Healthy Beef Chow Mein Recipe
Introduction
This healthy beef chow mein is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender strips of lean steak with vibrant vegetables and wholemeal noodles. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, it brings together Asian-inspired flavors in a nutritious and delicious way.
Ingredients
- 2 wholemeal noodle nests (85g)
- 2 tsp rapeseed or sesame oil
- 200g lean fillet steak, fat removed and cut into strips
- 1 small red onion (100g), finely chopped
- 15g piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- 160g chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 160g ready-to-eat beansprouts
- 1½ tsp tamari
- 1 tbsp brown rice vinegar
- 4 spring onions (65g), cut into diagonal lengths
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the noodles according to the pack instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat half the oil in a wok over high heat. Stir-fry the beef strips for about 30 seconds until browned. Remove the beef and set aside on a plate.
- Step 3: Add the remaining oil to the wok. Stir-fry the red onion and ginger until softened. Add a small drop of water if needed to prevent sticking, then cover and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the mushrooms and garlic. Cook for around 3 minutes until the mushrooms start to soften.
- Step 5: Add the beansprouts and cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the tamari, brown rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Step 7: Add the drained noodles to the wok and toss well with the vegetables. Pour in the tamari mixture, then add the spring onions and beef strips.
- Step 8: Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes until heated through. Season with plenty of black pepper and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use sesame oil instead of rapeseed oil for a nuttier flavor.
- Swap beef for chicken or tofu to suit your preference or dietary needs.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots for more color and crunch.
- If tamari is unavailable, soy sauce can be used as a substitute, though it may add more saltiness.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a wok or microwave until piping hot. For best texture, avoid overcooking when reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular noodles instead of wholemeal?
Yes, regular egg noodles or other types of noodles can be used if you prefer, though wholemeal noodles add extra fiber and nutrients.
How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?
Quickly stir-fry the beef over high heat for a short time to keep it tender. Avoid overcrowding the wok to ensure it browns properly without steaming.
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Healthy Beef Chow Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Beef Chow Mein is a flavorful and nutritious twist on the classic Chinese stir-fry noodle dish. Made with wholemeal noodles, lean fillet steak, and a variety of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, beansprouts, and spring onions, it’s a balanced meal packed with protein and fiber. The dish is seasoned with tamari and brown rice vinegar for a tangy, savory flavor, making it a perfect quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 2 wholemeal noodle nests (85g)
Protein
- 200g lean fillet steak, fat removed and cut into strips
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small red onion (100g), finely chopped
- 15g piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- 160g chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 160g ready-to-eat beansprouts
- 4 spring onions (65g), cut into diagonal lengths
Oils & Sauces
- 2 tsp rapeseed or sesame oil
- 1½ tsp tamari
- 1 tbsp brown rice vinegar
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the wholemeal noodle nests according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Stir-fry the beef: Heat 1 tsp of rapeseed or sesame oil in a wok over high heat. Add the thinly sliced lean fillet steak and stir-fry quickly for about 30 seconds until browned on the outside. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté onion and ginger: Add the remaining 1 tsp of oil to the wok. Stir-fry the finely chopped red onion and ginger until softened, approximately 2-3 minutes. To prevent burning, add a small splash of water and cover the wok during this step.
- Add mushrooms and garlic: Stir in the thickly sliced chestnut mushrooms and chopped garlic. Continue frying until the mushrooms begin to soften, about 3 minutes.
- Cook the beansprouts: Add the ready-to-eat beansprouts to the wok and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Prepare sauce and combine: In a small bowl, mix the tamari, brown rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water. Add the drained noodles to the wok and toss well to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the tamari mixture.
- Finish the stir-fry: Return the cooked beef strips to the wok along with the sliced spring onions. Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes until the beef is heated through and the flavors are well combined.
- Season and serve: Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Serve the healthy beef chow mein hot as a complete meal.
Notes
- Using wholemeal noodles increases the fiber content, making the dish healthier than traditional chow mein.
- Lean fillet steak ensures a low-fat protein source; you can substitute with other lean beef cuts if preferred.
- Adjust the tamari quantity to control the saltiness, or use low-sodium tamari for a reduced sodium option.
- This dish cooks quickly, so have all ingredients prepped and ready before starting.
- To make the dish vegetarian, substitute beef with firm tofu or tempeh and ensure tamari is gluten-free if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: beef chow mein, healthy chow mein, wholemeal noodles, stir-fry beef, low fat meals, quick Chinese recipe
