Beef Chow Mein
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm plate of Beef Chow Mein, with its savory flavors and delightful crunch. This classic dish brings together tender strips of beef with colorful vegetables, all tossed with crispy noodles and a rich sauce that’s bursting with umami. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re in the mood for a satisfying meal, this Beef Chow Mein recipe is a must-try!
Why This Beef Chow Mein Stands Out
What makes this Beef Chow Mein truly special is its balance of textures and flavors. The thinly sliced flank steak is tender and juicy, while the stir-fried vegetables add a vibrant crunch. The crispy chow mein noodles create a delightful contrast to the tender beef and veggies, while the savory sauce made from reduced-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of brown sugar ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1-1/2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1-1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1/3 cup beef stock or broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, not packed
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen stir-fry vegetables
- 1-1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 (6-ounce) package crispy chow mein noodles
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Kitchen Gear Checklist
- Wok or large skillet: Essential for stir-frying the ingredients quickly over high heat.
- Knife and cutting board: Needed to slice the flank steak and chop vegetables.
- Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Ideal for tossing and mixing everything in the pan.
- Serving bowls: Perfect for plating and serving your delicious Beef Chow Mein.
Build Beef Chow Mein Step by Step
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a small bowl, combine the flank steak with baking soda, cornstarch, and a tablespoon of the soy sauce. This will help tenderize the beef and give it a nice texture. Let it marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In another bowl, mix together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef stock, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, and pepper. Set this sauce aside as it will add the perfect flavor to your Beef Chow Mein.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Allow it to sear for about 1-2 minutes without stirring to develop a nice brown color.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5: Incorporate Vegetables
Next, add the frozen stir-fry vegetables and shredded cabbage to the pan. Stir everything together and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are heated through and the cabbage is slightly wilted.
Step 6: Combine with Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 7: Add Chow Mein Noodles
Finally, add the crispy chow mein noodles to the pan, tossing them gently to incorporate them into the dish. Cook for an additional minute to allow the noodles to absorb some of the sauce flavor.
Step 8: Serve
Remove the Beef Chow Mein from heat, and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious dish!
What to Use Instead
- For flank steak, you can substitute with sirloin or even chicken breast for a different protein option.
- If you don’t have oyster sauce, try using hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Feel free to swap the frozen stir-fry vegetables with fresh veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
- If you prefer gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your chow mein noodles are gluten-free.
Things That Go Wrong
Even the best of us can experience mishaps in the kitchen. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Overcrowding the pan: If you add too much beef at once, it can steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed.
- Burnt garlic: Garlic can turn bitter quickly. Make sure to add it after the beef has started to brown and stir it frequently.
- Soggy noodles: If you cook the noodles too long or add them too early, they can lose their crispness. Add them at the end and toss gently.
- Too salty: If the dish ends up too salty, balance it by adding a bit more sugar or a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
This Beef Chow Mein is perfect for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. You can also double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later on. Just reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water if necessary to get the noodles nice and hot.
Troubleshooting Q&A
What if my beef is tough?
Tough beef can be a result of not slicing it thin enough or cooking it too long. Make sure to slice against the grain and keep the cooking time short to maintain tenderness.
Why did my sauce not thicken?
If your sauce didn’t thicken, it might not have simmered long enough. Allow it to cook a bit longer to evaporate some liquid and reach the desired consistency.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock. The rest of the recipe remains the same for a delicious vegetarian version.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce. You can also stir in some sliced jalapeños during cooking for a fresh kick.
That’s a Wrap
With its robust flavors and satisfying textures, this Beef Chow Mein is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. It’s a versatile dish that allows you to get creative with ingredients, making it easy to adapt to your tastes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers a fantastic meal that’s ready in no time. Enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Beef Chow Mein!
Beef Chow Mein
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the flank steak with baking soda, cornstarch, and a tablespoon of the soy sauce. Let it marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
- In another bowl, mix together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef stock, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, and pepper. Set this sauce aside.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and allow it to sear for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the frozen stir-fry vegetables and shredded cabbage to the pan. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the crispy chow mein noodles to the pan, tossing them gently to incorporate. Cook for an additional minute.
- Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a different protein option, substitute flank steak with sirloin or chicken breast.
- If you don’t have oyster sauce, try hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of water.
