mix well and let marinate for 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Boil water: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Cook noodles: Add chow mein noodles and cook according to package directions (usually 2-3 minutes for fresh, 6-8 for dried).
- Drain and toss: Drain well and toss with 1 tbsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Whisk together: In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. Whisk until cornstarch is dissolved and mixture is smooth. Set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Everything
- Heat wok: Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat until smoking.
- Cook beef: Add marinated beef in a single layer. Let sear for 1-2 minutes without stirring, then stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook vegetables: Add 2 tbsp oil to the same wok. Add onion and carrots first, stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add cabbage and bell pepper, stir-fry for 2 more minutes. Add bean sprouts and cook for 1 minute.
- Combine: Return beef to wok with vegetables.
- Add noodles: Add cooked noodles to the wok and toss everything together.
- Add sauce: Pour the sauce over everything and toss quickly for 1-2 minutes until sauce coats everything and thickens slightly.
Notes
Craving extra flavor or texture?
Toss in a handful of bean sprouts, chopped green onions, or toasted sesame seeds just before serving. You can also swap the beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for an easy twist. Perfect for busy weeknights and even better as leftovers!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese