Why You’ll Love Beef Chow Mein
Beef Chow Mein is a classic comfort food that’s enjoyed worldwide, with its roots in Chinese cuisine but a taste that’s versatile enough to suit all kinds of palates. In this easy version, we’re taking a few shortcuts to make it quick without sacrificing any flavour. Using beef mince instead of sliced beef speeds up the cooking time while keeping the dish just as filling and delicious. 🌶️
This recipe is perfect for families, solo cooks, and anyone needing a satisfying meal that’s ready in 20 minutes or less. Plus, the use of fresh coleslaw and egg noodles adds a fantastic crunch and freshness that contrasts perfectly with the rich, savoury sauce. 👌
Key Ingredients to Use for the Best Beef Chow Mein
To make the best Beef Chow Mein, using quality ingredients makes a big difference:
- Beef mince: Opt for lean mince so that the dish isn’t too oily but still has enough richness to balance the flavours.
- Fresh egg noodles: Look for thin egg noodles as they’ll cook quickly and absorb all the amazing sauce.
- Green onions: These add a sharp, refreshing taste that contrasts beautifully with the savoury beef.
- Coleslaw mix: This is the ultimate time-saver and provides crunch and a variety of flavours, with cabbage and carrots as the stars!
The sauce is what ties everything together, so don’t skimp on quality here! Here’s a little breakdown:
- Soy sauce: Provides that salty, umami depth. Go for low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
- Oyster sauce: This thickens the sauce and adds a unique, savoury sweetness.
- Mirin: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the salty sauces, making everything deliciously moreish.
Cooking Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Beef Chow Mein
- Brown the beef well: Allowing the mince to brown and slightly caramelise will deepen the flavour and make the dish richer.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Since fresh egg noodles only need a couple of minutes to heat through, add them toward the end to keep them from getting soggy.
- Adjust the heat: If you love a bit of spice, add extra chilli flakes to the sauce. For those who like it mild, feel free to skip the chilli or go with just a pinch.
- Add extra veg: To make this dish even healthier, you can throw in additional veggies like capsicum, snow peas, or broccoli – whatever you have in the fridge works! 🥦
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Beef Chow Mein is fantastic on its own as a hearty, one-bowl meal, but if you’re looking to add a little something extra, try these ideas:
- Serve with steamed dumplings or spring rolls as an entrée to turn this into a full feast.
Add a side of steamed rice for a double carb delight (especially loved by growing teens or big eaters in the house).
Top with sesame seeds and extra green onions for a fresh, flavourful garnish and a touch of crunch.
Pair this beef chow mein with a crisp, refreshing drink like iced green tea or even a lightly sparkling water with lemon. For the adults, a glass of dry Riesling or even a cold beer pairs wonderfully with the rich flavours.
Storing and Reheating Beef Chow Mein 🍱
Got leftovers? Beef Chow Mein stores well and makes for an awesome next-day meal.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Although noodles can sometimes change texture when frozen, this chow mein can freeze well. Let it cool, place it in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: For the best results, reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of soy sauce if it needs extra moisture. Alternatively, use the microwave, but avoid overcooking.
Other Recipes to Try
Love this Beef Chow Mein? You’ll want to add these quick and flavourful dishes to your list:
Share Your Beef Chow Mein
One of the best parts of cooking is getting to share it with others, whether it’s around the table or online. If you make this Beef Chow Mein, snap a picture of your delicious dish and share it with family, friends, or on social media! There’s something about a perfectly plated meal that just needs to be celebrated. 🎉
Tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. I’d love to see your twist on this recipe, whether you’ve added extra veggies, dialled up the spice, or just nailed that perfect noodle toss! And who knows, your take on Beef Chow Mein might inspire someone else to jump into the kitchen and give it a go.
Beef Chow Mein
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
🍜 Hey, food lovers! We are up to day 8 of our one pan meals! Craving something savory and super quick for dinner? Let’s whip up some tantalizing Beef Chow Mein that will transport your taste buds straight to flavor town! 🚀
Ingredients
Instructions
- First, let’s create magic by mixing all those delicious sauce ingredients together in a bowl.
- Get that beef mince nice and brown. Sizzle sizzle! 🍳
- Time to introduce the beef to 1/2 our magical sauce, green onions, and eggs. Give them a good mix till they’re besties!
- Invite the coleslaw to the party and stir until it’s softened and mingling nicely.
- Now, in go the noodles and the rest of our delectable sauce! Toss them in until those noodles are piping hot and ready to serve!
Dive in and enjoy! Remember, good food is all about sharing, so don’t forget to tag a friend who’d love this! 🍜💛
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Chicken mince, pork, or even tofu work wonderfully as a substitute for beef mince.
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce and swap the egg noodles for rice noodles or gluten-free alternatives.
Of course! Feel free to add any of your favourites, like mushrooms, capsicum, or even baby corn.