This quick and easy beef chow mein is packed with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight meal. With tender ground beef, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly coated noodles, it’s a satisfying dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy schedules.
Bursting with Flavor: A rich, umami-packed stir-fry sauce ties everything together.
Customizable: Adjust the veggies or protein to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes this an effortless dinner option.
Authentic Taste at Home: Skip takeout and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from your own kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Main Ingredients

250 g minced beef (ground beef)
300 g noodles (your choice of egg noodles or chow mein noodles)
½ onion, sliced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
½ bell pepper, sliced
1 carrot, julienned
100 g bean sprouts
3 spring onions, chopped
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or neutral-flavored oil

Stir-Fry Sauce

3 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
3 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon cooking rice wine
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Directions

Prepare the Sauce: Combine all the stir-fry sauce ingredients in a small bowl, mix well, and set aside.
Season the Beef: In a separate bowl, season the minced beef with 2 tablespoons of the prepared stir-fry sauce and black pepper.
Cook the Beef: Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the seasoned beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly browned.
Add the Vegetables: Toss in the onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften.
Incorporate the Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the pan and pour the remaining stir-fry sauce over the top. Toss everything together to evenly coat the noodles and ingredients.
Finish the Dish: Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, then add the spring onions and bean sprouts. Mix well and remove from heat.
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2-3
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Protein Options: Replace ground beef with chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu for variety.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Add mushrooms, bok choy, snap peas, or cabbage for extra crunch and nutrition.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles for a gluten-free version.
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha for some heat.
Low-Carb: Swap noodles for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to rehydrate the noodles.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried noodles instead of fresh?

Yes, cook the dried noodles according to package instructions before adding them to the stir-fry.

2. What type of noodles work best for this recipe?

Egg noodles, chow mein noodles, or thin spaghetti are great options.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the beef with tofu or additional veggies and use vegetarian oyster sauce.

4. How do I prevent the noodles from clumping?

Rinse the noodles in cold water after cooking and toss them with a little oil before adding to the pan.

5. Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?

You can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar as a substitute.

6. Can I freeze leftovers?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

7. How can I add more flavor to the beef?

Marinate the beef for 15-20 minutes with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil for a deeper flavor.

8. What’s the best way to julienne carrots?

Use a julienne peeler, mandoline slicer, or a sharp knife for thin, even strips.

9. Can I make the dish less salty?

Reduce the amount of soy sauce and use low-sodium soy sauce options.

10. What can I serve alongside chow mein?

Pair it with spring rolls, egg drop soup, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This easy quick beef chow mein recipe is a delicious, customizable dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. With its rich, savory flavors and satisfying texture, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll find yourself making again and again. Enjoy the taste of your favorite takeout at home with minimal effort and maximum flavor!