If you’re someone who loves Chinese takeout, there’s a good chance you’ve had beef chow mein at least once. This iconic dish, with its tender strips of beef, stir-fried vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, is a staple of Asian cuisine. But what if you could make it yourself at home, with fresh ingredients and a fraction of the cost?
In this blog, we’ll guide you through making a delicious beef chow mein recipe right in your kitchen. The best part? It’s incredibly easy, and you can control exactly what goes into it. No more waiting for delivery or wondering what’s in your food, you’ll have a tasty, satisfying dish ready in just a few steps.
If you’re looking for top-quality beef to make your chow mein even better, consider using grass-fed beef from Gingin Beef. Their premium beef is a great choice for stir-frying, as it offers a richer flavour and a tender texture.
Let’s jump into the recipe!
What is Beef Chow Mein?
Beef chow mein is a stir-fry dish that features noodles, beef, and a variety of vegetables. The dish is known for its savoury sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, which coat the noodles and beef, making it flavourful and comforting. The word “chow mein” literally means “stir-fried noodles” in Chinese, and it’s often served in Chinese restaurants worldwide.
Traditionally, beef chow mein uses thin strips of beef, which are stir-fried until tender and combined with stir-fried vegetables like carrots, bean sprouts, and capsicum. The dish is typically served with egg noodles, but you can easily use other types of noodles depending on your preference.
While many versions of beef chow mein are served with a generous amount of sauce, the key to a good chow mein lies in the balance between the beef, vegetables, and the flavourful sauce.
Ingredients for Beef Chow Mein
Making beef chow mein at home means using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Beef Chow Mein:
- 300g beef (such as sirloin or rump steak), thinly sliced against the grain
- 200g egg noodles (or any noodles of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water (to thin the sauce)
For the best flavour and texture, we recommend using grass-fed beef from Gingin Beef. Their premium beef will ensure your chow mein is tender and packed with flavour. Visit Gingin Beef to find high-quality beef cuts for your stir-fry.
How to Make Beef Chow Mein: Step-by-Step
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make an authentic beef chow mein recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
First, cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions. Be sure to drain and rinse them under cold water to prevent them from sticking. Set the noodles aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Slice the Beef
Slice your beef thinly against the grain. This ensures the beef will remain tender when stir-fried. If you’re using sirloin or rump steak, ensure the slices are even to cook uniformly.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, rice vinegar, and beef broth or water. This sauce will coat your noodles and beef, giving the dish that signature flavour.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced beef and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, and toss in the onion, carrot, bell pepper, bean sprouts, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch.
Step 6: Combine Beef, Noodles, and Sauce
Add the cooked beef and noodles to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir everything together. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the noodles are well-coated and heated through.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your beef chow mein hot, garnished with extra bean sprouts or spring onions for a bit of crunch. If you like a little more heat, you can also sprinkle some chilli flakes or drizzle chilli oil over the top.
Tips for the Best Beef Chow Mein
Here are a few tips to make sure your beef chow mein turns out perfectly every time:
- Use quality beef: The beef is the star of the dish, so using high-quality beef like Gingin Beef will make a noticeable difference in flavour and tenderness.
- Don’t overcook the beef: Since the beef is sliced thin, it only needs a quick stir-fry. Overcooking it will make it tough, so cook it until it’s just browned.
- Stir-fry quickly: Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking. Keep the ingredients moving in the pan to ensure they don’t burn and cook evenly.
- Use fresh noodles: While you can use dried noodles, fresh egg noodles have a better texture and absorb the sauce more effectively. They’re the preferred choice in many traditional chow mein recipes.
- Customise your veggies: While carrots and bell peppers are common, feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or snow peas to suit your taste.
Why Use Grass-Fed Beef for Chow Mein?
Using grass-fed beef in your beef chow mein recipe gives the dish a richer flavour and better texture. Grass-fed beef tends to be leaner than grain-fed beef, but it has a firmer texture and more intense flavour. It also provides higher levels of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, making it a healthier choice.
For the best results, opt for premium, grass-fed beef from Gingin Beef. Their beef is not only ethically sourced but also packed with flavour, ensuring your stir-fry is both healthy and delicious.
Visit Gingin Beef to find the perfect beef cuts for your chow mein recipe.
Conclusion
Making a beef chow mein recipe at home is easier than you might think, and the results are far more satisfying than ordering takeout. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can enjoy a delicious, flavour-packed stir-fry any day of the week.
For the best beef, always choose grass-fed beef like Gingin Beef. Their beef is perfect for stir-frying, providing the tenderness and rich flavour needed to elevate this classic dish.
Visit Gingin Beef for the best beef cuts, and check out their contact page to place your order today. Enjoy making your own beef chow mein at home, and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!
FAQs
- Can I use a different cut of beef for chow mein?
Yes, you can use other cuts like sirloin, flank steak, or rump steak, but chuck or stewing beef is ideal for its tenderness when stir-fried.
- Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can use any type of noodles, but egg noodles work best due to their texture and ability to absorb the sauce.
- How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Be sure to rinse the cooked noodles under cold water after draining them. Toss them with a little oil to keep them from sticking.
- Can I make beef chow mein in advance?
It’s best to serve chow mein immediately after cooking to enjoy the noodles and vegetables at their best. However, you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms for extra flavour and texture.