Satisfy your takeout cravings with this quick and easy beef chow mein! Packed with flavorful ground beef, crunchy veggies, and perfectly coated noodles, this one-pan dish is the ultimate weeknight dinner. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: A complete meal in just 20 minutes.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required.
- Takeout Favorite: Enjoy all the flavors of your favorite chow mein at home.
- Customizable: Swap veggies or protein to suit your preferences.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Main Ingredients
- 250 g ground beef
- 300 g chow mein noodles (or your favorite stir-fry noodles)
- 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 3 spring onions, chopped (reserve greens for garnish)
- 100 g bean sprouts
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cooking rice wine
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with 1 tsp sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir-fry the garlic, onion, bell pepper, carrot, and spring onions (white parts) for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 4: Combine and Season
- Return the beef to the pan. Add the cooked noodles and bean sprouts.
- Pour in the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, and black pepper. Toss everything together over medium heat until evenly coated and heated through.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with the green parts of the spring onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap: Use chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef.
- Extra Veggies: Add broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or sriracha for some heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with extra veggies or a plant-based protein.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh noodles instead of dried?
Yes, fresh noodles work perfectly and can be added directly to the stir-fry after cooking the beef.
2. What’s the difference between light and dark soy sauce?
Light soy sauce adds saltiness, while dark soy sauce adds a deeper color and slight sweetness.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the veggies and sauce in advance for quicker cooking.
4. What type of noodles should I use?
Use chow mein noodles, egg noodles, or any thin stir-fry noodles for the best results.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as the noodles may become mushy upon reheating.
6. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
Rinse cooked noodles with cold water and toss them with sesame oil before adding to the pan.
7. What’s the best oil for stir-frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great for high-heat cooking.
8. Can I omit the oyster sauce?
You can replace it with hoisin sauce or an extra tablespoon of soy sauce if needed.
9. How do I make this dish healthier?
Use lean ground beef, whole wheat noodles, and add extra vegetables.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding the pan.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Beef Chow Mein is the ultimate quick and satisfying meal for busy weeknights. Packed with savory beef, colorful veggies, and flavorful noodles, it’s a homemade takeout classic that’s sure to please. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a delicious dinner in just 20 minutes!
Print
One-Pan Beef Chow Mein in 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Satisfy your takeout cravings with this quick and easy One-Pan Beef Chow Mein! Packed with tender beef, fresh veggies, and flavorful noodles coated in a savory sauce, this dish is a family-friendly dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat:
- 250 g beef (thinly sliced or ground)
Produce:
- 100 g bean sprouts
- 1/2 bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 carrot (julienned)
- 1/2 onion (sliced)
- 3 spring onions (sliced, white and green parts separated)
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
Pasta & Grains:
- 300 g noodles (chow mein, egg noodles, or your choice)
Condiments:
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cooking rice wine
Baking & Spices:
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Oils & Vinegars:
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles:
- Boil the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Drizzle with 1/2 tsp sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Stir-fry the garlic, onion, and white parts of the spring onions for 1 minute.
- Add the carrot, bell pepper, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine, and black pepper.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over everything. Toss well to coat the noodles and ingredients evenly.
- Finish with Green Onions:
- Sprinkle the green parts of the spring onions on top and drizzle with the remaining 1/2 tsp sesame oil. Toss once more.
- Serve:
- Plate the chow mein and serve hot. Pair with your favorite side dishes like dumplings or a simple salad.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Substitute beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
