Beef Chow Mein

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Serving Size: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

Beef (flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced): 1 lb (450g)

Chow Mein Noodles: 8 oz (225g)

Onion (chopped): 1

Bell Peppers (red and green, chopped): 2

Carrots (sliced): 2

Bean Sprouts: 1 cup

Garlic (minced): 2 cloves

Ginger (minced): 1 tbsp

Soy Sauce: 3 tbsp

Oyster Sauce: 2 tbsp

Sesame Oil: 1 tbsp

Cornstarch: 1 tbsp

Vegetable Oil: 2 tbsp

Optional: Mushrooms, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef thinly against the grain. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger.

Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, mix the sliced beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.

Cook the Noodles: Prepare the chow mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside.

Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir-fry the marinated beef until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same wok, add more oil if necessary. Sauté the onion, bell peppers, carrots, garlic, and ginger until the vegetables are crisp-tender.

Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles, bean sprouts, and beef back to the wok. Stir-fry everything together until well combined and heated through.

Season and Serve: Drizzle with a mixture of soy sauce and oyster sauce, tossing everything to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.

Serving Tips:

Garnish for Visual Appeal: Top with sliced green onions or chopped cilantro to add freshness and color.

Accompaniments: Serve with traditional Chinese condiments like soy sauce, chili oil, or Sriracha for extra flavor. Pair with steamed or fried rice, or crispy spring rolls for variety.

Family-Style Presentation: Serve Beef Chow Mein in a large dish, allowing guests to customize their portions.

Add Protein: Turn the dish into a complete meal by adding stir-fried tofu, shrimp, or chicken.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: Transfer cooled leftovers to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Store in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Thawing and Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on the microwave. Reheat on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Variations:

Spicy Beef Chow Mein: Add chili peppers, crushed red pepper flakes, or chili oil for a spicy kick.

Teriyaki Beef Chow Mein: Marinate the beef in teriyaki sauce and toss with noodles for a sweet and savory flavor.

Garlic Beef Chow Mein: Increase the garlic for a richer, more aromatic flavor.

Beef and Broccoli Chow Mein: Add broccoli florets for a nutritious variation of the classic.

Hoisin Beef Chow Mein: Marinate the beef in hoisin sauce and drizzle extra hoisin over the finished dish for a tangy twist.

FAQs:

What is Beef Chow Mein?

A popular Chinese stir-fry with beef, noodles, and vegetables in a savory sauce.

What noodles should I use?

Chow mein noodles are ideal, but you can use egg noodles or rice noodles as alternatives.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, substitute with chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu.

Is Beef Chow Mein gluten-free?

Traditional chow mein noodles contain wheat. Use gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Replace the beef with tofu or more vegetables and use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, store in the fridge and reheat before serving.

How do I prevent noodles from sticking?

Rinse the noodles under cold water and toss with a little oil after cooking.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, freeze leftovers and thaw before reheating.

What vegetables can I add?

Add bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms to customize.

How do I adjust the seasoning?

Taste as you go and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, or other seasonings to achieve the desired flavor.