If you’re craving a simple Chinese-inspired dinner that the whole family can enjoy, this easy beef chow mein is a great one to have in your rotation. It’s made with tender slices of beef, chow mein noodles, fresh vegetables, and a simple savory sauce!
Everything comes together quickly in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Tips for the Best Beef Chow Mein
Slice the beef thinly. Thin slices cook quickly and stay more tender. Slicing against the grain also helps keep the beef from becoming chewy.
Don’t overcook the vegetables. Chow mein is especially good when the vegetables still have a little crunch.
Prep everything first. This recipe cooks quickly once you start, so have the beef, vegetables, noodles, and sauce ready before heating your pan.
Use whatever vegetables you have. Bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, bean sprouts, bok choy, or snap peas would all work well.
What Kind of Beef Is Best for Chow Mein?
Flank steak and sirloin are both great choices for beef chow mein because they cook quickly when sliced thinly. Make sure to cut the beef against the grain for the most tender texture.
Easy Weeknight Beef Chow Mein
This beef chow mein with vegetables is one of those simple recipes that tastes comforting without requiring a long ingredient list or complicated cooking techniques. Tender beef, chewy noodles, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce all come together in about 30 minutes.
It’s an easy Chinese-inspired dinner to make at home and a great way to use up whatever vegetables you already have in the fridge.
Beef Chow Mein
Ingredients
For the beef
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the chow mein
- 12 oz chow mein noodles
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 carrot julienned or thinly sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 2 green onions sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
For the sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Marinate the beef. Add the thinly sliced beef to a bowl with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss until evenly coated and let it sit while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
- Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cooking oil followed by the beef. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and just cooked through. Transfer the beef to a plate.
- In the same pan, add the onion, carrots, and cabbage. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened but still have a little crunch. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the cooked noodles and beef back into the pan. Pour the chow mein sauce over everything. Toss well and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the noodles are evenly coated and the sauce has slightly thickened. Add the green onions and give everything one final toss.
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