Beef Chow Mein – great beef mince noodle recipe! Recipe
If you’re craving a plate of pure comfort that’s fast, flavorful, and a little bit addictive, you’re going to fall in love with this Beef Chow Mein – great beef mince noodle recipe! This dish delivers all the classic stir-fried noodle vibes you adore, with tender beef mince, crisp veggies, a tangle of savory soy-kissed noodles, and that glorious sheen of glossy sauce. Whether you’re new to homemade stir fries or a noodle night pro, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and destined to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Beef Chow Mein – great beef mince noodle recipe! is how a handful of humble ingredients transforms into a wildly satisfying meal. Each element brings its own character, from the umami-boosting sauces to the fresh crunch of veggies. Here’s your flavor toolkit:
- Chow mein noodles: These springy yellow egg noodles soak up that irresistible sauce and anchor the dish with chewy texture.
- Canola oil: A neutral oil that lets all the other flavors shine, and ensures nothing sticks as you stir fry.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic seasons the oil and infuses every bite with warmth and aroma.
- Beef mince / ground beef: The star protein! Opt for any fat percentage—the richer the beef, the more flavor.
- Green onions: Separate white and green parts; the whites add depth at the start, while the greens brighten up the finish.
- Egg: Gently scrambled into the beef, it binds everything and gives the noodles extra body—don’t skip this step!
- Green cabbage: Finely sliced for sweetness and gorgeous color; feel free to swap in Chinese cabbage if you have it.
- Carrot: Sliced into thin batons for a pop of orange and subtle earthiness.
- Bean sprouts: Add a juicy crunch and freshness—toss them in right at the end for texture.
- Light soy sauce: This is your basic salty, savory flavor foundation.
- Dark soy sauce: Just a touch provides deeper color and robust flavor.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a sweet-salty complexity that sets this dish apart from your average stir fry.
- Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing): An essential for real-deal depth; dry sherry can substitute in a pinch.
- White sugar: Just a pinch balances out all the savory notes nicely.
- White pepper: For gentle heat and aroma—classically Chinese and so good.
- Cornflour / cornstarch: Mixed with water for a quick slurry that thickens the sauce perfectly.
- Water: Blends with the cornflour to bring everything together in a glossy embrace.
How to Make Beef Chow Mein – great beef mince noodle recipe!
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
Begin by mixing up all your sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set it aside—this punchy blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and pepper is what gives the Beef Chow Mein – great beef mince noodle recipe! its signature flavor. Remember, you’ll split the sauce up for both the beef and the noodles, so keep it handy!
Step 2: Prep the Cornflour Slurry
In a separate small bowl, blend the cornflour (or cornstarch) with water to make a smooth slurry. This is your secret to a thick, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles at the final toss.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Prepare the noodles according to package directions—usually just a quick boil—then drain well. Give them a quick fluff with chopsticks or a fork to ensure they don’t stick together as you move to the stir-fry.
Step 4: Sizzle the Garlic & Brown the Beef
Heat your canola oil in a large non-stick pan or wok over high heat. Once shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and let it perfume the oil for about 10 seconds before adding the beef mince. Stir fry until the pink disappears—then add about a third of your sauce and the white part of the green onions. Fry for a couple more minutes; the beef should start caramelizing and smelling absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Bring the Sauce Together
Whisk that cornflour slurry into the remaining sauce. Now your rich, dark, flavorful sauce is ready for the grand moment!
Step 6: Mix in the Egg
Crack an egg straight into the pan and give it a good stir so it scrambles and mingles with the beef. This step not only adds amazing flavor but helps the beef cling to the noodles once everything comes together.
Step 7: Toss in Cabbage & Carrot
Once the egg is just set, scatter the sliced cabbage and carrot over the beef. Stir-fry for about a minute—the cabbage should start to wilt, but you want those veggies to stay vibrant and crunchy.
Step 8: Add Noodles, Sprouts & Final Sauce
Splash in the rest of the sauce, add the drained noodles and bean sprouts, and give everything a thorough toss for a minute or two. Sprinkle over the green part of the onions and toss again. Every strand of noodle should be coated, glossy, and tumbled with juicy beef and crisp vegetables. The kitchen will smell out of this world!
Step 9: Serve!
Divide your Beef Chow Mein – great beef mince noodle recipe! among bowls while it’s piping hot. Get ready for the happy, slurpy silence to fall in your kitchen.
How to Serve Beef Chow Mein – great beef mince noodle recipe!
Garnishes
Top your bowl off with a shower of extra fresh green onions for color and crunch. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, a pinch of white pepper, or even a drizzle of chili oil for a little heat. For maximal freshness, scatter over some extra raw bean sprouts just before serving.
Side Dishes
Beef Chow Mein – great beef mince noodle recipe! is spectacular by itself, but it also plays well with others. Try pairing it with steamed bok choy, simple cucumber salad, or Chinese pickled vegetables for a fresh, crisp counterpoint. Steamed or fried dumplings alongside will absolutely round out an indulgent feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Beef Chow Mein – great beef mince noodle recipe! by serving it on a big family-style platter for sharing, or portion it into individual noodle bowls for a cozy weeknight dinner. For a fun twist, twirl the noodles into “nests” on each plate, then top with a tangle of beef and veggies. Kids love the “build your own noodle bowl” option, with little bowls of extra toppings on the side!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Beef Chow Mein – great beef mince noodle recipe! should be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3 days, making it an ideal candidate for easy grab-and-go lunches or a fuss-free dinner repeat.
Freezing
While noodles generally prefer fresh eating, you can freeze portions of this chow mein if needed. Spoon into freezer-safe containers and seal tightly. When defrosted, the noodles may soften, but the flavors will remain spot-on—just stir well after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your chow mein in a non-stick skillet over medium heat—you may want to splash in a little water to help loosen the noodles. Alternatively, microwaving works great for a speedy lunch. Just be sure to cover and heat in short intervals, stirring between each, so the noodles don’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins instead of beef mince?
Absolutely! Chicken mince, ground pork, or even finely diced firm tofu are all excellent swaps and will bring their own delicious twist to Beef Chow Mein – great beef mince noodle recipe! Feel free to mix things up based on your preference or whatever you have on hand.
What if I can’t find chow mein noodles?
No problem at all. Substitute with thin egg noodles, the kind used for wonton soup, or even instant ramen cakes (minus the seasoning). Cook according to package directions and continue as the recipe suggests.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
Oyster sauce really makes the flavor pop, but if you’re avoiding shellfish, look for vegetarian “oyster” sauce made from mushrooms, or use extra soy sauce with a pinch of sugar for depth.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—just use gluten-free soy sauce, a gluten-free oyster sauce (read labels carefully!), and rice noodles in place of egg noodles for a gluten-free touch on Beef Chow Mein – great beef mince noodle recipe!
How do I keep the veggies crisp?
The trick is to toss veggies in at the last minute and cook them over high heat—just enough to soften slightly but keep that essential crunch. Prepping everything before you start cooking helps this process go smoothly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together fast, I can’t recommend Beef Chow Mein – great beef mince noodle recipe! enough. Each bite is packed with comforting flavors and the perfect contrast of textures. Give it a try—you might just find your new weeknight hero!
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Beef Chow Mein – great beef mince noodle recipe! Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Beef Chow Mein is a delicious noodle dish made with flavorful beef mince and a variety of fresh vegetables, tossed in a savory sauce. This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 200g chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles or 3 ramen cakes
Beef Mince:
- 1 1/2 tbsp canola oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 200g beef mince/ground beef
- 3 green onion stems, white and green parts separated
- 1 egg
- 2 cups green cabbage, sliced
- 1 carrot, cut into batons
- 1 heaped cup bean sprouts
Sauce:
- 1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing)
- 1 1/2 tsp white sugar
- Pinch white pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch
- 3 tbsp water
Instructions
- Sauce: Mix sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Sauce Thickener: Mix cornflour and water in a separate bowl.
- Prepare Noodles: Cook noodles per packet instructions, then drain.
- Cook Beef: Cook garlic and beef in oil until browned. Add part of the sauce and white onion parts.
- Finish Sauce: Mix cornflour slurry into the remaining sauce.
- Add Egg: Crack egg into the pan and scramble with beef.
- Cabbage & Carrot: Add carrot and cabbage, cook until wilted.
- Combine Sauce & Noodles: Toss bean sprouts, noodles, and sauce in the pan. Add green onion parts and toss.
- Serve: Divide into bowls and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Beef Chow Mein, Noodles, Chinese Recipe, Beef Mince, Stir-Fry
